Savoursmiths
Address: Russell Smith Farms, College Farm, Duxford Phone: 012 238 39002 Website: www.savoursmiths.com Email: [email protected] SavoursmithsThe brand was founded by married couple Mike and Colette Russell Smith. Mike Russell Smith was raised on Russell Smith Farms he has a natural love for English farming and the English countryside, later studying Agriculture at Cirencester
Mike then went on to work in the Wealth Management sector, advising international businesses for over a decade before becoming Managing Partner in De Villermont, an executive search, investment introducer and advisory firm based in London. Food and farming has always been Mike’s passion and he has now moved back to the family farm taking the business in a modern direction and co-founding the SAVOURSMITHS brand, which uses the farm’s incredible produce (potatoes and rapeseed oil) as well as luxurious international ingredients. Colette Russell Smith was born in the food and wine region of South Africa and has always been a passionate foodie. Colette is a globetrotting model with a love of the British countryside. She studied her Honours Bachelor in Commerce and before her degree she studied film at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. Colette is also a qualified Pilates Instructor and is very focused on well-being. She has been an international model for the past 10 years, working with leading agencies across three different continents, representing some of the world's most esteemed brands in their categories. She is co-founder of the SAVOURSMITHS brand, combining quality home-grown produce with big global flavours in stylish packaging for a totally new take on a traditional snack. The SAVOURSMITHS team are huge believers in the humble potato: the family has been farming them since 1938 and know their Roosters from their Russets. They understand the importance of traceability and sustainability, using accredited farming methods and championing sustainable agriculture to ensure culinary excellence. The family farm is a member of FWAG, LEAF & the Soil Association and is signed up to the Government's stewardship schemes. SAVOURSMITHS is also a member of LEAF.
Savoursmiths Truffle and Rosemary Crisps
I have an admission – I have never been able to get through more than half a dozen truffle flavoured crisps. While I never let personal preferences affect my reviews, I do not like the taste at all. However, these were rosemary dominant, with a slightly earthy undertone, aided and abetted by, possibly onion, and a hint of pepper. It worked well. Ironically, these needed to level out the ingredient combo to fulfill the promise on the bag. (19)
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Savoursmiths Wagyu Beef and Honey
Mustard Potato Crisps The first notable flavour was an unspecifiable Asian influenced backdrop. This was supplemented by a meaty flavour that was a reasonable beef representative. There was also a very well-balanced sweetness with a hint of heat. So, yes, both mustard and perhaps even honey. The combined assessment was a decent effort of representing a complicated flavour balance with what is an original crisp variety and a most welcome addition to the UK’s brilliant range of crisps. (23 *)
Savoursmiths Italian Cheese and Port
I don’t generally cheat, but I had to have a look at the type of cheese used. It says on the bag that it’s Italian hard cheese. I presumed this to be a variation on Parmigiano-Reggiano. There was also a lot of other ingredients, which is why I generally don’t look. A Nose Plunge Test threw up a vague whiff of red wine. I thoroughly enjoyed these moreish crisps, but that does not relate to the flavour description, so here goes. There was a mild possibility of port and there was also a cheesy potato backdrop. It blended well, but neither flavour stood out quite enough. Although in a contradictory manner I would say in this instance, you would not want either flavour to stand out. (21)
Savoursmiths Champers and Serrano Chilli
These were undoubtedly among the most anticipated crisps I have tried. What could the ‘Bubbly’ bit mean? There was an ‘and’ before two more recognisable words. The bag imagery hinted towards fizzy wine. Surely not? Dried Champagne and dried Chardonnay were included on the ingredients list. The taste was as anticipated, and hoped for – Fizzy wine. Wow! There was also a slight hint of chilli afterward. I wouldn’t go as far as saying this would be a flavour that will last the ages, but it was certainly a great novelty crisp. (21)
Savoursmiths Desert Salt Potato Crisps
A Nose Plunge Test revealed the welcome aroma of oily traditional style crisps. I was intrigued by the claim they were ‘Desert’ salt. What is desert salt? Well, it appears the answer is actually a missing ‘. . . ed.’ The salt had ‘deserted’ these crisps. They were oily and traditional tasting, but lacking in salt, which was a great shame because they looked, smelled, and tasted great. (17) |
