Bela-Olhao Sardines In Cayenne Pepper Sauce - 4.25 Oz - Case Of 12

I love these sardines. Specifically the ones in the Piri Piri sauce as they taste great and the spice cuts through the usual ‘fishy’ taste.I bought them because I buy them in stores, but it’s simply not the same product on Amazon. The packaging is the same but there’s zero spice. None. They’re still the same high quality fish and they’re well smoked, but they aren’t a patch on the identically-packaged product sold in local stores. What gives?

Sardine aficionados know that there are many different types of fish and preparation that go into the cans of different brands. Some fish are larger, others tiny. Some firm, others soft. And some bland, others spicy in different ways. This can has the larger fish (so only 3 - 4 per can) and the flesh is delicately soft (though not watery, as it can be in other brands). This is the Spanish / Portuguese way of preparing sardines, and it is excellent. Mildly spicy (peppery) -- but definitely not "hot".You can have this fish just as it comes out of the can, or enhance it. A recommended way of serving it is: Break the fish up into smaller pieces, and add lemon juice as well as any (or all) of the following: thinly sliced scallion or onion, parsley, chopped olives, oregano. Voila -- a quality mediterranean antipasto dish. Great with beer or white wine for those so inclined.Note also that this particular brand goes by more than one name: "Blue Galleon" appears as the "brand" on many online sites -- but does not appear on the cans. The cans show the brand as "Bela". Which can cause confusion.UPDATE 2015: These sardines continue to be excellent, but I would now recommend getting the basic olive-oil variety and adding your own pepper or other spices. On the basis of recent purchases, I think that the olive oil version has a better consistency and can be adapted in more ways according to mood. They can be found here:http://www.amazon.com/Bela-Olhao-Lightly-Smoked-Sardines-Olive/dp/B001HTI3BQ/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1440649015&sr=8-1&keywords=bela+sardines

I've never tasted a better canned sardine. These are even superior to Baltic Sprats. I don't think the piri piri is notable, but I don't mind the smoked fish shines. The meat is very firm, not mushy. There is a very pleasant subtle smoke flavor. Not overly salty, just right. I split the fillets and remove the spines, as these fish are on the larger side, especially compared to US grocery brands.

I like this brand because they have bones in and make perfect source of calcium . They come in different flavors and I like all . They are not too salty and olive oil is always fresh . Lemon flavor is nice for salads. Pepper is mild and not spicy so if you expect hot you’ll have to add more .

I am Portuguese born and lived in Portugal for 16 years. These are great sardines. Not spicy they are mild have a light smoke taste with olive oil.If you like sardines then these are probably the best tasting by far. I know I have bought from other makers and no comparison. ENJOY!