Man Cave Craft Meats Review; Lake Brat Variety Hits The Mark

There is perhaps nothing more iconic to the food palates of north-central Midwesterners that the brat - which is short for bratwurst.  For the uninitiated, a brat is an American-German-style sausage that is usually made with pork, although beef and veal also make their way into the product depending on the maker.  For some reason the sausage variety has become really popular in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. (No doubt, the large number of German and Slavic immigrants that originally settled these areas play a large role).

I recently had the opportunity to sample Man Cave Craft Meats Lake Brat variety sausages and thought I would offer my thoughts.

First - a little about Man Cave.  The company has its origins in Minnesota when two brothers attending the University of Minnesota decided to bring back the tradition of small-batched craft meat products.  Man Cave Craft Meats was born - and the focus was on the type of quality meats you used to find at your local neighborhood butcher shop.  At first, the brothers sold their product at farmers markets - then, spreading out into the world of direct-sales with home-based parties.  Within the last year, they realigned their sales  focus to market their product through grocery stores in the Minnesota/Wisconsin region.

Back to the sausage.

I was familiar with Man Cave Meats because I had been to one of those home parties and had had the opportunity to sample the product there.  Knowing the quality and after seeing a lot about the company recently in the news, I decided to buy some of their meat when I was at the grocery store last week.

I selected the Lake Brat variety - because the packaging teased that they were crafted using beer, bacon, and cheese.  What is there NOT to like about that combination?!

I brought the product home and recently had the opportunity to grill them on my gas-powered grill.  To say that I was impressed would be an understatement. Let me say that brats aren't usually my choice of sausage (I prefer a polish) - but - I just might become a convert if there are Man Cave brats on the grill!  The sausage grilled up nicely - with just a little bit of color, without burning.  I decided to keep it simple and I paired it with a toasted bun - and no condiments.  From the first bite I knew I was in for a treat.  You could tell that the meat was of high quality (no fillers) and the promise of bacon and cheese delivered.  You know how some cheese-filled sausages leave you wondering where the cheese is?  Man Cave brats won't;  There was plenty of cheese and I was happy that it didn't "disappear" during the grilling process.

Would I buy Man Cave Craft Meats products again?  Yes!  My grade is an A+.

[I should point out that it appears that Man Cave has changed the name of this variety of brat from Lake Brat to simply "Beer, Bacon, and Cheese Flavor". ]

For more about the Man Cave story, click here.