We Tried Jimmy John’s New Brisket Sandwiches (And We Can’t Figure Out Why They’re Seasonal)
In September, Jimmy John’s launched two new menu items in partnership with Sweet Baby Ray’s. Both sandwiches feature brisket as the primary protein, paired with signature sauces that aim to appeal to barbecue enthusiasts.
The Hickory Brown Sugar BBQ Brisket Sandwich and the Sweet & Spicy BBQ Brisket Sandwich are available for a limited time. Given our commitment to evaluating quality barbecue, we decided to put them to the test. Here is our official <a href="https://shoppixy.com/reddit-is-testing-ai-review-pages-built-from-its-threads/” title=”Reddit Is Testing AI Review Pages Built From Its Threads”>review.
Sweet & Spicy BBQ Brisket Sandwich
This sandwich performed much better than we anticipated. Jimmy John’s has never struck us as a barbecue authority, though perhaps that perception is worth reconsidering. While they may not be pitmasters, the generous application of Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce makes a compelling case.
The sauce is delicious and serves as the dominant flavor, but the meat itself was also impressive. It was smoky and well-seasoned. Fast-casual chains often struggle with the texture of smoked meats like brisket, but Jimmy John’s avoided those common pitfalls.
The true strength of this sandwich is its balance. The addition of onions and pickled peppers provides a sharp, acidic bite that cuts through the thick, sweet barbecue sauce. This complexity made the sandwich enjoyable down to the last bite, which is more than we can say for the other option in this lineup.
Hickory Brown Sugar BBQ Brisket Sandwich
To be fair, my previous assessment might have been a bit harsh. It isn’t that this sandwich is inedible; it simply falls short when compared to its counterpart. While the first sandwich offered a nuanced blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes, this one felt one-dimensional. The barbecue sauce was overwhelming without offering much depth, and the brisket itself seemed to be of lower quality.
We have certainly had better, and while we are confused as to why the successful Sweet & Spicy BBQ Brisket Sandwich would ever be removed from the menu, we see no reason for this version to remain. If you prefer a straightforward, very sweet barbecue flavor, you might enjoy it. However, we recommend asking for the slow-smoked brisket from the other sandwich as a substitute for the Mesquite-smoked meat used here.
