Member’s Mark Chicken Al Pastor Rating: 5/10 Price: $14.98 (2 lbs.) Availability: Limited Time Al Pastor is one of those unforgettable taco meats that keeps you coming back for more when it’s done right. The flavor should strike a perfect balance of lightly sweet, tangy, and smoky. Member’s Mark has done a solid job replicating bold, traditional flavors before (their carnitas come to mind), so I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite deliver for me, and here’s why. First, the value is great. You get 2 lbs. of preseasoned, fully cooked chicken at an affordable price. I heated it on the stovetop and while the package says 25 minutes, mine was ready in about 12 to 14. The smell while cooking was strong and might be off-putting to some. Right away, I was hit with a very bold smoky flavor, but it leaned bitter. I usually enjoy smoky notes, but this tasted almost burnt. That may be due to the heavy use of smoked chili peppers, smoked paprika, and chipotle. On top of that, there was an odd, perfumey, almost floral taste that threw me off. While there aren’t any artificial flavors, I suspect the pineapple and lime juice powder contributed to that strange flavor. The acidity came through, but the pineapple was subtle and hard to detect. Texture-wise, the chicken was actually great. It was tender, juicy, and not rubbery at all, which can be hard to pull off with reheated chicken. So that part was a win. We used it to make tacos, and while adding toppings helped balance things out, the smoky bitterness still dominated the dish. I could only eat a couple before the flavor became too overwhelming. Overall, this isn’t one of Member’s Mark’s best, but it’s also not the worst. The texture and seasoning level were solid, but the balance of smoky and citrus flavors felt off. I can definitely see some people loving this bold flavor profile. My dad would be all over it, but for me and my family, it just didn’t land. This one really comes down to personal taste. If you’re curious, give it a try, but know that you’re in for a truly bold flavor experience.