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I finally cracked open the first jar of Dilly Beans to see how they tasted. Of the 5 batches, batch #2 was the base batch (every other batch is one ingredient variation away from it) so I tried it first. On first tasting derien was favorable, but my first thought was "kind of bland, too little other taste means too much vinegar taste." I think perhaps it was just a bad moment for me. In subsequent tastings I've been more happy with them. The vinegar is a little strong for my taste, but the remainder of the flavors are quite balanced. I'll be interested to see what the other batches taste like. #1 has black peppercorns which were absent from the rest of the batches. #3,4,5 each double one of the spices (dill,red pepper flakes, garlic).

Even though I feel they are a little under in the flavor, I still rate this batch as a success. They're easy to eat and still have retained a bit of crisp texture in spite of the pickling. They aren't the be all and end all, but they're better than three quarters of the commercial jars I've had. There may be improvements to come, but as is it was worth the work.