Butcher’s Guide: What is Private Reserve®?
- by Stefanie McLeod
- Last updated Feb 21, 2024
The Private Reserve® Origin Story
The Omaha Steaks Private Reserve® lineup was inspired by the winemaker practice of releasing “Reserve” wines from the most desirable vineyards, grapes, or years for a heightened experience. In 1996, the Simon Family came up with the idea that, while our existing product is great, they wanted to take this concept a little bit further and pay homage to their wine collector roots. To translate that exclusivity to Omaha Steaks products, that meant reserving cuts that feature more marbling and greater flavor and that were trimmed a little bit more for a flawless dining experience – and thus, Private Reserve® was born! “You’re going to get a great product from us every day, but for those people who want a little more luxury, that’s why Private Reserve® exists,” shares Omaha Steaks Procurement & Product Development Senior Category Manager BJ Bezousek.
When we launched the Private Reserve line, we wanted to ensure we were delivering this coveted experience in every aspect – the product even came in a nicer box and was wrapped in butcher paper and secured with a golden seal to illustrate how dedicated we were to taking this venture to the next level. “The Simons wanted it to stand out not only from the quality standpoint of the meat but as a gift or something you’re bringing into your home,” recalls Bezousek. “You’re going to be impressed with every aspect.”
What is Private Reserve®? The Best of the Best. Luxurious. Indulgent.
Omaha Steaks Private Reserve® is more than a label – it’s a guarantee that you’re about to enjoy an exceptional steakhouse experience right at home. Our very best beef, pork, and lamb have been hand-selected for quality, color, and marbling, extra-aged for maximum tenderness, trimmed to our closest specifications by only our most experienced butchers, continually inspected for perfection, and delivered in beautiful customer packaging. “We don’t compromise our quality, and there’s only a certain amount of product that meets our highest standards available,” Bezousek explains. “It may only be offered in limited quantities, but you know it’s going to be impressive every time.”
A Closer Look at Steak Without Compromise
Carved to a Higher Standard
Our master butchers never cut corners – but they do carve out perfection. They are trained using traditional techniques to ensure the perfect cut, every time. Each Private Reserve® steak is carved to a higher standard by master butchers to deliver a thick, tall steak.
- Hand-trimmed by master butchers
- Double-trimmed to remove most exterior fat
- Thicker cut for even cooking and juicier bites
Carved to a Higher Standard
Our master butchers never cut corners – but they do carve out perfection. They are trained using traditional techniques to ensure the perfect cut, every time. Each Private Reserve® steak is carved to a higher standard by master butchers to deliver a thick, tall steak.
- Hand-trimmed by master butchers
- Double-trimmed to remove most exterior fat
- Thicker cut for even cooking and juicier bites
Exceptional Marbling
Steak lovers agree that a well-marbled steak delivers rich flavor. Those white flecks of fat inside the steak (marbling) melt into the meat as it cooks delivering a juicy, flavorful bite. Every Private Reserve® steak is selected for quality and intense marbling.
Exceptional Marbling
Steak lovers agree that a well-marbled steak delivers rich flavor. Those white flecks of fat inside the steak (marbling) melt into the meat as it cooks delivering a juicy, flavorful bite. Every Private Reserve® steak is selected for quality and intense marbling.
Aged 35+ Days
Every Private Reserve® steak is aged at least 35 days for maximum tenderness and flavor. This old-world butcher’s art isn’t common today because it takes time, precision, and investment to age steak for at least a full 35 days, but it’s worth it. Our proprietary aging process delivers a more tender steak bringing out its natural, robust beef flavor.
Aged 35+ Days
Every Private Reserve® steak is aged at least 35 days for maximum tenderness and flavor. This old-world butcher’s art isn’t common today because it takes time, precision, and investment to age steak for at least a full 35 days, but it’s worth it. Our proprietary aging process delivers a more tender steak bringing out its natural, robust beef flavor.
Flash-Frozen Perfection
All Omaha Steaks are flash-frozen and individually vacuum-sealed to lock in and preserve exquisite flavor and tenderness. This extremely cold, extremely fast method of freezing steak is like pressing a pause button on nature’s perfect process so you can enjoy it at its peak.
Flash-Frozen Perfection
All Omaha Steaks are flash-frozen and individually vacuum-sealed to lock in and preserve exquisite flavor and tenderness. This extremely cold, extremely fast method of freezing steak is like pressing a pause button on nature’s perfect process so you can enjoy it at its peak.
Private Reserve® Lineup
Exclusive to Omaha Steaks, our Private Reserve® lineup is the best of the best. From fabulously flawless steaks and blissfully buttery burgers to tantalizingly tender lamb, sublimely savory pork, and melt-in-your-mouth roasts, you’ll never settle for less again.
How to Cook Private Reserve® Steaks
Our Private Reserve® steaks are as easy to prepare as they are to enjoy! Say goodbye to overcooked steaks – our master butchers cut them thicker, which means it’s easier for you to cook your steak to perfect doneness every single time.
Each of these cooking methods is guaranteed to please. Try them all to discover your favorite method!
Looking for some chef-approved steak cooking tips?
Chef Rose’s 8 Pro Tips for Cooking Steak Indoors is your ultimate cheat sheet for preparing restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home.
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