An Unforgettable Journey: My Dream Day as an Ice Cream Taste Tester at Perry’s Ice Cream

Is there any professional pursuit more universally delightful than the job of an ice cream taste tester? For one glorious day, I had the privilege of stepping into that coveted role, immersing myself in a world of creamy indulgence and innovative flavors at one of America’s most cherished family dairies.

My incredible journey began with an unexpected invitation from a representative of Perry’s Ice Cream, nestled in the charming town of Akron, NY. The opportunity was simple yet irresistible: tour their state-of-the-art plant and be among the first to sample their exciting new 2013 ice cream flavors. As a lifelong ice cream enthusiast, declining such an offer was simply out of the question. So, with anticipation bubbling, I packed my bags and headed to Akron a few weeks later, my husband in tow as my lucky plus-one. We joined an exclusive group of fellow food bloggers and esteemed writers from publications like Buffalo News and Buffalo Business First, all eager to delve into the delicious world of Perry’s.

Discovering the Heart of Perry’s Ice Cream: A Family Legacy of Flavor

Having grown up with Perry’s Ice Cream as a staple in my freezer, visiting their plant felt like a homecoming. For any true ice cream aficionado, this place is nothing short of paradise. It’s the zenith of dessert destinations, the ultimate expression of frozen delight, and yes, it comes complete with endless, delectable ice cream samples. The guided tour was expertly balanced – fun, effortlessly engaging, and profoundly informative. We were fortunate to be led by Brian Perry, the Executive Vice President, who provided a captivating insight into the company’s rich 95-year history, their unwavering commitment to sustainability, and the intricate, time-honored process of crafting their signature ice cream.

Brian proudly shared that Perry’s remains a truly generational family business, with members from the 3rd, 4th, and even 5th generations actively involved in its daily operations. This multi-generational dedication is not just a point of pride but a testament to the enduring passion for quality that defines the brand. He also unveiled a fascinating secret behind their ice cream’s unparalleled creaminess: Perry’s still meticulously crafts their ice cream one batch at a time, utilizing a unique slow cook method that has been perfected over nearly a century. This traditional approach, eschewing mass-production shortcuts, ensures a velvety texture and rich flavor profile that truly sets their products apart from the competition. It’s a commitment to craftsmanship that resonates deeply in every spoonful.

A particular highlight of the tour was the moment we reached the production floor. Peering through the expansive glass, I felt like a child in a candy store, absolutely mesmerized by the sheer scale of ice cream being made right before my eyes. My face was practically pressed against the pane, wide-eyed as I observed every churn and swirl of ALL. OF. THAT. ICE. CREAM! The aroma of sweet cream and various flavorings filled the air, a sensory symphony that promised the delights yet to come.

The Art of Ice Cream Evaluation: A Professional Taste Testing Experience

The culmination of our visit brought us to a dedicated taste testing room, an arena of pure sensory exploration. For the next hour, we indulged in generous samples of Perry’s brand-new 2013 flavors, an exclusive preview of what might soon grace supermarket freezers. This wasn’t just casual sampling; we were given a fascinating crash course in the professional art of ice cream taste testing. The experts guided us through the nuances of sensory evaluation, teaching us how to dissect flavors using specific descriptors (such as “buttery,” “creamy,” “nutty,” “toasted,” “malt”), identify distinct aroma and flavor aromatics, differentiate basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter), and even recognize feeling factors (like thermal coolness or chemical tingling). It was an incredibly insightful experience, transforming a simple pleasure into a sophisticated culinary analysis.

Understanding these professional techniques deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each Perry’s flavor. It’s not just about what tastes good; it’s about understanding *why* it tastes good, how the various elements interact, and what makes a particular ice cream truly stand out. This rigorous approach ensures consistency and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what ice cream can be.

Alright, let’s get to the main event: the ice cream itself! The taste testing menu was an exciting lineup of diverse and inventive flavors:

The Flavors of 2013: A Detailed Review

Secret Flavor

This mystery flavor was ultimately revealed to be a lactose-free vanilla ice cream. My initial impression was a delightful resemblance to a freshly baked sugar cookie – a truly positive and unexpected surprise. The texture was incredibly smooth and creamy, defying any preconceived notions one might have about lactose-free alternatives. I was genuinely impressed and would never have guessed its dietary distinction. This flavor promises inclusivity without compromising on taste, a perfect treat for those with lactose sensitivities or anyone simply craving a classic, comforting vanilla with a twist.

Oh My, Cherry Pie!

True to its playful name, “Oh My, Cherry Pie!” delivered an authentic taste experience reminiscent of a homemade cherry pie. This vanilla-based ice cream was generously swirled with luscious cherry ribbons and studded with crunchy graham cracker chunks, mimicking the sweet, tart filling and crumbly crust of its namesake. It was an instant hit with my husband, a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things cherry, who declared it his favorite of the day. The balance between the creamy vanilla, the bright cherry, and the textural crunch was expertly achieved, making it a universally appealing flavor.

Movie Time

Popcorn-flavored ice cream might sound unconventional, perhaps even polarizing, but trust me when I say “Movie Time” was nothing short of sensational. This was, without a doubt, my top pick of the day. From the first spoonful, it transported me straight to a movie theater, complete with a strong, buttery popcorn aroma and flavor that perfectly captured the essence of freshly popped corn. What truly elevated this flavor were the delightful additions: rich sea salt caramel swirls provided a tantalizing sweet-and-salty contrast, while tender caramel truffles added pockets of chewy indulgence. This unexpected combination of sweet and savory was pure perfection, a masterpiece of flavor innovation that felt tailor-made for my palate.

Sponge Candy

During the tour, I learned that sponge candy is a cherished regional delicacy, particularly prevalent and adored by Western New Yorkers – a fact I was previously unaware of! This unique flavor featured a rich caramel sugar ice cream base, generously interspersed with small, airy pieces of sponge candy and ribbons of caramelized sugar swirls. While it wasn’t my absolute favorite of the lineup, its distinct flavor profile and textural complexity were undeniable. The sponge candy offered a delightful crunch and a unique, slightly burnt sugar taste that intrigued my palate, ensuring that despite it not being my top pick, I still thoroughly enjoyed every single bite of my portion.

Queen of Hearts

For the serious chocolate lover, “Queen of Hearts” reigns supreme. This decadent dark chocolate ice cream was a symphony of rich cocoa, beautifully balanced with vibrant raspberry swirls and charming fudge-filled milk chocolate hearts. While I’m not typically drawn to intensely chocolate-heavy ice creams, many of my fellow taste-testers raved about this flavor, clearly captivated by its depth and complexity. If you are a devotee of very rich, dark chocolate and appreciate the classic pairing of chocolate and raspberry, this flavor will undoubtedly be your crowning jewel, offering a sophisticated and indulgent experience.

Black Cherry

Among the impressive array of flavors, the “Black Cherry” secured its place as my second favorite of the day. This was highlighted as one of Perry’s all-natural offerings, boasting a wonderfully smooth black cherry ice cream base. The commitment to natural ingredients was evident; it contained no artificial flavors or colors, which I believe contributed significantly to its distinctly smoother and more authentic taste compared to some of the other creations. The deep, genuine cherry flavor was both refreshing and satisfying, a testament to the quality of ingredients and Perry’s dedication to natural goodness.

Party Sandwiches

The grand finale of our taste testing marathon was the delightful “Party Sandwiches.” By this point, I confess, I was nearing an ice cream overload (a pleasant problem to have!). I could only manage a few bites, but those bites were pure bliss. Had this treat been offered earlier in the session, I guarantee I would have devoured it entirely! I was never particularly fond of the traditional chocolate wafer ice cream sandwiches from my childhood. However, these “Party Sandwiches” featured a light, delicate vanilla wafer that was absolutely perfect, giving it a taste sensation akin to a Funetti cake – a flavor profile my blog readers know I am slightly obsessed with. The festive sprinkles generously embedded within the ice cream further enhanced the experience, making each bite a joyful occasion. What can I say? I’m simply a kid at heart when it comes to sprinkles!

 

The Sub-Zero Experience: Inside Perry’s Giant Freezer

To cap off our extraordinary tour, we were given the unique option to venture into Perry’s enormous freezer, the cavernous repository where all their delicious ice cream is stored before distribution. Despite the daunting temperature of negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit, not a single person in our group passed up this unforgettable opportunity. Bundled up, we stepped into an arctic wonderland, a vast space stacked high with pallets of every Perry’s flavor imaginable. The air was crisp, almost tangible, and the sight of countless tubs of ice cream stretching into the chilly distance was awe-inspiring. It was a tangible representation of the scale and success of Perry’s operations, a testament to the immense quantity of joy they bring to countless homes.

Stepping out of that icy realm and back into the warmth, I reflected on the entire day. From the warm hospitality of the Perry family to the fascinating insights into ice cream production and the sheer delight of tasting new flavors, it was an experience beyond compare. This exclusive peek behind the scenes at Perry’s Ice Cream was not just a tour; it was a deep dive into a beloved brand’s history, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality. It truly was a great experience, solidifying Perry’s place not just in my freezer, but in my heart.