The Hot Sauce Thread

At Spring Camp I serve cuban black beans and rice for lunch. Campers and I have gotten into a friendly hot sauce competition. This opened my eyes that there was more to this hot sauce business than "just hot".

Here are two hot sauces that are on nobody's radar and are bloody good for daily fare.

Marie Sharps Habanero Pepper Sauce - This has intense pepper, a little vinegar. If you love the taste of Habanero Salsa without lots of additions this will make you happy. Go figure? Marie Sharps!!!
http://www.mariesharps-bz.com/img/products/sauce_01.jpg

Grace Scotch Bonnet Sauce - Look for this in the throw out bin. This is inexpensive and prob. the last thing you'd look for in a scotch bonnet hot sauce. It's the real deal. When my Jamacian buddy is over for a visit this is what I put out. Scotch Bonnet tastes a little sweet and is very intense. Great with fish.
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Next

Delish Bajan Pepper Sauce.

The fires of hell in a bottle, straight from Barbados. Good stuff.

Delish Products Ltd - Delish in any dish!

My co-worker and I ship this to ourselves by the case from Cali.

http://pics.mexgrocer.com/images/1382.jpg

Not the hottest, but great on everything.

in my household our philosophy is this:

tapatio: its cheap and tasty, put it on EVERYTHING!
aardvark habanero: not so cheap, really out of this world, put it on EVERYTHING!

The cross-eyed cajun guy in the commissary meat section sold me this ultra death shit. Don't buy hot sauce from cross-eyed cajuns. One drop and the sauce is delicious for about 10 seconds...and then hell breaks loose in your mouth.

It's so hot it gives me the hickups.
It made people throw up last time I had it out at the house.
I imagine it causes some kind of internal bleeding.
It's so delicious that I put it on everything.

It's a vicious cycle...a delicious vicious cycle. I like the stuff with the wooden top on it, too. Not really spicy but good taste.

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Originally Posted by quickag

The cross-eyed cajun guy in the commissary meat section sold me this ultra death shit. Don't buy hot sauce from cross-eyed cajuns. One drop and the sauce is delicious for about 10 seconds...and then hell breaks loose in your mouth.

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That sounds a little like this;

http://www.pepperschlepper.com/images/1107.jpg

though I don't particularly care for the taste. One drop is all it takes though. Seriously.

This is the text on the back of the bottle:

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Since this is Vsalon, not HSsalon, I'll admit that I'm a hot sauce philistine. Get me another bottle of Cholula every two weeks, and I'm good. I love those Arbol and Piquin peppers. And the wood top.

I was cooking at a pals house a few years ago, and wanted to jazz up some rice going with the fish...
I expected some Tabasco, Franks, normal shit. He gave me this stuff, I tried a small, small bit, to judge how
much to use.

Last thing I tasted all nice. The tongue was gone, on fire.

Melindas has always been a favorite of mine lot's of flavor in the original and plenty of heat. The red Savina is really tasty though and a bit warmer as well.

If you come to my house for African food, you find my favorite sauce on the table, Nali Peri Peri from Malawi. I first tried it in an attempt to sterilize a plate of dubious fried fish in a dusty market in Lilongwe. It has a rich, smoky, slightly sweet flavor, a little thick, not vinegary, and moderate on the Scoville scale- safe for guests who aren't too timid. I have a couple bottles left but was happy to hear that it's being imported into the US, so I'll have to Google a source as my business in Malawi is sadly finished. All hot countries have their local hot sauces, I have a cabinet full and keep my eyes open where there's truckers, markets and street food, amazing what you can find if you keep your eyes open and look hungry and friendly:shaggy: . I found a video too- support a local African product! Time for a fish taco...

Nali Sauces: Malawi's Hottest Export - YouTube

Call me old fashioned.

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I love it all but had to make a rule with myself that I finish a bottle before I buy another. This way I dont' end up with 30 different bottles going bad at the same time.

For everyday stuff tapatio is really good but there is an equally popular sauce called Valentina's that is similar but goes better on potato's than most of them. Potato chips, french fries, hashbrowns.... you name it, it's good on it.
A quart bottle goes for no shit, $1.47 at the local cash and carry. I don't think you can buy a bottle of water for a dollar forty seven.

Dont' bother with the extra hot version I think its just saltier, not hotter.

Some good leads here. There are times for wicked hot and others merit a mild scalding ;)
Pica Pica is great - love it on tacos.
Tapatio - IIRC strongish vinegar and not very hot
Daves Insanity - to be avoided at all costs except after 2 too many beers natch.
Melinda's - can't miss, it is very mild and goes nicely with black beans.
Louisiana Original - funny you mention that. This is what I gifted my office mates with after travel to The Big Easy. Nice stuff, vinegar YUP, heat is just right for eggs or rice.

Keep going!

My favorite place to purchase Hot Sauces:

Mo Hotta Mo Betta Hot Sauce Store | Spicy & Hot Sauces Since 1989

I've been using Ronz Original Hot Sauce for the last 6 or 7 years. It's made by a friend of my uncle in Ohio. I think he's going big time though ....

My mom ships me bottles or I buy them when in town. I even send a few bottles to Brazil so I have it handy when I'm down there.

Ronz Original Hot Sauce

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Originally Posted by velobran

I've been using Ronz Original Hot Sauce for the last 6 or 7 years. It's made by a friend of my uncle in Ohio. I think he's going big time though ....

My mom ships me bottles or I buy them when in town. I even send a few bottles to Brazil so I have it handy when I'm down there.

Ronz Original Hot Sauce

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Terrific info. He does not sell on line?

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Originally Posted by Too Tall

Terrific info. He does not sell on line?

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I don't believe so. I'm going to be back in Ohio in a couple of weeks and I'll ask. The best part is while the flavor doesn't change too much, sometimes I'll get a few with the comment of "this batch is hotter".

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Originally Posted by bellman

I love it all but had to make a rule with myself that I finish a bottle before I buy another. This way I dont' end up with 30 different bottles going bad at the same time.

For everyday stuff tapatio is really good but there is an equally popular sauce called Valentina's that is similar but goes better on potato's than most of them. Potato chips, french fries, hashbrowns.... you name it, it's good on it.
A quart bottle goes for no shit, $1.47 at the local cash and carry. I don't think you can buy a bottle of water for a dollar forty seven.

Dont' bother with the extra hot version I think its just saltier, not hotter.

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Valentina is all about adding flavor and not just burning your mouth heat.
Love it... use it all the time.

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Originally Posted by chasea

Call me old fashioned.

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This and some Tony Chacheres sprinkled on for good measure ... you are good to go.

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Originally Posted by YO!!!

This and some Tony Chacheres sprinkled on for good measure ... you are good to go.

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We can hang.

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Originally Posted by chasea

Call me old fashioned.

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We grew up with this. Put it on everything, eggs, poboys, burgers, gumbo, rice and gravy, seafood etc etc. You should also try Cajun Chef Green hot sauce- if you can find it. It's made in St. Martinville--milder but really great flavor. Probably my favorite. Don't forget the classic Tabasco either. Hot for hotness sake has never appealed to me. I love the subtlety of flavor of a milder sauce. Most of the Louisiana made hot sauces are made within 25 miles on my home and are on our ride routes.

A friend introduced me to Yucatan Sunshine over the weekend. Its a pretty balanced Habanero sauce, and I have been enjoying it over sweet potatoes. My go to sauces are Cholula and Texas Pete.

I've got a bottle of the Dave's Insanity sauce going on 2.5 years old. It's too hot to go bad. 1 drop on a taco shell spread real thin, build taco as usual and then use the sauce you want for flavor. Totally killer heat and I like hot.

This brand is nice for a little change in hot pepper flavor.Datl Do-it Homepage

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Originally Posted by christian

Since this is Vsalon, not HSsalon, I'll admit that I'm a hot sauce philistine. Get me another bottle of Cholula every two weeks, and I'm good. I love those Arbol and Piquin peppers. And the wood top.

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Cholula is my go-to sauce. Great flavor. I don't care for the hot-as-hell machismo whatever sauces. Valentino and Tapatio are also in heavy rotation.

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Originally Posted by Dorman

I've got a bottle of the Dave's Insanity sauce going on 2.5 years old. It's too hot to go bad. 1 drop on a taco shell spread real thin, build taco as usual and then use the sauce you want for flavor. Totally killer heat and I like hot.

This brand is nice for a little change in hot pepper flavor.Datl Do-it Homepage

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I had a bottle of Endorphin Rush for over a decade. Mad hot. One tiny drop suspended from the tip of a toothpick would turn a bowl of the mildest salsa into the hottest. I opened the bottle once, got a little of the dried substance on my finger and later rubbed my eye. If i had a gun, i woulda pulled the trigger. It was a test of manhood or stupidity to see who, among frineds, could put a big glob on a tortilla chip and send it down. I cried many a time trying to be a man - only to realize, i'm just a boy.

Let's not forget the irreplaceable Sriracha (rooster sauce). Goes with just about everything including lightly buttered green beans after a few adult beverages. Kind of ends up like hot wing beans. Meh.

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Originally Posted by Dorman

Let's not forget the irreplaceable Sriracha (rooster sauce). Goes with just about everything including lightly buttered green beans after a few adult beverages. Kind of ends up like hot wing beans. Meh.

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Yes! I'm like a crack fiend with Sriracha.

I also dig Cholula, Goya picante, and Tabasco Chipotle cuz it's evil good on burgers.

I'm sorry, but if you played bass for Van Halen and had your own line of hot sauces, wouldn't you think of naming one of them "Runnin' with the Devil?" I MEAN, COME ON!!!!

I've never tasted it, btw, and this is not a recommendation.
http://www.vhnd.com/wp-content/uploa...ADCOM_news.jpg

Purchase, sucka.
Mad Anthony’s 3-Pack

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Originally Posted by chasea

I'm sorry, but if you played bass for Van Halen and had your own line of hot sauces, wouldn't you think of naming one of them "Runnin' with the Devil?" I MEAN, COME ON!!!!

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I'd name it "F You Wolfie"

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You are on the right path, Too Tall, but go up a notch or two. Marie Sharp's Fiery Hot is tough to improve upon. It could be hotter, but the next level up, Belizean Heat, doesn't have the same quality of flavor as the Fiery Hot. I've convinced the people I work with and we just received an order of four gallons of the stuff (yes, that is gallons!). Love it.

Harth

So good. Super hot, but not wihthout flavor. I hate hot sauces that just sear the flavor off your tongue.

http://boards.fightingamphibians.org...1208630711.jpg

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Originally Posted by pdxharth

You are on the right path, Too Tall, but go up a notch or two. Marie Sharp's Fiery Hot is tough to improve upon. It could be hotter, but the next level up, Belizean Heat, doesn't have the same quality of flavor as the Fiery Hot. I've convinced the people I work with and we just received an order of four gallons of the stuff (yes, that is gallons!). Love it.

Harth

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Crazy ain't it? I'll give that whirl. Thanks.
FWIIW My fav. online spice source is Zamouri and just now opened a box of goodies. Aside from their ridiculously good preserved lemons there is a bottle of smoked chipolte powder that is out of this word. Highly recommended heat.

Just counted 11 different bottles in the fridge. Must be getting low. Most notable is the takeout soup container filled with the house-made raspberry chipotle wing sauce from the Sterling Hotel. Amazing on eggs. My buddy's habanero citrus sauce is amazing in soups and sauces.

My go-to, vinegar-based hot sauce is Crystal. I prefer it to just about anything else off the corner store shelf. While I'm not a huge Tabasco fan, if I should find myself at a bar or diner and that's all they have to offer, I will mix something like two parts ketchup, one part Tabasco, and that goes on just about everything on the plate. Their chipotle flavored is a big step up in my book, and when at Chipotle, I probably douse about a third of a bottle's worth on my barbacoa bowl.

I'm definitely not into the machisimo "this ain't hot enough" thing - for me sauce adds some kick and flavor. For eggs and breakfast goods, I generally go with the fruit-based stuff. Amazona's mago hot sauce, Pickapepper peach, etc. Yogurt-based dipping sauces get Sriracha, which to my taste is essentially mild heat without much flavor. Definitely use it to juice the Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce (also, TJ's version is way good and lacks all the chems). For chili, Mexican, and pizza, I reach for the Buffalo brand chipotle hot sauce.

I put hot sauce on everything. Everything. Whole grain toast and raspberry preserves for breakfast? Gets a few shots of Crystal on top.

Pickapeppa is my staple, great on everything.
Sriracha sometimes.

Lizano in Costa Rica is good thoug a little thin, more juicy than saucy. I've been meaning to order some though, great on chicken.

I was at the Stirling Hotel last week. Port cheddar burger, yo.

The hotest sauce I ever encountered was a at little Pakistan Kabob house outside of London. After sinking pints all night we'd drive back to Blackheath and stop and get a kabob. And the pepper sauce would really wake you up. I can't remember the name but Pakistan has a special pepper whcih makes a Habanero or Scotch Bonnet look mild. Maybe AntLockyear can chime in since he lives in the London area......

Mexican breadsticks (this could also go in the guilty pleasures thread):

Get a bottle of this stuff and pour some in a little bowl or dipping cup. Cold is fine. It's not exotic, they'll have it at any grocery store:

http://www.aisleate.com/ProductImages/n3240.jpg

Mild and Medium also available, the flavor is similar, and the Hot is indeed hot for most.

Grab a bag of bagels and toast a few of them. You have to toast the bagel.

Dip in the sauce and enjoy. Very easy to go through 2 or 3 bagels in a sitting.

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Originally Posted by EddieBirdsell

While I'm not a huge Tabasco fan, if I should find myself at a bar or diner and that's all they have to offer, I will mix something like two parts ketchup, one part Tabasco, and that goes on just about everything on the plate. Their chipotle flavored is a big step up in my book, and when at Chipotle, I probably douse about a third of a bottle's worth on my barbacoa bowl.

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This. I'm not a Tabasco fan at all, but the chipotle variety is really good stuff. Had some last night.

Cholula, Valentina, Frank's, Texas Pete, Louisiana, Crystal, El Yucateco, all named and all staples.

This stuff is pretty good, too:
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Big S farms is nearby. Been meaning to try them out:
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The orange stuff is habanero carrot, which sounds great. Plus it's orange, which scores points in Tennessee.

Ben, the Marie Sharps I like is made with carrot. Let me know how that turns out.

I'm finding the taste bud variety here interesting re: Tobasco. I'm the opposite in that I love original Tobasco, but do not care for Frank's, Crystal or Louisianna in comparison. Nothing wrong with them, but they just seem bland in comparison. However, I do also love the Chipotle, Green and Habanero Tobasco's as well. Haven't had a chance to try the new Buffalo flavored yet.

Has anyone tried to make their own hot sauce? I pureed some Jalepenos with an onion, a little salt, cumin and white vinegar a few weeks ago and it came out kind of between a sauce and a salsa. It wasn't too bad.

Yo Ben we can hang. All those are staples as well. I was gaga over Texas Pete for years and that was my go-to (because that's what they had in the law school cafeteria), and a few years ago I made the switch to Crystal. El Yucateco is a close second to Buffalo on my list of chipotle sauces.

There's just something about Tabasco. I think it's the aged cayenne. I don't dig it, but in ketchup it's passable.

I think I need to order up some Tennessee Sunshine.