Photograph by Jeremy Kramer
Did you know that “spicy” isn’t a taste? It’s a pain sensation caused by a chemical called capsaicin and it’s found only in certain plants. If you’re a hot sauce enthusiast, we’re sure you already know, so here are five more local bottles to add to your shelf.
Tikka Torcher
Made with ghost peppers, tomatoes, and Indian spices, this Hot Llamas sauce is inspired by the beloved Indian dish chicken tikka masala. Toss it on your next chicken or seafood meal and wait for the temperature to rise. hotllamas.com
Killer Queen
Prepare to get sweaty with this sauce from Origin Trade Goods. The Scotch Bonnet peppers, garlic, onion, carrots, and bell pepper take the spice up to 11. It’s dynamite with a laser beam. origintradegoods.com
Dude, Seriously
Voted “best hot sauce” at Jungle Jim’s Weekend of Fire in 2018 and 2019, this sauce leaves behind a smoky kick with medium heat. It’s so good, the brand put it in its own hot sauce vending machine at Oakley Kitchen food hall. dudeseriously.com
Sorcery Sauce
The habaneros, arbol and Coban peppers, and blackberries in Moonbeam’s hottest offering will have your tongue wagging from the slow burn. It’ll add a nice, smoky flavor to your tacos or chili. moonbeamhotsauce.com
Smokehouse Habanero
Farmer Nate’s emphasizes flavor over heat, but that doesn’t mean this one isn’t hot. Made with habanero, red cayenne peppers, garlic cloves, and smoked salt, it’s an homage to southern BBQ joints. farmernatessauce.com
Check out our interview with hot sauce connoisseur Brian Ambs and a taste test of these five brands on our Instagram account!
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