Rustlin’ Rob’s, located in Fredericksburg Texas, is Mecca for lovers of spicy foods, and they offer a wide variety of sauces, salsas, spices, rubs, and more (watch for an upcoming post about the store). They have more than just one sauce that I purchase every time I am in town, but out of all of them the Jolokia Hot Sauce counts as my favorite and try to always have a bottle in the cabinet.
This sauce is a blend of all-natural ingredients that includes cayenne, habanero, and chipotle peppers along with the superhot jolokia ghost chili and a few with other seasonings. And it definitely delivers on the bottle’s promise of the “perfect combination of heat and flavor”.
At first taste it brings an immediate boldness with its combination of peppers. The ghost chili is definitely present bringing that signature raisiney flavor, and that works well with the other chilis in the mix. It is a relatively thick sauce that delivers a smoky sweetness, though not to the point that it is cloying. And the taste of the chilis definitely balances well with the sweet side of the sauce. You could almost call it a spicy barbeque sauce, though you will definitely want to use it more sparingly. I also find similarities to Pickapeppa Sauce (more on that one in an upcoming post), though with a notably amped-up spice level.
The Jolokia Sauce comes in at hot on the heat level, approaching fiery. The first taste definitely delivers a kick, and it gets hotter as you eat more. But that heat balances well with the taste, making this more than just some gimmicky hot sauce trying to crank up the burn to make a name for itself. Chiliheads will definitely like this one while the average mortal will have to go easy on the sauce, and some might shrink in fear from it.
This one can be used to top things like eggs or burgers or chicken or anything off the grill. It also works well as a marinade and I have made some killer wings with it. This is also one that I will add into a dish that needs just a little something extra. I do the same with Pickapeppa, but the Jolokia Sauce is going to add considerably more heat with that boost of flavor.
Rustlin’ Robs has been in Fredericksburg, TX since 2000 and is a go-to destination when visiting that town. They sell a large variety of their own products made from all-natural ingredients which include salsas, hot sauces, and spice mixes as well as jams, mustards, honey butters, and more. They also have a large selection of hot sauces from other companies including a locked display case that contains some pretty volatile concoctions. But most importantly, you can sample just about everything in the store! That has long been the main draw for this establishment, and with Texas opened up again, the sampling is back (with the proper precautions).
Most of the Rustlin’ Robs hot sauces go for about nine to ten dollars a bottle which is about standard for gourmet sauces. I make it to Fredericksburg about twice a year and always make sure to pick up a bottle or more of the Jolokia Hot Sauce. And then I use it sparingly so that it will last until the next time I make it to town. Many of Rustlin’ Robs products are available for sale at their online store, but surprisingly the Jolokia Hot Sauce is not there. But I am sure that if you were to give them a call, they would be happy to include a bottle in your order. It is definitely worth the price and it is a sauce that I always have at the ready.
Tale of the Tape:
Ingredients: Water, vinegar, sugar, salt, cayenne, habanero, garlic, onion, jolokia, chipotle, spices, and xanthan gum
Serving Size: 3 Teaspoons
Calories: 10
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Carbs: 2g
Sodium: 350mg