Oops! Look what got lost in the shuffle since the Fiery Foods show, Gringo Banditio Hot Sauce. Dave Reece was extremely gracious to explain so many things about the sauce, to give me a sampler to review and I went and misplaced it until now. Bad hot sauce reviewer, bad! I was fishing through my suitcase when I pulled out the bottle as if it was the lost ark. So, better late than never I always say. Well, that and never get involved in a land war in Asia.

Ingredients: Vinegar, Water, Habanero Peppers, Jalapeño Peppers, Red Japanese Chili Peppers, More Peppers, Salt, Mojo, Spices, and Xanthan Gum.

Being a fan of the band Offspring (my neck still hurts from all those years in various mosh pits, head banging away my youth in Cleveland, Ohio), I was quite pleased when their lead singer, Dexter Holland, came out with his own hot sauce. Now, unlike most celebrities that come out with their own hot sauce, Dexter is actually involved in every batch that is produced (according to rep, Dave). Pair that with the fact that this sauce isn’t just your run of the mill Tabasco rip off, I will say that I am quite pleased with the product. Plus, as an added bonus, this sauce is made in Huntington Beach, California, only 30 or so miles from my house! I wonder if they give tours to chili-heads like me?

I noticed on their website that a link appears on their links page for my favorite restaurant, El Coyote!!! So, what better place to sample this sauce than there? So I trundled on down, ordered a margarita (some of the best in town) and started tasting.

At first glance, you can confuse this for Tabasco, what with it’s vinegary appearance. But that’s about where the comparisons stop because it is in fact slightly thicker (due to the addition of xanthan gum)! No, no! Put that bottle of Tabasco down. No more comparing will be done. Besides, what are you doing with a bottle of Tabasco? There are so many better sauces out there? Haven’t you been reading our reviews?

This has a really sweet and fruity taste to it but not to the point of it being a “sugar” taste. The fruitiness of the Habaneros pairs excellently with the sweet flavor of ripe Jalapenos and that’s what hits home first. Next comes the slightly sharp bite of the Japanese Chili Pepper, which is very similar in taste to a Cayenne. I also taste a hint of Piquins and Tepins which give it a comparable flavor to Cholula hot sauce.

Up next on the palate is the vinegar. It’s not overwhelming but what I find to be my only complaint is this and the salt. The salt is a tinsy bit too much and when combined with the vinegar comes off a bit strong. But you are quickly led elsewhere by the blend of various spices one of which is black pepper.

I ordered a few dishes up and found myself using copious amount of this sauce. It went perfect on the stake, the rice, the beans, even the free chips that the restaurant gives you. As a cooking suggestion, I would say that this would be an excellent marinade for fish. Also, there isn’t too much heat to this so it makes it generally friendly for your non chili-head friends but enough heat to satisfy those Habanero eaters out there.

I love the label for the bottle as well. With it’s depiction of a bandit version of Dexter and the funny comments (such as “Hot sauce really doesn’t have nutritional value. It’s vinegar and peppers, for God’s sake. What did you expect? Why are you even trying to determine the nutritional value of Hot Sauce? Just enjoy it!) makes it quite eye catching and amusing. I did find a mistake however. Upon showing the label to one of El Coyote’s awesome waiters, Renoldo, he pointed out that they spelled the name wrong. The label says “Bandito” when in fact it’s actually spelled “Bandido”. But then again, when you’re a “Gringo” like me, you tend to misspell things like that.

This is a most impressive all purpose hot sauce. It complements everything, has a nice little bite to it, humorous comments on the label, and beautiful taste. Like the label says, “The flavor most beautiful” (El Sabor Mos Sabrosa)!

Taste: 8, Heat: 3

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