Here comes another review for the Chipotle powerhouse that is Chuck Evans’ Montezuma Brand. This time I’ll be taking a look at his new Triple XXX Salsa Habanero which comes adorned with a brightly colored label.

Montezuma Triple XXX Salsa Habanero Ingredients: Tomatoes, tomato puree, onions, Habanero & Chile peppers, tomato paste, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, herbs and spices.

This is one chunky salsa that’s for sure! Small chunks of all the ingredients floating around in a slightly viscous medium of juice and vinegar. By reading the label, one thing I was worried about is this being too tomatoey. But after sampling, I’m glad to say that, while it is mainly dominated by tomato, it is not over the top.

Of course, the first taste is tomato, then some lime, then the onion. I also want to say that these green chunks are Jalapenos but I’m not 100% sure on that. Then comes a little bit of the Habanero taste but it is kind of drowned out by the tomatoes. I do detect a little bit of salt on the back end which makes me dive in for more.

This salsa seems to focus on the Habanero’s heat more than it’s flavor. The heat hits in the middle of the tongue and then moves to a back of the throat burn. A few chip scoops of this really got my nose running but not enough for an endorphin rush.

Overall, a tasty salsa with a nice kick and a bold tomato presence. Be sure to throw it into a burrito instead of tomato paste for a nice little meal.

Taste: 7, Heat: 7