UPDATE: Support video now available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbuaU0rsCjw As longtime readers of this blog know, finding a reliable Mexican-style hot sauce has largely been an exercise in frustration for me. Seeing one that was completely knew was pretty exciting and knowing CaJohn's approach to high quality, I had very high hopes. Indeed, which I first opened the bottle and had a little sip from a spoon, I thought I might have stumbled onto the best Mexican hot sauce I'd yet had...sadly, the rest of the bottle did not bear that out and while I think it's a solid entry into the Mexican style pantheon, I don't believe I will be keeping this on hand.
It has an interesting aroma, both citrusy as well as the unique and distinctive chili combination that typifies most Mexican food. Unusual for CaJohn's, the peppers are unnamed, though I would suspect some combination of Arbol, Serrano, and Habanero. This is a very piquant sauce, with both the vinegar and the citrus adding a lot of pungency, which is perhaps the most dominant aspect of this sauce. Heat is very mild with this sauce, which, along with the runniness, can contribute to inadvertent over-saucing fairly easily.
It works well on Mexican foods, but, like most Mexican-style sauces, does not really extend much beyond that. I found it a nice chance of pace from the various taco sauces at both Del Taco and Taco Bell, but one that also quickly wore out its welcome, at least somewhat because it is a bit too runny (nearly Louisiana style level) to be a strong contender here. I don't see it on the CaJohn's website, so possibly it is not being produced any longer, but after I enjoy what is left of the bottle, I don't see myself replacing it with more. Definitely an interesting and crisp taste on the style, though.
Bottom line: Like most CaJohn sauces, this is very well done, but is overly piquant for me.
Breakdown:
Heat level: 2
Flavor: 5
Flexibility: 2
Enjoyment to dollar factor: 6
Overall: 4
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