Original Juan Hot Sauce - The Iconic Texan Small Batch Hot Sauce

The Origins of Original Juan Hot Sauce

Hot sauce has become an indispensable condiment for spicy food lovers around the world. While mass-produced hot sauces line every grocery store shelf, some of the most coveted bottles come from small batch, artisanal makers. One such hot sauce that has earned a cult following is Original Juan Special Reserve from Original Juan Specialty Foods in Austin, Texas.

The Founding of Original Juan

Original Juan was founded by John Simmons, a native Texan with a passion for spicy foods. As a student at the University of Texas in the 1990s, John began experimenting with making his own hot sauces. He gave samples of his hot sauce creations to friends and family, who raved about the complex flavors.

After graduating with a business degree, John decided to turn his hot sauce hobby into a full-time business. He rented a commercial kitchen and secured the proper licensing to bottle and sell his own hot sauce brand. In 2000, Original Juan Specialty Foods was born.

Crafting the Special Reserve Recipe

Original Juan started with just one flagship hot sauce, known as the Special Reserve. John tested over 50 different recipes before arriving at the perfect blend of chile peppers, spices, and vinegar. The complexity of the flavor set his hot sauce apart from the standard Tabasco-style sauces on the market.

The Special Reserve contains a combination of aromatic arbol chiles and smoky chipotle peppers. John uses chile purees rather than fresh peppers to achieve a thicker, richer texture. Garlic, onion, black pepper, and a touch of pineapple provide layers of flavor. Apple cider vinegar offers a tangy bite. The recipe is rounded out with a bit of turbinado sugar to balance the heat.

Growth Through Farmers Markets

John started selling Original Juan Special Reserve at farmers markets around Austin. Customers were hooked after their first taste. The complex flavors and slow-building heat kept them coming back for more. As demand grew, John expanded into selling at local grocery stores and shops.

Original Juan also gained traction by getting placed in trendy restaurants around Austin. The hot sauce appeared on tables alongside staples like Tabasco and Tapatio. Having the Special Reserve featured on menus introduced it to more hot sauce aficionados.

Cult Following Leads to Expansion

Over the next decade, Original Juan amassed a cult following in Central Texas. Fans touted it as the perfect hot sauce for Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex favorites like breakfast tacos. As word spread, John transitioned to larger production facilities to meet demand.

Today, Original Juan produces over 20,000 bottles of the Special Reserve each month. It is distributed in major grocery store chains across Texas. Diehard fans around the United States order it online straight from the company's website. The Special Reserve remains the flagship product that built the Original Juan brand.

The Taste Profile of Original Juan Hot Sauce

The complex blend of flavors in Original Juan Special Reserve sets it apart from one-note pepper-forward hot sauces. Each sip brings multiple layers of taste that keep you going back for more. Here is a breakdown of the tasting notes people experience with this iconic hot sauce:

Initial Aromas

Before you even take a taste, the aromas of Original Juan hit your nose. There are bright, fresh notes of garlic and onion along with a subtle sweetness from pineapple juice. Hints of smoke come through from the charred chipotle peppers. Overall, it smells enticing and complex.

First Flavors

Upon first taste, you get a burst of tangy vinegar quickly followed by the fruity sweetness of pineapple and onion. There are background notes of roasted garlic and savory spice. So far, it is quite mild with just a tingle of heat on the finish.

Building Spice

After a few more sips, the heat starts creeping up on you. The combination of arbol and chipotle chiles makes a slow, smoky burn that intensifies with every taste. It spreads across the palate and leaves a lingering tingle on the tongue.

Mouthfeel

Thanks to the chile purees, Original Juan has a thicker, richer texture than many hot sauces. It lightly coats the mouth and sticks to the taste buds so the flavor profile can fully develop. The vinegar cuts through the oil for a perfect balance.

Finish

On the finish, the upfront sweetness fades and the lingering heat takes over. There is an afterburn that makes you reach for another sip. The full experience ends with your mouth buzzing and craving more.

Uses for Original Juan Hot Sauce

While Original Juan can spice up any dish, it's particularly suited for regional Texas favorites. Its complex flavor profile pairs perfectly with Tex-Mex dishes, barbecue classics, and everyday comfort foods. Here are some of the most popular ways to use this iconic hot sauce:

Breakfast Tacos

A few dashes of Original Juan take basic breakfast tacos to the next level. The smoky heat amps up hearty fillings like bacon, potato, bean, and cheese. The hot sauce cuts through the richness and balances out the soft corn tortilla.

Chili

Add a new depth of flavor to a pot of Texas Red with a few tablespoons of Original Juan Special Reserve. The spices and tanginess improve any beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili recipe. Let each spoonful build in smoky heat.

Brisket

Texas barbecue aficionados know a good brisket needs nothing more than original Juan. The peppery vinegar taste cuts through the unctuous smoked meat. A touch of heat on the backend cleans the palate between juicy, tender bites.

Eggs

For next-level breakfast flavor, splash Original Juan on fried, poached, scrambled, or huevos rancheros. The zesty spices liven up plain eggs while the mild vinegar cuts through the richness.

Snacks

Original Juan can transform snacking time. Add a dash to nuts, popcorn, or chips for instant fire and tang. Drizzle over cheese for a kicky twist on charcuterie. Dip pretzels in Original Juan for the ultimate spicy and salty combo.

Where to Buy Original Juan Hot Sauce

Over the past two decades, Original Juan has gone from local farmers market favorite to a Texas icon with nationwide fame. Here are some of the best places to get your hands on a bottle of this coveted hot sauce:

Online Store

The easiest way to get Original Juan shipped straight to you is directly through their online store at OriginalJuan.com. You can order individual bottles, gift packs, apparel, and more. Subscribing saves you 15% on monthly shipments.

Texas Grocery Stores

Look for Original Juan on the condiment aisle at major Texas grocery chains like HEB, Kroger, Randall's, and Central Market. It's also found at many local mom and pop shops throughout the state.

Specialty Retailers

Beyond Texas, Original Juan is stocked at gourmet retailers like Whole Foods, Central Market, Punch Bowl Social, and Sur La Table. Check specialty shops in your area that focus on hot sauces and artisanal foods.

Amazon

Amazon carries Original Juan for convenient shipping nationwide. Opt for Prime delivery to get this Texas taste sensation ASAP. Read reviews before you buy.

With its unique mix of layered flavors and slow-building heat, it's easy to see why Original Juan Special Reserve has earned a cult following. This iconic hot sauce adds smoky, tangy complexity to all your favorite foods. Pick up a bottle online or in stores to add some authentic Texas flavor to your meals.

FAQs

What are the main ingredients in Original Juan?

The main ingredients are a blend of arbol and chipotle chile peppers, garlic, onions, pineapple juice, vinegar, and spices.

Is Original Juan gluten-free?

Yes, Original Juan hot sauce is gluten-free. It contains no wheat, barley, rye or gluten ingredients.

Where is Original Juan hot sauce made?

Original Juan is handcrafted in small batches at their production facility in Austin, Texas.

What foods pair well with Original Juan hot sauce?

It pairs excellently with Tex-Mex, tacos, chili, barbecue, eggs, and snacks like nuts, pretzels and popcorn.

Where can I buy Original Juan hot sauce?

You can buy it online through OriginalJuan.com, at Texas grocery stores, specialty retailers like Whole Foods, or through Amazon.