Every good Chilehead is aware of Blair, Dave’s and CaJohn’s. It is about time they get introduced to Uncle Big. For the last few years Uncle Big has been creating some of the most incredible sauces you have ever tasted. And if skulls, fancy bottles and coffin containers don’t intimidate you anymore maybe Uncle Big’s Mug will. This fellow is the real deal.
I had the opportunity to speak with Uncle Big and he shared some of his hot sauce insight with me. The man is as complex as his ingredients. Enough banter…lets hear from the hot sauce behemoth himself.
1. The most obvious questions is why hot sauce … what is the story behind Uncle Big?
I was born and raised in a small town in Saskatchewan. Growing up I wasn’t exposed too much in the way of fiery foods and I guess I have been attempting to make up for it ever since. My mother taught me to cook, a skill that has served me well throughout my life and is what started me on my ‘Quest for Fire’. God that’s corny shit, isn’t it. Don’t print that ok? Seriously, I don’t want to sound like a knob. I’ll kick your ass if I see it on hotsauceblog.com!
Long story short I had the good fortune to come in contact with some of the most unique peppers on the planet, the Hatari Pepper. I started experimenting with different combinations of the pepper and other ingredients, making my own little batches of sauce in my home. It was mostly to see how much pain I could inflict on my buddies while we watched Grey Cup or on Ultimate Fighting Pay Per View, I love that shit.
Like all good things, supply and demand got the better of me. My supply dried up and everyone was so hooked on the flavour and heat of that little pepper, there was a demand for more supply.
So, I started researching where in the hell I could find more Hatari Peppers. I had just moved to Calgary, Alberta and was working in the music industry and I started mingling with the locals at the pubs and eateries trying to find a good hot sauce resource. I mean back then, there wasn’t much of anything on the market except your basics like good old Tabasco (yawn!!) and of course Louisiana Hot Sauce (double yawn). Don’t get me wrong, both excellent sauces, but I gargle with Tabasco, again, I digress. A drinking buddy of mine, which were in great abundance at that point of my life, mentioned this little shop that sold a hot sauce called Acid Rain and he was pretty sure the maker called themselves Hatari Bros. Hatari? Could it be? Nah, that would be too good to be true. A few phone calls and a little leg work and the next thing I knew I was shaking hands with a mother f*ckin’ hot sauce genius in the flesh, Salim (Sam) Shivji from Hatari Bros.
Together we combined our love of quality ingredients and intense heat, and of course my deep seated desire to inflict pain on people (grin) and we created what is the most certainly the hottest sauce with the mostest flavour on the face of God’s green earth. The face on the label is mine, the name Uncle Big came from my cute as a button God daughter Maya, and that’s all I have to say about that!
Why hot sauce? My question to you sir is WHY NOT HOT SAUCE?!?? I want people to TASTE MY PAIN!! I’ve tried the rest and now I make the BEST. It’s all about flavour baby. Life is too short not to do what you love and I love to eat and I love eating the heat! No bullshit cliches here, just flavour and sick heat!! Bring it on!!
2. If you had to pick a favorite sauce of yours which would it be?
Well considering I’ve only got one (for now), I would have to say Uncle Big’s Killer Hot Sauce. God, where do you get these questions? You don’t work for CNN do you? Honey, get my agent on the phone; whoever booked this interview is fired.
3. Any new products we should be ready for from your line?
I’m glad you asked me that Anthony, if that is your real name. Oh yes, as part of my plan for complete and total domination of the hot sauce world I have a few devastatingly hot products in the works right now. You can all look forward to putting my hot nuts in your mouths very soon. By that I mean Uncle Big’s Killer Hot Nuts, you know peanuts?? We’re creating an extraction dust from the Uncle Big’s sauce, this is all very technical shit so pay attention. Then we’re going to apply that dust to the nuts, bottle them and sell them as Uncle Big’s Killer Hot Nuts. Did you get all that?
Oh yeah, there will also be a mouth numbing salsa and the piece de resistance, Uncle Big’s Private Reserve in a wooden box. It is entirely possible that this sauce could kill you if you try it straight out of the bottle. I’m thinking of combining a liability waiver and a death certificate to be signed by the customer at point of purchase. It’ll just save the coroner time that way and as a bonus we’ll be immune to litigation, so I see it as a win win for everyone. Seriously, the madness of Uncle Big has only just begun so PREPARE YOURSELF!!
4. Where do you see the future of hot sauce in Canada 5 years from now?
My vision of the future of hot sauce in Canada would be somewhat of a Utopian society. A jalapeno in every pot and a bottle of Uncle Big’s on every table. No one would ever be without spicy foods. Something like that.
Seriously, I would like to see more quality Canadian-made gourmet hot sauces on our store shelves. Stores would then need get rid of the shitty vinegar based sauces manufactured and imported from God knows where, that for some reason seem to be so God damned popular. Just because you can afford to advertise during the Super Bowl, doesn’t mean your product is good, it means your marketing machine is good and that’s unfortunate. People are so brain washed in today’s society that they think just because they saw an ad for it on TV, that it magically makes it good. Remember that vacuum cleaner attachment that cuts your hair?? Or how about that Spray on Hair shit!! Who buys this crap? That’s where the education about what you’re eating comes into play. If a hot sauce burns on the way in, and burns just as much on the way out, maybe you should look at what’s in it. No exit burn with any Uncle Big’s product, no sir.
5. What is your favorite sauce that you don’t make?
OK, that’s not a fair question. Variety is the spice of life, literally in this case. I can break it down for you based on levels of heat, how about that?
Table sauce: 2006 Scovie Award winning Grandma Shivji’s Chile and Garlic. I go through 2 litres a month, no bullshit either. It has replaced ketchup in my house.
Medium to Hot: I gotta go with Acid Rain. Decent heat, and it kicks your ass with flavour and I’m not just saying that because I’m under the Hatari brand. It’s good shit.
Hot to Super Hot: Droolin’ Devil’s El Diablo. It’s an excellent source of heat and provides you with 100% of your daily intake of yummy flavors, the best combination for a 300,000 Scoville unit sauce in my humble opinion.
6. Do you eat the stuff you make?
Well, of course I do and quite happily I might add. Why do you think I look so pissed off on the label? It’s not because I caught my johnson in my zipper, it’s the sauce man!!! The heat is overwhelming; the sweet pain makes me go to my happy place
7. What’s a typical day for you?
Well I get up around 6 am everyday and take a leak which is not a bad start to the day if I do say so for myself. Then I grind up some fresh chili flakes and take a good snort in each nostril and then I do naked Tai Chi in the front room of my house for about half an hour. The cat refuses to watch for some reason, he leaves the room as soon as I walk in, go figure.
Then I make breakfast for myself and my lovely wife of 6 months which involves about half a dozen eggs, HP sauce, Cheez Whiz and even more chili flakes. She refuses to snort any of those ingredients though, but I do encourage her to do so from time to time. Then it’s off to the office from 8-5. I sometimes go to the gym at lunch, but they frown upon my repeated attempts to participate in the TaeBo class in the nude, so I have to wear clothing or they’ll ask me to leave, but I digress. Then between the hours of 5 p.m. until I go to bed, it’s all about the spreading the word about Uncle Big’s Killer Hot Sauce.
I visit retailers, cruise the web and chat with chileheads on message boards and chat forums and work on the website. My wife and I have a couple of other hot sauces projects in the works which will be unleashed on the world when the time is right. Patience is a virtue, all in good time. But not a moment of my ‘typical day’ goes by without thanking the Lord above for loving my wife. She’s the best. It took me over 30 years to find someone who’ll put up with my shit and support the craziness that is Uncle Big, so I consider myself truly blessed to have someone like her.
8. What sets you aside from the other hot sauce producers out there today?
I know I’m probably sounding like a broken record, but I don’t really give a shit. What sets me aside from the other hot sauce producers out there is my dedication to the quality of ingredients in my products. We only use the best and that’s reflected in the price of our sauce. Uncle Big’s ain’t no $1.99 bargain bin sauce over by the laundry soap aisle you know. I consider my sauce in the upper echelon of the sauce world. It’s like a Beamer or a Porsche, a high powered performance sauce with seriously sick horsepower, and that is reflected in the price point.
We aren’t trying to pick people’s pockets but Uncle Big’s Killer Hot Sauce is pepper based, not vinegar based and that’s what you’re paying for the ingredients.
Look at my ingredients: Hatari, Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, Peri Peri, Piquin, Tepin, Birds Eye, Cayenne Peppers, Natural African Oleoresin, Molasses, Tomatoes, Lemon, Lime and Orange Juice, Vinegar, Garlic, Sea Salt, Onion, Herbs, Spices, and Honey. You see that? The first 8 ingredients that make up my sauce (and no they aren’t in alphabetical order) are peppers. I think the discerning ChileHead always notices the difference between pepper based like Uncle Big’s and vinegar based sauces like so many out there. I’m all about the flavour that using quality fresh ingredients provides. The mind blowing heat is just and secondary but very much needed bonus to my sauce. I’ve been told it’s kind of like masturbating with a cheese grater, you know a pain and pleasure thing. Yin and Yang, Darkness and Light, it’s all about balance.
9. What is your inspiration before you embark on a new concoction?
I get my inspiration from different places. Back in the day it was from perception altering drugs, but for the most part nowadays I try to keep my finger on the pulse of the food industry and watch trends to see what’s new and more importantly what’s missing from the scene. There aren’t many new tricks to be had in the hot sauce biz, what needs to happen now is for all of us in the industry to spend more time on what’s inside the bottles and less time on what’s on the label.
Hot sauce is going through a renaissance right now. People are getting tired of the fast food mentality which is running rampant in today’s society. People are spending more money on where, when, how and what they are eating. Gourmet markets are seeing huge gains in clientele around throughout North America and I want to cater to the discerning chili heads out there. I mean people that have 1200 hot sauces in the basement, that shit inspires me. The loyalty those crazy mother f*ckers have to hot sauce and the associated endorphin rush never ceases to inspire and yes even amaze me. People ask me for my autograph because they love my sauce. That my friend would inspire anyone, don’t you think?
10. Outside of creating hot products what, what else keeps you occupied or out of trouble?
Well, during the in between times I love to do photography. I was a photojournalist by trade and I still have a love of the art form. That pretty much fills the rest of my spare time. As far as keeping out of trouble, what would be the fun in that??
Uncle Bigs Killer Hot Sauce Review
Wesbite: Uncle Bigs Killer Hot Sauces
Chilehead Comments:
Posted by: Anthony - Categories: Uncategorized
Permalink: Hot Sauce Maker Interview #2 - Uncle Big
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192 Comments
I have to ask something here. Is there a massive enclave of chiliheads in Alberta? My reason for asking this is as of late, we have been inundated with orders to Calgary. That region is now tipping the scales as the best market we have. It’s strange, but I’m just wondering.
There happens to be a (from what several people have told me) a REALLY good sauce (almost famous) hot or BBq from alberta, and being the Beef capital of Canada there are probably a lot of sauce lovers there 
“I’ve been told it’s kind of like masturbating with a cheese grater” !!?!!
Where do I get some?!
Vic on 4/10/2006 at 5:08 pm said:
“I’ve been told it’s kind of like masturbating with a cheese grater” !!?!!
Where do I get some?!
I don’t know, looks a little more painful than I care for, but ya can get it here .
I like this guys sense of humor. Made me laugh many times!! Good stuff
DEFCON Creator on 4/10/2006 at 3:04 pm said:
I have to ask something here. Is there a massive enclave of chiliheads in Alberta? My reason for asking this is as of late, we have been inundated with orders to Calgary. That region is now tipping the scales as the best market we have. It’s strange, but I’m just wondering.
Well apparently there is enough, I know i have been asking the folks around here to pick up Defcon, so perhaps I am begining to see the results of my constant bickering err… asking hehe..
As per the two interview’s we have a couple of manufacturers and distributors in the area, and some manufacturers in surrounding area as well. The BBQ sauce that Pmac is talking about I believe is the Cattle Boyz sauces.. And I may add that it is amazing. Both the original and the Sweet Hot bbq sauce as well.
Creator, perhaps you should come out west for the stampede hoorah and have a dandy of a time with sauces of all sorts hehe. I am sure I can find a bar or two that would serve nectars to lessen the heat of a hot sauce or two.
pmac on 4/10/2006 at 4:25 pm said:
There happens to be a (from what several people have told me) a REALLY good sauce (almost famous) hot or BBq from alberta, and being the Beef capital of Canada there are probably a lot of sauce lovers there
Hey pmac - that BBQ sauce is from Cattle Boyz - you can get it at Costco.
Yeah thats it Cattle Boyz. That sounds familliar. How good is it IYO . Is it hot sauce or a BBQ sauce?
pmac on 4/10/2006 at 7:19 pm said:
Yeah thats it Cattle Boyz. That sounds familliar. How good is it IYO . Is it hot sauce or a BBQ sauce?
pmac it’s BBQ there pretty good we carry them at Jungle Jims
pmac on 4/10/2006 at 7:19 pm said:
Yeah thats it Cattle Boyz. That sounds familliar. How good is it IYO . Is it hot sauce or a BBQ sauce?
Hi pmac. It is good - definately worth trying some out. It is a true BBQ sauce though. I have only tried the regular version and was pleased with it - no noticeable heat in that one but I think they have a spice up version. Go check out their web-site.
Total World Domination… Sound like it’s time to set up a “Cage Match” between Uncle Big and Defcon….
CaJohn on 4/10/2006 at 8:31 pm said:
Total World Domination… Sound like it’s time to set up a “Cage Match” between Uncle Big and Defcon….
Cajohn:::: Got the new stuff out today.Looks great 8ft of nothing but Adam. eve, Trucks, sun,Lava. Lady lib. and one sexy lady. And yes left a hole for the COBRA. Looks good I’ll send a picture.
CaJohn on 4/10/2006 at 8:31 pm said:
Total World Domination… Sound like it’s time to set up a “Cage Match” between Uncle Big and Defcon….
Ahhh Yes!! Now THAT sounds like a great Pay-Per-View Special!!!
CaJohn on 4/10/2006 at 8:31 pm said:
Total World Domination… Sound like it’s time to set up a “Cage Match” between Uncle Big and Defcon….
My money’s on the Creator. He’s currently planning the takeover of Casa Huvason to free the kidnapped Homunculus (which I was not part of, I staill maintain )
huvason on 4/10/2006 at 8:46 pm said:
My money’s on the Creator. He’s currently planning the takeover of Casa Huvason to free the kidnapped Homunculus (which I was not part of, I staill maintain
huvason, this might be the diversion that you need! This guy looks meaner than Defcon, even when he’s in the mask…
You guys crack me up. The Huvason can naver escape, he’s done. As for a cage match, Mr. Big looks large, no need for a cage, I’m thinking chemicals at a distance. Wait a minute, why am I even considering chem-ing this guy, he makes hot sauces, he is of The Brotherhood. The Huvason shall be vilified for his attempt at misdirection once again. I reiterate to the enemy who resides within Casa Huvason Stronghold holding the Homunuculus, your pain shall be legendary.
CaJohn on 4/10/2006 at 9:08 pm said:
huvason, this might be the diversion that you need! This guy looks meaner than Defcon, even when he’s in the mask…
I see it as “old ‘n busted” vs. “new hottness”…I’m willing to bet vital reproductive organs on this one…put me down for Uncle Big! 
CAN YOU SMEEEEEEELLLL WHAT THE BIG IS COOOKIN….. oops my bad wrong wrestler!! sheesh
That is one scarry lookin’ dude!!
That is one scary lookin’ dude!!
DEFCON Creator on 4/10/2006 at 9:29 pm said:
You guys crack me up. The Huvason can naver escape, he’s done. As for a cage match, Mr. Big looks large, no need for a cage, I’m thinking chemicals at a distance. Wait a minute, why am I even considering chem-ing this guy, he makes hot sauces, he is of The Brotherhood. The Huvason shall be vilified for his attempt at misdirection once again. I reiterate to the enemy who resides within Casa Huvason Stronghold holding the Homunuculus, your pain shall be legendary.
Of the Brotherhood yes, but the both of you are touting domination. There can only be ONE who “Dominates”. Therefore, it shall be decided between you. The rest of us will just have to ______________ (go ahead bloggers, fill in the blank)
place bets on the winner, collect our money at the end and go to texas happy
Mrs.Ryan on 4/10/2006 at 11:16 pm said:
place bets on the winner, collect our money at the end and go to texas happy
And you said I was funny LOL!!!
pmac on 4/11/2006 at 12:17 am said:
And you said I was funny LOL!!!
I do have my moments
Hey all, just checking in….been a long night…pmac, you should be in bed
talk to yall t’mara
eman
aka sleepy sleeperson
good night eman!
g’nite sleepy person
g’night eman. We will talk tomorrow!
CaJohn on 4/10/2006 at 11:14 pm said:
Of the Brotherhood yes, but the both of you are touting domination. There can only be ONE who “Dominates”. Therefore, it shall be decided between you. The rest of us will just have to ______________ (go ahead bloggers, fill in the blank)
39 states, 6 countries and 11 restaurants in a year. I would call that a pretty good start at domination. Oh yeah, and the 2 Scovies with 1st place included for wings. Personally, I don’t take the angle of busting on other people’s products, like Cackalacky did. To put down others products just to tout your own is kind of cheesy. Big talk yes, small and/or negative effect in my opinion. If your product is good, so be it, prove it with sales, not put-downs and manly talk, bottom line. Stuff like ,”What sets me aside from the other hot sauce producers out there is my dedication to the quality of ingredients in my products.” Well, isn’t that special, I guess he’s stating everyone else in the industry uses crap, nice.
DEFCON Creator on 4/11/2006 at 7:27 am said:
39 states, 6 countries and 11 restaurants in a year. I would call that a pretty good start at domination. Oh yeah, and the 2 Scovies with 1st place included for wings. Personally, I don’t take the angle of busting on other people’s products, like Cackalacky did. To put down others products just to tout your own is kind of cheesy. Big talk yes, small and/or negative effect in my opinion. If your product is good, so be it, prove it with sales, not put-downs and manly talk, bottom line. Stuff like ,”What sets me aside from the other hot sauce producers out there is my dedication to the quality of ingredients in my products.” Well, isn’t that special, I guess he’s stating everyone else in the industry uses crap, nice.
That’s pretty impressive Mr Creator. All that, and still time to rain hell on Casa Huvason
More pics tonight from the standoff - I promise.
Ahhh The Huvason speaks. You see, the Defcon Hoards need no help from me, they all know what to do to break the Casa Huvason Stronghold. Meanwhile, I work on global domination behind the scenes. Oh, you should have your stuff today or tomorrow.
DEFCON Creator on 4/11/2006 at 7:55 am said:
Ahhh The Huvason speaks. You see, the Defcon Hoards need no help from me, they all know what to do to break the Casa Huvason Stronghold. Meanwhile, I work on global domination behind the scenes. Oh, you should have your stuff today or tomorrow.
Thanx. I did pay right? I’m going to run a bottle of TWO and ONE to place we discussed to try and get that going.
huvason on 4/11/2006 at 8:10 am said:
Thanx. I did pay right? I’m going to run a bottle of TWO and ONE to place we discussed to try and get that going.
That is, of course, Casa Huvason is still intact. I’m guessing as long as the little fellow is still being held captive by those terrbile DEFCON sauces, Casa Huvason should be safe.
Thanks, keep me updated.
Allow yourself to think you’re safe, it will ease the pain.
CaJohn on 4/10/2006 at 11:14 pm said:
Of the Brotherhood yes, but the both of you are touting domination. There can only be ONE who “Dominates”. Therefore, it shall be decided between you. The rest of us will just have to ______________ (go ahead bloggers, fill in the blank)
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
DEFCON Creator on 4/11/2006 at 7:27 am said:
39 states, 6 countries and 11 restaurants in a year. I would call that a pretty good start at domination. Oh yeah, and the 2 Scovies with 1st place included for wings. Personally, I don’t take the angle of busting on other people’s products, like Cackalacky did. To put down others products just to tout your own is kind of cheesy. Big talk yes, small and/or negative effect in my opinion. If your product is good, so be it, prove it with sales, not put-downs and manly talk, bottom line. Stuff like ,”What sets me aside from the other hot sauce producers out there is my dedication to the quality of ingredients in my products.” Well, isn’t that special, I guess he’s stating everyone else in the industry uses crap, nice.
I find it much better to let the products do the talking… just my style. Others have other ways of promoting, nothing wrong with that, just not my style… 275 awards in 7+ years…
Hello Chile Heads, Uncle Big here.
I just want to say something before more people find my comments as negative and to stop anyone from getting their boxers in a bunch.
I’m not hear to bash anyone or state that their product is crap (ouch that hurts), far from it. I’m just commenting on the consumer not expecting more from their condiments and perhaps my comments came out wrong.
They have so many quality sauces available outside of the mainstream that there’s this misconception that all that’s available to them is what’s on their grocery store shelves. Most of those products don’t use expensive or “quality” ingredients just so the retail price points fits in with Joe Six Packs wing budget for the week. That’ not a bold statement, that’s a fact. At least that what’s I’ve seen and I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn by saying that either.
People should expect more, and products like Defcon, Cajohns, Blairs and other quality award winning gourmet sauce producers have raised the bar in quality and taste over the years and I just want people to shop smarter and realize you get what you pay for. I bow to in great reverence to the sauce Gods in attendance on this site that have proven their sauce verility with quality products, awards won and market penetration. My interview with Anthony was done with a tounge in cheek attitude and my hope was to stir the pot a little because, that’s what I do best.
I”m all about quality and I may be new to the sauce arena, but I’ve been eating sauce for over 25 years and have a love for the industry. I’m not here to step on toes, but I’M UP FOR A CAGE MATCH ANYTIME. As long as Nick can webcast it on HSB, that would be cool. The BrotherHood demands it. LOL. I love this shit.
So please, don’t take my capsicum induced ranting as personal or professional shots, it’s all in good fun and hopefully in good taste.
If you don’t believe me, well then, TASTE MY PAIN and let my product make a believer out of you.
CaJohn on 4/11/2006 at 9:20 am said:
I find it much better to let the products do the talking… just my style. Others have other ways of promoting, nothing wrong with that, just not my style… 275 awards in 7+ years…
maybe he isn’t stating that everyone else uses crap, maybe he is stating that it takes him awhile to find the perfect ingredients and because of that he is dedicated to it, I don’t know the first thing about where he lives or how easy it is to find the ingredients for the sauces, he has one sauce under his belt, and maybe he doesn’t have the major resources like some of you do to get your pepper mashes and such. forgive me for my opinion if I am off base here, but we only get to read what he said, not actually ask questions for clarification. (although that would be nice) like I said this is all a maybe. I am just adding a new perspective here
MAYBE he is saying you all use crap…..he looks mean enough to back up anything he says
Mrs.Ryan on 4/11/2006 at 11:02 am said:
maybe he isn’t stating that everyone else uses crap, maybe he is stating that it takes him awhile to find the perfect ingredients and because of that he is dedicated to it, I don’t know the first thing about where he lives or how easy it is to find the ingredients for the sauces, he has one sauce under his belt, and maybe he doesn’t have the major resources like some of you do to get your pepper mashes and such. forgive me for my opinion if I am off base here, but we only get to read what he said, not actually ask questions for clarification. (although that would be nice) like I said this is all a maybe. I am just adding a new perspective here
MAYBE he is saying you all use crap…..he looks mean enough to back up anything he says
Do I detect a hint of conspiracy theory in there? God I love this blog.
I think SOME of you need to read that interview in it’s entirety and not just parts of it to understand what he meant about being dedicated to the ingredients just a thought
Mrs.Ryan on 4/11/2006 at 11:09 am said:
I think SOME of you need to read that interview in it’s entirety and not just parts of it to understand what he meant about being dedicated to the ingredients
Ya know what, she’s right, and I’ve held my tongue on this matter long enough. So here it is. Creator, you talk about a “brotherhood” of hot sauce makers and how you’re a part of it. Members of a “brotherhood” do not try to pick apart, analyze, reassemble and twist what other members of this “brotherhood” say. Uncle Big IS competition for you, and what I, as well as others here on the blog, hae noticed is whenever someone bigger, better, and more established in the hot sauce industry speaks up, you either shut up until the attention to that particular manufacturer dies down, or you make one hell of an effort to divert the attention back to you. You may have a good product, but you’re not the only one and your gloating over the scovie awards and what not is poor attempt to make yourself seem high and mighty. A brotherhood consists of people like CaJohn, Blair, Danny and Lee Cash, people that back each other up and support one another’s products, not come up with “conspiracy theroy” about how another hot sauce maker is supposedly putting you down. I have tried to be subtle, but you just don’t get it. You have some good marketing strategies, but you’re starting to make yourself look no better than Cackalacky. The spot light is not yours and other people are in it no matter how hard you try to push them into the shadows. Until you understand this and learn to share like a good little boy, you’ll never be as big as the other great hot sauce makers that grace YOU with their presence and comments. The other thing that makes people like CaJohn, Blair, and Danny Cash great is that they don’t shun the little guys that have helped sell their products to pay homage to the bigger retailers. They spread the love. I’m sure by now you’re thinking about what a jackass I am and that’s fine, your opinion of me is inconsequestial, but what it would be in your best interest to take what I have said here to heart. You will go far if you do.
geeze, that was ruff. Creator was just saying he uses great ingredients too. His and Uncle Big are so far from the same type of sauce…Uncle Big’s is meant to hurt you, the Creator’s are meant to please the palate.
See, how I see it, using Natural African Oleoresin to make your sauce so hot it hurts you, really isn’t hard to do.
Thaksweet, you’re half right.
Uncle Big’s is incredibly hot, I used 1 million scoville extract, so that goes without saying.
But don’t be fooled, Uncle Big’s is incredibly tasty as well. Our customers are always telling us it’s a great balance between flavour and heat, believe it or not it can be done.
We use Oleoresin in most of our products for it’s flavour benefits.
I guess you’ll have to try some for yourself if you haven’t already.
No conspiracies, no mud slinging, just hot sauce.
Ryan on 4/11/2006 at 11:25 am said:
Ya know what, she’s right, and I’ve held my tongue on this matter long enough. So here it is. Creator, you talk about a “brotherhood” of hot sauce makers and how you’re a part of it. Members of a “brotherhood” do not try to pick apart, analyze, reassemble and twist what other members of this “brotherhood” say. Uncle Big IS competition for you, and what I, as well as others here on the blog, hae noticed is whenever someone bigger, better, and more established in the hot sauce industry speaks up, you either shut up until the attention to that particular manufacturer dies down, or you make one hell of an effort to divert the attention back to you. You may have a good product, but you’re not the only one and your gloating over the scovie awards and what not is poor attempt to make yourself seem high and mighty. A brotherhood consists of people like CaJohn, Blair, Danny and Lee Cash, people that back each other up and support one another’s products, not come up with “conspiracy theroy” about how another hot sauce maker is supposedly putting you down. I have tried to be subtle, but you just don’t get it. You have some good marketing strategies, but you’re starting to make yourself look no better than Cackalacky. The spot light is not yours and other people are in it no matter how hard you try to push them into the shadows. Until you understand this and learn to share like a good little boy, you’ll never be as big as the other great hot sauce makers that grace YOU with their presence and comments. The other thing that makes people like CaJohn, Blair, and Danny Cash great is that they don’t shun the little guys that have helped sell their products to pay homage to the bigger retailers. They spread the love. I’m sure by now you’re thinking about what a jackass I am and that’s fine, your opinion of me is inconsequestial, but what it would be in your best interest to take what I have said here to heart. You will go far if you do.
Sorry for butting in here, but…
Ya know, she WAS right, and she said it the right way - politely and in an uninsulting way. If you are going to say things like this, how about in an email to the Creator? Do you we really all need to read this attempt to publicly embarass him? Whether he’s wrong or right we don’t need to read your lecture to him about business. And please don’t assume you know what it takes to “go far” in the hot sauce industry. My .02
Ryan on 4/11/2006 at 11:25 am said:
Ya know what, she’s right, and I’ve held my tongue on this matter long enough. So here it is. Creator, you talk about a “brotherhood” of hot sauce makers and how you’re a part of it. Members of a “brotherhood” do not try to pick apart, analyze, reassemble and twist what other members of this “brotherhood” say. Uncle Big IS competition for you, and what I, as well as others here on the blog, hae noticed is whenever someone bigger, better, and more established in the hot sauce industry speaks up, you either shut up until the attention to that particular manufacturer dies down, or you make one hell of an effort to divert the attention back to you. You may have a good product, but you’re not the only one and your gloating over the scovie awards and what not is poor attempt to make yourself seem high and mighty. A brotherhood consists of people like CaJohn, Blair, Danny and Lee Cash, people that back each other up and support one another’s products, not come up with “conspiracy theroy” about how another hot sauce maker is supposedly putting you down. I have tried to be subtle, but you just don’t get it. You have some good marketing strategies, but you’re starting to make yourself look no better than Cackalacky. The spot light is not yours and other people are in it no matter how hard you try to push them into the shadows. Until you understand this and learn to share like a good little boy, you’ll never be as big as the other great hot sauce makers that grace YOU with their presence and comments. The other thing that makes people like CaJohn, Blair, and Danny Cash great is that they don’t shun the little guys that have helped sell their products to pay homage to the bigger retailers. They spread the love. I’m sure by now you’re thinking about what a jackass I am and that’s fine, your opinion of me is inconsequestial, but what it would be in your best interest to take what I have said here to heart. You will go far if you do.
Preach on brother. Creator/Homuculus is becoming tiresome….
sorry….
Adam2 on 4/11/2006 at 12:47 pm said:
Sorry for butting in here, but…
Ya know, she WAS right, and she said it the right way - politely and in an uninsulting way. If you are going to say things like this, how about in an email to the Creator? Do you we really all need to read this attempt to publicly embarass him? Whether he’s wrong or right we don’t need to read your lecture to him about business. And please don’t assume you know what it takes to “go far” in the hot sauce industry. My .02
Adam, you do have a point, but my words do not apply to just the hot sauce industry, it applies to all business. Ask any successful business person and they will tell you that customer service is key. Now I understand your feelings about what I have posted. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, even Creator and myself. We are free to express those opinions as you, Creator, myself, and just about everyone here has. I understand that this is a place that people come to have a good time. I am very analytical and not much goes over my head, nor do I ignore the underlying messages. Vaguery and beating around the bush don’t work with me. It would be pointless to try and e-mail him considering that he doesn’t reply to e-mails from some retailers, that shall remain nameless, that WERE selling his product but are now trying to get rid of it due to the poor business relationship. If nobody wants people to discuss the business practices of hot sauce manufacturers, then hot sauce manufacturers need to stop using the HSB as a marketing tool to suck people in and promote their products. I think its great that there are manufacturers that come here on the blog and join in our banter, but if you’re going to try to draw attention to yourself and your product, expect attention to be given. Now, for one that complains about conspriacy theorists, he has done a pretty good job of making his own conspiracy theory about another hot sauce manufacturer today. Everyone else plays nice, why can’t he?
and i thought working in a hair salon was tramatic 
Mrs.Ryan on 4/11/2006 at 1:24 pm said:
and i thought working in a hair salon was tramatic
That would say a lot about Ryan’s hair! 
I understand and agree Ryan. And Mrs. Ryan just reminded me that I’m late for my haircut appointment! Gotta Run!
I don’t mean this is a deragatory way, but does anyone else think that Uncle Big looks like Bam Bam Bigelo? I always wondered what he did after wrestling…
Adam2 on 4/11/2006 at 1:33 pm said:
I don’t mean this is a deragatory way, but does anyone else think that Uncle Big looks like Bam Bam Bigelo? I always wondered what he did after wrestling…
Hi Adam2 - if you read my review http://www.hotsauceblog.com/hotsaucearchives/uncle-bigs-killer-hot-sauce/
You will see that I said the same thing. (It is not Bam Bam Bigelow though)
Wow, I’m going to have to re-read this, but I didn’t think the Creator said anything out of line! I’ve been skimming the thread at work - will have to re-read tonight. What exactly did I miss?
Adam2 on 4/11/2006 at 1:31 pm said:
I understand and agree Ryan. And Mrs. Ryan just reminded me that I’m late for my haircut appointment!
Hey Adam, I thank you for speaking up about you feelings on this matter. I would be a total hypocrit if I didn’t accept what people have to say about me and my opinions. I figure if I’m gonna dish it out, I’d better be able to take. Have fun at your hair appt.
huvason on 4/11/2006 at 1:39 pm said:
Wow, I’m going to have to re-read this, but I didn’t think the Creator said anything out of line! I’ve been skimming the thread at work - will have to re-read tonight. What exactly did I miss?
Huvason, when you re read the article please read everything…it may help to understand what happened and why the comments were taken the way they were. I still believe the comment was taken out of context.
Anthony on 4/11/2006 at 1:29 pm said:
That would say a lot about Ryan’s hair!
how do I take that……?
Adam2 on 4/11/2006 at 1:33 pm said:
I don’t mean this is a deragatory way, but does anyone else think that Uncle Big looks like Bam Bam Bigelo? I always wondered what he did after wrestling…
wow I do believe your right… all he’s missing are the tattoo’s on his head…..
Anthony on 4/11/2006 at 1:29 pm said:
That would say a lot about Ryan’s hair!
You mean why he wears that pink helmet
ryan on 4/11/2006 at 1:44 pm said:
Hey Adam, I thank you for speaking up about you feelings on this matter. I would be a total hypocrit if I didn’t accept what people have to say about me and my opinions. I figure if I’m gonna dish it out, I’d better be able to take. Have fun at your hair appt.
You dishin it out again ryan??? and I wasnt hear to listen…
I will have to read back as well cuase I missed it
chris k on 4/11/2006 at 2:20 pm said:
You mean why he wears that pink helmet
Chris..ooops i mean booger i’ll make ure to bering my clippers along, we need to make sure you have a reason to wear a helmet too… of course we’ve all been on the blog long enough to know you already have enough reasons to wear the helmet without a haircut
excuse the typos I was on the phone while trying to type…. and yes I am trying to put my helmet on as well
Good grief, I dissapear to “work” for a little while and all hell breaks loose.. hehe.. Well i like hot sauce, and if anyone makes a hot sauce that I like and can use on a regular basis, then its good enough for me. So thats my $.02 and it includes anyone who makes a hot sauce .. l
And as a side note, I can neither confirm or deny the possibility that he is in fact Bam Bam Bigalo. But some of the wrestlers tatoos may be faked hmmmm.. hehe..
You guys better be nice or you’ll get the “Wham-Bam-Thank You Ma’am” (a flying headbutt for any non-wrestling fans out there)
who cares about the flying head butt, just being chased or sat on by bam bam is scary enough
Mrs.Ryan on 4/11/2006 at 2:31 pm said:
Chris..ooops i mean booger i’ll make ure to bering my clippers along, we need to make sure you have a reason to wear a helmet too… of course we’ve all been on the blog long enough to know you already have enough reasons to wear the helmet without a haircut
clippers???? ryan should I be scared???
Helmet: “any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material to resist impact”
I see, maybe Nick should supply them (helmets) when you start to post here
you should be very very very very very scared
chris k on 4/11/2006 at 4:30 pm said:
clippers???? ryan should I be scared???
Helmet: “any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material to resist impact”
I see, maybe Nick should supply them (helmets) when you start to post here
Nah, she’s damn good at what she does.
thank you hun I have to admit, after 3 years of teaching and 3 years in a salon I am very good but for you booger chris, I’ll make an exception
Mrs.Ryan on 4/11/2006 at 5:07 pm said:
thank you hun
Seems we have something else in common (besides hot sauce) I too have been working in a salon for 6 years and am traumatized on a daily basis! As for whats going on here today, thank you for speaking your peace with dignity, class and an objective point of view. Nice to see a comment like that made out of thought and not pure reaction.
Kristi on 4/11/2006 at 6:05 pm said:
Seems we have something else in common (besides hot sauce) I too have been working in a salon for 6 years and am traumatized on a daily basis! As for whats going on here today, thank you for speaking your peace with dignity, class and an objective point of view. Nice to see a comment like that made out of thought and not pure reaction.
Kristi, I’m just taking a wild guess here, but I imagine you’re referring to my lengthy comment earlier this morning. It was thought out, not pure reaction.
Ryan, I was actually only referring to Mrs. Ryan’s comment. Nice to see a comment made out of thought and not pure reaction. I did not mean yours was out of pure reaction. Sometimes I purposely do not say certain things or comment because I know people take things out of context and pounce at the first opportunity. I don’t think people for the most part are looking to start a mudslinging contest when they decide to speak up. It was nice to see a voice of reason, thats all. Plus now we have the salon connection. lol
Kristi on 4/11/2006 at 6:41 pm said:
Ryan, I was actually only referring to Mrs. Ryan’s comment. Nice to see a comment made out of thought and not pure reaction. I did not mean yours was out of pure reaction. Sometimes I purposely do not say certain things or comment because I know people take things out of context and pounce at the first opportunity. I don’t think people for the most part are looking to start a mudslinging contest when they decide to speak up. It was nice to see a voice of reason, thats all. Plus now we have the salon connection. lol
Ok, sorry for misunderstanding. Like I said, taking a wild guess Good to see someone else in the salon industry. The Mrs. will love it
Uncle Big, I’m definitely going to order some. I found a site in the US to lower the shipping charges. I’m sure it’s going to blow my head off, but I’ll email you after to let you know what I think.
BTW, I thought the interview was awesome, unique and gritty.
Ryan on 4/11/2006 at 11:25 am said:
Ya know what, she’s right, and I’ve held my tongue on this matter long enough. So here it is. Creator, you talk about a “brotherhood” of hot sauce makers and how you’re a part of it. Members of a “brotherhood” do not try to pick apart, analyze, reassemble and twist what other members of this “brotherhood” say. Uncle Big IS competition for you, and what I, as well as others here on the blog, hae noticed is whenever someone bigger, better, and more established in the hot sauce industry speaks up, you either shut up until the attention to that particular manufacturer dies down, or you make one hell of an effort to divert the attention back to you. You may have a good product, but you’re not the only one and your gloating over the scovie awards and what not is poor attempt to make yourself seem high and mighty. A brotherhood consists of people like CaJohn, Blair, Danny and Lee Cash, people that back each other up and support one another’s products, not come up with “conspiracy theroy” about how another hot sauce maker is supposedly putting you down. I have tried to be subtle, but you just don’t get it. You have some good marketing strategies, but you’re starting to make yourself look no better than Cackalacky. The spot light is not yours and other people are in it no matter how hard you try to push them into the shadows. Until you understand this and learn to share like a good little boy, you’ll never be as big as the other great hot sauce makers that grace YOU with their presence and comments. The other thing that makes people like CaJohn, Blair, and Danny Cash great is that they don’t shun the little guys that have helped sell their products to pay homage to the bigger retailers. They spread the love. I’m sure by now you’re thinking about what a jackass I am and that’s fine, your opinion of me is inconsequestial, but what it would be in your best interest to take what I have said here to heart. You will go far if you do.
Shun the little guy? What in God’s name are you talking about, I don;t even think He knows? Perhaps your conspiracy theories are getting to you. I say nothing bad about anyone’s product and NEVER have, pally. I have stated and stated again (I guess you didn’t read those posts, ahhh, selective theorizing again I see) I just don’t like people saying their stuff is better because everyone elses stuff sucks. Capiche?
huvason on 4/11/2006 at 1:39 pm said:
Wow, I’m going to have to re-read this, but I didn’t think the Creator said anything out of line! I’ve been skimming the thread at work - will have to re-read tonight. What exactly did I miss?
Actually Huv, you didn’t miss anything. Perhaps the Capricorn One theory has found the way into their grey matter. Nothing more. Big explained what he meant, and I commend him for it. It’s only certain individuals that want to hold on to something pre-explanation and run with the deflated ball.
As for taking stuff out of context, a full sentence, ,”What sets me aside from the other hot sauce producers out there is my dedication to the quality of ingredients in my products.” , is not taken out of context, and that sentence is what I was responding to. Christ, talking to you 2 is like talking to a tag-team partnership. What part of “I didn’t agree” with this sentence don’t both of you understand. Big was nice enough to come on and explain it, and both of you seem to have missed that part, so as to propagate your hollow conspiracy. Fine by me, I just find it funny.
We’re all friends here, and Big is a member of The Brotherhood, as previously explained. Drop the conspiracy flotsam.
And as for “The Homunculus Chronicles”, I found them funny.
I read it twice - fully, and still don’t get it. Maybe this has been festering a while, and this was the proverbially straw?
Either way, please POST ON. That’s what makes this blog great! I may not agree, but you are certainly entitled…..
thakswet on 4/11/2006 at 7:06 pm said:
Uncle Big, I’m definitely going to order some. I found a site in the US to lower the shipping charges. I’m sure it’s going to blow my head off, but I’ll email you after to let you know what I think.
BTW, I thought the interview was awesome, unique and gritty.
Can you post where you are getting it? (at least after you have ordered
Ryan on 4/11/2006 at 11:05 am said:
Do I detect a hint of conspiracy theory in there?
I have nothing to say I just wanted to see how big this thing can get
pmac on 4/11/2006 at 7:35 pm said:
I have nothing to say I just wanted to see how big this thing can get
OF COURSE THAT IS WHAT ADAM SAID TO EVE
oops!
http://www.cosmicchile.com has it for $11.95+6.95 shipping.
I find alot of Uncles making sauce these days too. You got Uncle Burtha, Uncle Dougie and Uncle Big. Where are all the Aunt’s?
thakswet on 4/11/2006 at 7:37 pm said:
http://www.cosmicchile.com has it for $11.95+6.95 shipping.
I find alot of Uncles making sauce these days too. You got Uncle Burtha, Uncle Dougie and Uncle Big. Where are all the Aunt’s?
The aunt-eater got em all!
Mr Big welcome to the blog
Creator luv ya babe!
Ryan, we still have each others e-mail
huvason, nice blackberry!!!
Mrs Ryan, you sexy gal you!
and of course eman, Nick, chris k, and all the others
….
I feel a group hug coming on LOL
pmac on 4/11/2006 at 7:41 pm said:
Mr Big welcome to the blog
Creator luv ya babe!
Ryan, we still have each others e-mail
huvason, nice blackberry!!!
Mrs Ryan, you sexy gal you!
and of course eman, Nick, chris k, and all the others
….
I feel a group hug coming on
hmm?
HSB LURKER on 4/11/2006 at 12:53 pm said:
Preach on brother. Creator/Homuculus is becoming tiresome….
sorry….
And in my personal opinion, and I am pretty sure others as well.
Mr Lurker, there is no reason for shots like this.
But welcome as well as I see this is your second post!
I think you shoud remember when it comes to direct personal attack, mild or otherwise, he is one of us on the other end of the screen and he has feelings and emotions, and I for one think he is Hillarious. An absolute delightful addition to the blog. He has cunning linguistic skils, I imaging his wife is exceptionally happy!!!
The previous statement was entirely silly and did not really merit you all reading it to this point and I am now leaving before someone rips me a new one :)…orrr mmmaaayybeee i could stick around for that? 
pmac on 4/11/2006 at 7:36 pm said:
OF COURSE THAT IS WHAT ADAM SAID TO EVE
It messes up the margins BIG TIME! wsup pmac!
pmac on 4/11/2006 at 7:42 pm said:
hmm?
OK…. hug
pmac on 4/11/2006 at 7:41 pm said:
Mr Big welcome to the blog
Creator luv ya babe!
Ryan, we still have each others e-mail
huvason, nice blackberry!!!
Mrs Ryan, you sexy gal you!
and of course eman, Nick, chris k, and all the others
….
I feel a group hug coming on
Sexy gal? In now way are you wrong, but interesting that you should take notice
NO…not now Out of the office I go!
pmac on 4/11/2006 at 7:53 pm said:
And in my personal opinion, and I am pretty sure others as well.
Mr Lurker, there is no reason for shots like this.
But welcome as well as I see this is your second post!
I think you shoud remember when it comes to direct personal attack, mild or otherwise, he is one of us on the other end of the screen and he has feelings and emotions, and I for one think he is Hillarious. An absolute delightful addition to the blog. He has cunning linguistic skils, I imaging his wife is exceptionally happy!!!
The previous statement was entirely silly and did not really merit you all reading it to this point and I am now leaving before someone rips me a
Wow, two for two on calgary based hot sauce makers.. Curses now you all know my secret manufacturers.. hehe.. I tell ya between Uncle Big and Sam, My work, fridge and wall of flame is well stocked.. Nice work Anthony on another fine interview.
And congrats Uncle Big to making the HSB