Review: Defcon’s Habby Horse
After a major spate of envy after reading Nick’s review of Defcon’s Habby Horse, I jumped at the opportunity to pick up a jar of my own. I have a love of horseradish rivaling my love of hot sauce, and the though of the Creator’s demented mingling of those two burns was something that I’ve been eagerly anticipating since I first caught wind that such a project was in the works, many months ago.
The Habby Horse arrived at my doorstep nestled amid bottles of Defcon 1, 2 and 3, in an old fashioned canning jar. I could almost smell the vapors through the jar.
In my feverish rush to break open the Habby Horse, I thoroughly destroyed the handwritten message from the Creator, and instead got a healthy dose of silver marker all over my hands. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture until after I tore into it. Oh, well, this baby was meant to be an eater and not a collector.
On First Taste
I took my first taste of Habby Horse on a cracker, half expecting combustion to occur in my nasal cavities. Instead, I found a mellow, pleasant horseradish burn that was up front, clean, and crisp. Initially surprised at the mellowness, I quickly got a heavy punch in the back of the throat that took me by surprise, courtesy of the habaneros. The heat came on quickly and intensely, lighting a nice sized blaze all the way down my throat that I could feel clean into my stomach. It kept a healthy burn going for several minutes. Habby Horse won’t ignite your nose hair, but the burn sure won’t leave you lacking for burn. The flavor is great, a perfect blend of freshly ground horseradish and quality habanero flavor.
On Food
Habby Horse practically begs for a good steak. Fortunately, I had just the thing on hand – a half a Delmonico steak left over from my anniversary dinner at the Capitol Grille in Troy the day before. If only I’d had this stuff in time for the first go round!
The Habby Horse was quite simply perfect. It’s hands down the best horseradish sauce I’ve ever had. With the level of anticipation I had coming into this trial, I seriously risked disappointment simply by expectation. Instead, Defcon’s Habby Horse exceeded all my elevated expectations. Creator, please, please bring this to market!!! I won’t have this jar for long.
Conclusion:
Defcon’s Habby Horse is a truly exceptional product. With good fresh horseradish taste and habanero burn to spare, it’s a must try for any horseradish lover. Even though the burn is significant, I would actually love to see even more heat – mixing this with a vial of Defcon Zero would be even better.
Packaging – I dig the retro look and personal signature. 9.5 out of 10.0
Aroma- Horseradish and Hab, aka heaven. 9.9 out of 10.0
Appearance – Interesting salmon color, great texture. 9.0 out of 10.0
Taste – Pure decadence. 9.9 out of 10.0
Heat – Minor nasal burn, major heat. 9.0 out of 10.0
Overall Rating: 9.5 out of 10.0
Excellent review John. I still haven’t opened mine yet. I am contemplating opening this wekeend for a couple of BBQ’s i’m having! Definitely looks GOOD
Thanks for the good words man, we here at DEFCON HQ always appreciate them. I am amazed at the response we’ve gotten regarding this new endeavor. One thing I have noticed is people want more of the horseradish burn. We purposely toned it down a bit, so as to more emphasize the habanero, so be it, we’ll just have to tweak it a bit, so as to scorch the ‘ol nose hairs next time around. The habaneros aren’t your standard dires either. They have been distilled once, so as to break down the cellular walls of the vegetable. We have found it melds with the horseradish faster and more thoroughly, hence the “salmon” color of the stuff.
That being said, I would expect we will begin a limited production run sometime this summer. It’s our first “non-sauce” product, so it’s kind of different from what we’re used to doing. I thank everyone for the good responses. Hmmmmm, a Habby-Horse ZERO…Now THAT would be something!
[Comment ID #41004 Quote]
Quit stalling huvason, OPEN IT! 😉
“Creator, please, please bring this to market!!! I won’t have this jar for long.”
I totally agree John.
” I would expect we will begin a limited production run sometime this summer. It’s our first “non-sauce” product, so it’s kind of different from what we’re used to doing. I thank everyone for the good responses.”
Excellent news Creator!
Make more Habby Horse.
John and I need some, huvason wont, he will just save it 🙄
[Comment ID #41013 Quote]
Hey Chris, got some decent news for ya. We are currently looking into the Cabela’s BBQ Challenge on 8/18-8/19 in Hamburg, PA. We’re deciding whether or not to set up. The time’s are tight as we have a bunch of stuff going on the weekend before and after.
Also, we are working on another DEFCON Day, at the good ‘ol Alley again, they’re dying to have us back. We’re tentatively looking at 7/22/06, but nothing is written in stone yet. Yup, another wing eating contest. Looks like I’ll have to spice ’em up a little more.
Cabela’s , its less than a half-hour away. (straight up rt 61)
Keep us updated, I will have to check it out.
[Comment ID #41013 Quote]
Man the peer pressure is killing me! LOL – I am actually planning on opening it this weekend at my Daughters BBQ. You’ll be there to try it with me – right Chris 😉 Mrs Huvason sent you a PERSONAL blog invite…… 😀
“John and I need some, huvason wont, he will just save it”
Man, ya know, I might have to cut off The Huvason from future Habby Horse. I think he is looking to hoard it, and attempt to corner the market. Perhaps I will have to activate the Homunculi within his floorboards, perhaps I can get them to send his jar back to me, so someone can enjoy the contents.
[Comment ID #41016 Quote]
7/22…. week after Nationals…. I’m there! I’m winning this time!
[Comment ID #41020 Quote]
LOL – It’s your fault Creator. If you hadn’y of numbered it I would have opened it immediately.
[Comment ID #41022 Quote]
Ahhhh, so he is keeping the jar.
cut him off Creator 😉
[Comment ID #41004 Quote]
I’ve just received mine. Thanks Creator!!! I think the postman now knows my name. lol
looks very good – they’re even numbered. Now just find sumthing to put it on as I’m trying to get rid of my food before I move out. Pizza and horseradish….hmmmmm different
I’m glad to hear it made it across The Pond, ENJOY IT, unlike others who just stare at it (hint…The Huvason). What I would suggest is put it in the fridge for a little while, it tends to be a little more flavorful when it’s chilled a little bit.
[Comment ID #41150 Quote]
….. One more down. There were 8. 3 people have\will open from the blog. Plus my one….. lets see – 8 minus three…. carry the one… i before e except if it’s friday…… Plus my one……
Only leaves 47 more bottles left to be opened. Then i’ll have the only one 😀
[Comment ID #41150 Quote]
I would have opened mine if I would have received one… COME ON HUV!!! You’re killin’ me over here!! 🙂
[Comment ID #41153 Quote]
Elise will be receiving hers too soon I presume…….time to intercept the parcel and steal Huv’s reign. lol. Just kiddin gota taste it.
[Comment ID #41150 Quote]
Thanks for the advice Creator. My fridge went home on sat tho so I’d have to put it in the communal one. Sum1 mite steal my habby!! I don’t think so. lol. I got them the other day with my 3am’d tomato ketchup. Their faces were hilarious!!
[Comment ID #41154 Quote]
I hear ya on that one !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Comment ID #41154 Quote]
Yes, how do you get one to try…..Creator I looked on your site and was unable to find it. I’ve seen alot of talk here and the review sounds great, is this something you are going to make available soon to the rest of us- the hungry masses? 😕
[Comment ID #41163 Quote]
Hey Vic… according to math my above, there are plenty of bottles!
Man, the peer pressure to open this thing is too much… must take off aluminum hat……
[Comment ID #41154 Quote]
Dont worry Dan, huv is cutting himself off from future supplies 😉
I was at Green Dragon last Friday (near Lancaster, its a farmers market) and found a stand thtat has homemade horseradish as well. Didnt buy any, but I know where it is. Could be the same guy cause a place in Intercourse smokes his meat for him.
“Could be the same guy cause a place in Intercourse smokes his meat for him”
Man, that didnt sound right, did it 🙂
HAHAHA I bet you wish there was an EDIT button on the blog, hey Chris?? I honestly forgot to look at where this stuff was from but there aren’t too many horseradish manufacturers is Intercourse I bet.
[Comment ID #41168 Quote]
I dont remember his name either and the stuff he was selling wasnt even labelled. Well in masking tape with horseradish written on it.
I could send him your way, for some labels, but I think the internet is not something he uses 🙂
[Comment ID #41154 Quote]
Mine’s for sale – $1000 😀
[Comment ID #41172 Quote]
You a funny man Huv !!!!!!
[Comment ID #41172 Quote]
Ok huv, put it on ebay…lol
[Comment ID #41172 Quote]
HAHAHA Do you want me to enter your order now? Or wait until you actually sell the Habby-Horse?
Sorry folks… inside joke. 🙂
[Comment ID #41163 Quote]
Well, it isn’t available in mass quantity yet. I only made 8 of them, and the deal was you had to buy a Defcon Collection to get one. It was a freebie I threw in. I will have another small batch made up soon, trust me. We are looking into getting this mass produced, but it does take a little time. The jars I’m giving away are personally hand-grated by me, so there’s a personal touch.
[Comment ID #41172 Quote]
Your pain will be legendary!
[Comment ID #41177 Quote]
And they thought we were treating Mad poorly…ha ha
[Comment ID #41176 Quote]
mmmm Hand grated by the Creator – Nothing better than a little knuckle skin in my Habby-Horse.
[Comment ID #41175 Quote]
I thought you’d find that funny!
[Comment ID #41177 Quote]
[Comment ID #41176 Quote]
Hmmmmm…. Hand grated! $1000 may be too low!
Dan quit yappin and get to work on my labels 🙂 xo
[Comment ID #41185 Quote]
HAHA It is officially out of my hands. Art dept and press room are up next. Erika will be getting you something soon!
[Comment ID #41184 Quote]
I think you should ask for $1180.00 😉
[Comment ID #41186 Quote]
LOL- I was thinking more like $1,365.00 😀
Sorry we drove you nuts, but you know us women 🙂
Huv, call me , the # i have for you isnt working
[Comment ID #41191 Quote]
OK…… give me a minute to get your #….
[Comment ID #41188 Quote]
Now we’re talking!!
[Comment ID #41189 Quote]
You absolutely didn’t drive me nuts! It’s been a pleasure!
OK…. Jar has made it into the refrigerator.
[Comment ID #41216 Quote]
Finally, you are half-way there now 😉
[Comment ID #41220 Quote]
LOL – still may not open it. You never know someone may pay $1,365.00 for it 😀
[Comment ID #41176 Quote]
What time frame was this in I received a collection—–No Freebie—-
I feel left out in this horseradish experience
[Comment ID #41231 Quote]
they went up for sale one monring, and were gone ina few hours.
[Comment ID #41231 Quote]
Back on 5/28/06 at 8:23
[Comment ID #38735 Quote]
I reckon I missed it by a couple days. At least I know I should watch
a little more. Thanks for Information
[Comment ID #41239 Quote]
no problem.. I’m pretty sure he is working on a bigger batch. I’m like 90% sure i’m opengin it tomorrow to try 😉
[Comment ID #41179 Quote]
No. Mad’s situation is completely different. At least The Huvason has a choice. He just enjoys imprisoning others. Trust me, his days are being counted by his floorboard associates.
[Comment ID #41240 Quote]
Today is the day huvason,
open er up 😉
[Comment ID #41237 Quote]
rules are rules pmac, huv came up with em 🙄
[Comment ID #41245 Quote]
I didnt show pmac anything yet 😉
[Comment ID #41246 Quote]
Cigars
Didnt mean to drop that in your habby horse post Creator
was timing out trying to upload in its original (post) section
[Comment ID #41264 Quote]
Well huv, we are waiting to find out if you did it 😉
Great review and comments! I have a few thoughts on the subject. My family have been hand grating our own horseradish for about 100 years. The patch that we currently pick from is over 150 years old and was brought over from Europe. When we pick it in the spring we cut the top of the root off and replant it in the patch. We harvest the left side of the patch one year and the right the year after. Needles to say, it is the best horseradish I have ever had. However, the Creator has come with a unique idea and I can’t wait to try it!!!
1. What would happen if one were to add wasabi powder to the freshly grated horseradish?? Would that not increase the Horsey burn???
2. We have found that apple cider vinegar and sugar increases the potency of the coarse ground horseradish, maybe that would help increase the potency.
Anyway, just trying to help!!! Can’t wait to try this Habby Horseradish.
[Comment ID #41380 Quote]
That’s awesome Cheffy, I would love to have my own root to use, but alas, I have a completely black hand of death when it comes to growing stuff. As stated in the e-mail I sent you, it seemed people liked it, but were expecting more of a nasal scorch. Well, proving once again the Creator’s boundless empathy, I have retooled it a bit, and now instead of a nasal scorch, the root burn is now close to a 5 second olfactory carbon fire. I will have another batch ready in about a week, 12 jars in all. First come, first serve. Now I will probably send most of these to people who haven’t received one, so as to increase the test market.
These will not be numbered, under decree of The Createss. And once again, to get a jar of this stuff, order a DEFCON Collection, mainly to cover our costs, and the jar will mysteriously appear in the box with the other 3 bottles. I’ll send out the e-mail once they are available.
Oh, and don’t forget, in about another week and a half, the 16-ounce monster bottles of Defense Condition #2 will be available, 200 in all.
[Comment ID #41391 Quote]
Dont let huvason see this 😉
The next batch NOT numbered, he will NEVER open his, unless he broke down and opened it at his party yesterday.
I felt a disturbance in the force yesterday, I feel the jar has been opened.
[Comment ID #41396 Quote]
[Comment ID #41426 Quote]
Oh…. the Jar has been opened…….
Good Lord i want some. *drool*
[Comment ID #41429 Quote]
Well was it worth it??? I am sure it was from the sounds of it….!!!!!!
[Comment ID #41436 Quote]
In a word- YES. Like some of the others, I would have liked more horseradish burn, but it was excellent. The Creator has to keep making this stuff. WIll need to stock it in the refrigerator!
[Comment ID #41445 Quote]
Can’t wait to get my hands on some……….
DEFCON DAY ALERT!
Yup, another DEFCON Day has been slated!
Here we go again, another DEFCON Day is coming up on Saturday, July 22, once again at what is becoming our HQ, The Alley, in Berkeley Heights, NJ. I’ve been told we are getting our Coors Light Acolyte girl, Christie, back for this one. For those of you who never met her, she’s a trip!
We’ll be doing the standard, free wings all day long, DEFCON actionwear and sauce raffles, and of course, another WING EATING CONTEST!!! The prize has yet to be determined, but I can guarantee you, it’ll be something good! Those of you who weren’t able to make it to the last one, you saw the pics on the blog. If you are anywhere close to NJ, I’d suggest making it for this go around. It has become a cult hit, and Hell, who doesn’t want the best Damn wings of 2006 for free?
If you have any questions, drop me an e-mail.
Creator out…………