Posted February 22, 2006 by Anthony in Makers

CaJohns Select Chipotle Puree

I just received this set of 3 sauces the other day. After reading John’s reviews and knowing the review I did for CaJohn’s Krakatoa I was totaled hyped about this.

I decided I was going to attack this in 3 separate parts. I think [tag]hot sauce[/tag] of this caliber deserves to be treated as an individual and get the full review it deserves. So we start with the mildest of the three, CaJohns Select Chipotle Puree. Now the pictures you see here don’t really do it justice. You have to see this right up close. No gimmick is needed here. The proof is in the bottle. Like John mentioned in his reviews the ingredients are all consistent.

Ingredients: Chipotle Chiles, Distilled Vinegar, Citric Acid & Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), to preserve colour.

If I wasn’t running low on hot sauce already (is 20 opened bottles running low?) I would have waited to open it. But being the dedicated HSB reviewer I sacrificed the bottle just so you all can get the scoop about it and try it for yourself.

I learned something quick once I opened the bottle. If you are expecting a hot sauce your wrong. This is exactly what it claims to be, a puree. You get the full unadulterated taste of [tag]chipotle[/tag] peppers. Now I am not that crazy about chipotles, but if you are, then this is a must try. It seems like every care was taken to ensure that this sauce will smell fresh as soon as you open the bottle. In fact I almost found it overpowering (hold that thought until the taste review).

I poured it on some flat bread and admired the brownish texture. Again, I am not a big fan of chipotles but you don’t have to be to appreciate this *ahem* sauce. If chipotles are your thing then make sure to get a bottle. Also, the bite to this puree is quite sharp. Kind of like one of those jalapenos that catch you by surprise every once in awhile.

As with this bottle, it is the same for the other two. The taste is extremely strong. I could only handle small bits at a time. No worries about this puree losing its taste in a dish here. The uses for this are varied. I think it would make a great spread for a sandwich as well as a dipping sauce (think of having some on the side along with a steak), to an additive in soups or chili’s. I think my chicken strips have a new best friend.

I am going to agree with John here and how he reviewed his Select Puree’s. I think he hit it spot on. Everything here is first class. The packaging, the ingredients, the taste. If [tag]Chipotles[/tag] are your thing, look no further! This is great stuff!

Packaging – 9/10
Aroma – 8/10
Appearance – 7.5/10
Taste – 8/10
Heat – 4/10
Overall – 8.5/10