Review: Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce

Gringo Bandito is not the first rocker inspired hot sauce to hit the market in recent years, but it is the first “punk” inspired version. Like every rabid chilehead, when the news broke on this sauce hitting the market, I quickly ordered up two bottles and waited with eager anticipation to see how Dexter Holland would match up with the likes of Joe Perry, Bob Weir & Michael Anthony. I ordered my bottles back on 11/17 and they just arrived on 12/6 so shipping can take some time. And if you did order some of these sauces, don’t be surprised at the amount of bubble wrap used in the packaging. I almost thought someone sent me a box full of just that.

Ingredients: Vinegar, Water, Habanero Peppers, Jalapeño Peppers, Red Japanese Chili Peppers, More Peppers, Salt, Mojo, Spices, and Xanthan Gum.

From the bottle: Hot Sauce really doesn’t have nutritional value. It’s vinegar and peppers, for God’s sake. What did you expect? Why are you even trying to determine the nutritional value of hot sauce? Just enjoy it!

I hope you enjoy the adventurous flavor and tingling tantalization of my not-so-famous pepper sauce. For over two years I have searched far and wide for the perfect combination of spices to make your next dining experience a zinger. And I tried to make it easy on the pooper, too. Try it on tacos, burritos, eggs, pizza – it’s like a party in your mouth. I personally guarantee it. “
– Dexter Holland

Hot Sauce and bagels? Ohhh yeah… Mmm Good. For those of you that are new to the HSB, you haven’t been fully briefed on my endeavors to find a breakfast burrito in midtown Manhattan. Here’s the short version: there are none. So I’ve modified my breakfast behavior to include a quick bagel with the hot sauce du jour. Todays hot sauce feature was Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce accompanied by a nicely toasted everything bagel with wayyy too much cream cheese.

Easy On the Pooper. Taste: Gringo Bandito reminds me of something that I can’t quite put my finger on. Oh yeah, Taco Bell Hot Sauce. With recent news, that’s not such a good comparison, but think of it this way – you can get your taco bell hot sauce fix without getting seriously ill. But that’s not all, if you take Cholula, Tapatio and Taco Bell Hot you’ll find yourself with Gringo Bandito. Gringo Bandito doesn’t claim to be extra hot, in fact, it claims to be “easy on the pooper” – now that’s not a claim you’ll see on many hot sauces.

Overall: It’s good, it’s basic and you’ll love finding new things to eat it on. It’s the sauce that 10oz. bottles are made for, because frankly these little 5 ozers won’t last more then 1-2 meals. If you like Cholula or Tapatio, you’ll find that Gringo Bandito will rock your taste buds and has a better overall flavor profile then your average Mexican hot sauce. If you haven’t already, grab yourself a few bottles and give it a whirl, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s a Pretty Fly [tag]hot sauce[/tag] for a White Guy…

Nick Lindauer: The Original Hot Sauce Blog