Firebarns Sriracha Review: Sizzle or Fizzle?

Hey there, hot sauce enthusiasts! Today, we’re again diving into the fiery world of Canadian hot sauces, and the spotlight is on Firebarns’ Sriracha from Levis, Quebec. If you’re like me and love a good sriracha kick, you’ll want to know if this Red Jalapeno-infused version lives up to the hype.

Well, buckle up because I’ve got some thoughts to share on this one. Let’s get saucy!

Introducing: Sriracha Sauce by Firebarns Brands

Let’s dive into the sizzling world of Firebarns, a homegrown sensation straight out of Quebec. Since their inception in 2015, this Canadian company has been igniting taste buds across the nation with their delectable array of hot sauces, BBQ sauces, condiments, and spices.

But it’s not just about flavor for Firebarns; their commitment to quality and supporting local agriculture led them to collaborate with a nearby farm, where they cultivate several hundred tons of hot peppers each year on Quebec’s fertile soil. That’s a fiery dedication to their craft!

With their products gracing the shelves of over 1,000 sales locations and finding a home in 300 restaurants across Quebec, Firebarns is a name that’s truly making its mark in the Canadian culinary landscape.

Now, let’s turn our attention to Firebarns’ Sriracha, their unique spin on the classic sriracha-style hot sauce. Hailing from the heart of Quebec, this sauce features red jalapenos as its star ingredient.

While I’m always eager to dive into a new hot sauce adventure, I have to admit that Firebarns’ Sriracha didn’t quite set my taste buds ablaze.

The acidity was a tad too prominent for my liking, and the flavor left me wanting more.

However, if you’re a hot sauce explorer like me, it won’t hurt to give it a shot, especially since it’s easy on the wallet, ranging from $4 to $7 CAD. You can find it in major grocery stores across Canada or order it directly from their website.

Manufacturer: Firebarns Brand
Made In: Quebec
Heat Rating: 2/10
Size: 250mL
Price Range: $4-$7CAD
Buy from Firebarns

Ingredients: Red Jalapeno peppers, White vinegar, Water, Garlic, Sugar salt, Xanthan Gum, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate

Appearance

Firebarns Sriracha rocks a straightforward look. It’s housed in a tall squeeze bottle sporting a green cap, giving off those classic hot sauce vibes. I gotta admit, that squeeze bottle with the handy pour tip? Pretty convenient for spicing up my grub.

On the label, you’ll spot Firebarns’ mascot, a dog dressed as a rooster, and the necessary nutritional info.

The bottle itself is clear, so you can check out the vibrant orange-red sauce inside. Speaking of the sauce, it’s smooth and consistent, with hardly any stray bits floating around. Overall, gotta say, it’s a good-looking sauce.

Smell

Let’s get real about the scent of Firebarns Sriracha, starting with the not-so-great part.

Unfortunately, this sauce carries a sharp chemical aroma that doesn’t exactly tickle the taste buds. The vinegar note packs a punch and, to be honest, the overall scent profile is a bit on the aggressive side.

But hey, let’s not throw in the towel just yet.

On the bright side, there’s a faint whiff of those peppers, especially the jalapenos, which likely went through some fermentation. You know that funky, fantastic smell that usually comes with fermented goodies? Well, it’s in there, but it’s playing hide and seek behind the vinegar and chemical notes.

All in all, not the most appetizing scent experience for me.

Taste and Flavour

When it comes to the taste of Firebarns Sriracha, I have to be honest – it didn’t win me over. This is where it took a bit of a detour for me.

The initial hit was a big wave of vinegar tang, and it hit hard, like a flavor tsunami. Following closely behind was a heavy dose of saltiness, which also came on quite strong. Beneath all of that, you could detect a subtle jalapeno flavor, but it struggled to shine through the vinegar and salt.

Texture-wise, it felt a bit odd, almost like a gel – maybe a tad too much Xanthan Gum?

Now, onto the overall taste impression – it’s sharp and, frankly, a bit off-putting. If I had to draw a comparison, it would be like a blend of cheap tomato sauce mixed with Frank’s Red Hot, which might not be everyone’s cup of sauce.

Heat Level

Now, let’s talk about the heat level of Firebarns Sriracha. To put it simply, it didn’t bring the heat party that I was hoping for.

On my heat scale, it barely scratched a 2 out of 10, and the heat it did offer wasn’t all that enjoyable. In fact, it felt like the “heat” was more in the realm of those chemical flavors from the Sorbate and Benzoate.

The minimal heat that did manage to show up was sharp and not particularly pleasant, reminding me of sauces made from concentrates.

I didn’t experience any of the usual spicy food symptoms like sweating, a runny nose, or heavy breathing – it’s safe to say this hot sauce falls on the milder end of the spectrum.

Conclusion: Overall Thoughts

In wrapping up my take on Firebarns Sriracha, there’s a bit of a mixed bag to unpack. At first glance, the sauce’s appearance in that clear bottle with the squeeze cap might have you reaching for it. However, when it comes to the taste, well, it’s a different story.

Unfortunately, this sauce didn’t make the cut for me. It lacked the spiciness I was hoping for, and its flavor left much to be desired. Frankly, it was a bit of a letdown. I found myself cringing during taste tests, to the point where I hesitated to add it to my sandwich.

However, I’m not writing off Firebarns entirely.

They have some promising options on their roster, like the Scorpion Vodka sauces that sound intriguing. So, while this Sriracha might not have hit the mark, I’m still looking forward to trying out their other offerings.

If you stumble upon this one in your grocery aisle, you might want to consider passing it by and reaching for the next bottle of Sriracha on the shelf.

Please remember that taste is subjective and everyone will experience hot sauce uniquely. These reviews contain my own thoughts and opinions. If you think you’ll enjoy a hot sauce then you should definitely try it out.