Hot Ones Original Buffalo Hot Sauce, A True Buffalo Sauce!

If you’ve ever hit up a killer wing joint—the kind that whips up their own buffalo sauce instead of reaching for a bottle of Frank’s—you’ll know what I’m talking about. Original Buffalo Sauce by Hot Ones and Heatonist nails that vibe.

Featured as the warm-up act on several seasons of Hot Ones, this sauce packs a mellow heat but knocks it out of the park with flavor. It’s like a flashback to your favorite wing spot, where the sauce is as iconic as the wings themselves. This is Buffalo hot sauce done right, capturing the essence of what makes that flavor a crowd-pleaser.

Introducing: Original Buffalo Hot Sauce by Hot Ones

Hot Ones has become a staple for anyone who loves seeing celebrities sweat it out over a plate of scorching wings. Riding on that wave, Original Buffalo Sauce is brought to you by Heatonist, although the actual makers of the sauce remain a bit of a mystery. What isn’t a mystery, however, is the quality of this sauce. It truly embodies the classic Buffalo sauce flavor—smooth, buttery, and just spicy enough to remind you it’s there without blowing your head off. The kick comes from a blend of habanero powder and cayenne pepper mash, which adds just the right amount of heat.

While the flavor is spot on, the salt level could use a little tuning down. It’s noticeably salty, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The ingredient list is on the longer side, but each component plays its part in crafting that authentic Buffalo taste we all crave. If you’re in Canada and thinking of grabbing a bottle, be prepared to shell out over $20, and if you’re ordering directly from Heatonist, the shipping costs can really add up. Despite these hurdles, if you’re a buffalo sauce purist, this one’s worth a try.

Manufacturer: Hot Ones/Heatonist
Made In: USA
Heat Rating: 2/10
Size: 140
Price Range: +$20CAD

Ingredients: Cayenne Pepper Mash (Aged Red Cayenne Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, and Salt), Butter (Sweet Cream), Rice Vinegar, Red Bell Pepper, Celery, Molasses, Garlic Powder, Chipotle Powder, Smoked Paprika, Chia Seed, Habanero Powder

Appearance

Original Buffalo Sauce hits the shelf with style, packaged in a classic woozy bottle topped with a sleek black lid. The bottle sports the iconic Hot Ones logo front and center, making it instantly recognizable to fans of the show. Below the logo, you’ll find the name of the sauce prominently displayed. The label itself is a visual treat, starting with an orangy red at the bottom and gradually fading to black at the top, framing the essential info we all like to check out.

The sauce inside is a feast for the eyes too, boasting that perfect rusty orange hue that screams authentic Buffalo. You can spot fine bits of spices and small pieces of ingredients suspended in the sauce, adding to its homemade appeal. It’s smooth, thanks to the butter, which also lends a creamy consistency that not only looks good but works wonders in clinging to whatever you pour it over. This sauce pours out smoothly from the bottle without any fuss or clogging at the lid, making it a dream to drizzle over your favorite dishes.

Smell

The moment you pop the lid off Original Buffalo Sauce, it’s like being handed a steaming plate of spicy wings. The aroma is unmistakable and downright inviting. You get that robust cayenne kick mingled with the rich, creamy scent of butter—a combination that’s hard to resist. Add to that the warm undertones of paprika and a hint of garlic, and it’s a symphony of scents that perfectly mirrors the sauce’s taste.

The smell alone sets the stage for what’s to come, making you eager to dive in. It’s an experience that starts the moment you catch that first whiff, promising a flavor that’s sure to follow through.

Taste and Flavour

Original Buffalo Sauce delivers exactly what its name promises: the quintessential Buffalo flavor that you crave when you order wings at a restaurant. This sauce has mastered the art of balance with its buttery richness, lively pepperiness, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. The cayenne peppers are the real stars here, providing a smoky, peppery backdrop with just a hint of warmth that doesn’t overpower.

However, the salt content does tip the scales a bit. While it’s less noticeable when the sauce is paired with food, it’s still on the higher side, which might not sit well with everyone. On the plus side, the butter not only enriches the flavor but also gives the sauce a creamy texture that adheres beautifully to whatever you’re eating, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as the last.

Heat Level

The Hot Ones Buffalo Sauce is all about delivering flavor without an overwhelming heat. It typically lands the opening spot on Hot Ones for a reason—it’s pretty mild. Personally, I’d give it a 2 out of 10 on my heat scale. It’s got just enough kick to give your lips a slight tingle, but it won’t have you reaching for a glass of milk.

The warmth comes mainly from the cayenne peppers, which provide a smoky and rounded heat that’s more comforting than aggressive. The addition of habanero powder does spike the sharpness a bit, which feels a bit like a shortcut compared to using whole peppers.

While this might disappoint the heat-seekers, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Eating this sauce didn’t make me sweat or cause my nose to run; it just left a pleasant warmth in my mouth, perfect for a casual wing-eating session.

Conclusion: Overall Thoughts

Overall, I’ve got to say I liked Original Buffalo Sauce. It pairs perfectly with wings, capturing that classic Buffalo flavor that makes you want to keep coming back for more. However, it’s not as versatile with other dishes like sandwiches, tacos, or pasta. That said, it does add a nice touch to a salad, but wings are where this sauce truly shines.

The flavor is spot-on for what you’d expect from a top-notch Buffalo sauce—it really nails it. My main gripe is the salt content; it’s a bit much, lending a slightly dry and musty character to the sauce, reminiscent of aged and fermented peppers. Despite this, it’s a fantastic starter sauce in the Hot Ones lineup. I’m glad I gave it a shot, and I think you’ll be too. I’m definitely looking forward to finishing off the bottle on my next batch of wings.

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.