Hot Sauce Review: Sky Valley Sriracha Sauce

Hey there, spice enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a hot sauce adventure that’s a bit different from our usual Canadian picks. We’re taking a trip south of the border to Sandpoint, Idaho, to explore the Sriracha Sauce by Sky Valley.

This hot sauce boasts a mix of fermented red jalapenos and garlic, promising both flavor and a hint of heat. But does it live up to the hype?

Let’s find out as we break down this tiny bit spicy, somewhat salty, and slightly gritty hot sauce that still managed to find its way onto my sandwiches.

Introducing: Sriracha Sauce by Sky Valley

Sky Valley, folks, isn’t your run-of-the-mill hot sauce producer. Hailing from Sandpoint, Idaho, they’ve been dishing out flavorful concoctions since 2010, driven by the vision of their founder, Rachel Kruse, who named the company after her daughter, Sky.

They’re all about bringing the world’s tastiest flavors right to your kitchen. And here’s the kicker – they’re 100% employee-owned, which means they’re all about sharing the love and the success.

Besides their Sriracha Sauce, Sky Valley crafts other mouthwatering sauces, like Taco sauce and Green Sriracha Sauce. But today, we’re focused on their Sriracha offering. It’s a respectable contender in the Sriracha arena – the right shade of red, a similar flavor profile, and almost hitting the mark on heat.

So, where can you snag a bottle of this liquid gold? Word on the street is that Costco’s got your back, but you might also stumble upon it in your local mall store. The price tag? Well, it’s a wallet-friendly $7 to $10 CAD.

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this saucy adventure.

Manufacturer: Sky Valley
Made In: USA
Heat Rating: 3/10
Size: 524mL
Price Range: $7-$10

Ingredients: Water, Red Jalapeno Peppers, Citric Acid, Cane Sugar, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Dried Garlic, Spice, Less than 2% of Xanthan Gum

Appearance

When it comes to looks, Sky Valley Sriracha doesn’t disappoint. It arrives in a sleek, tall, and pointy plastic squeeze bottle that’s easy to handle. The nozzle on top is a sauce-dispensing dream, and the flip-top cap? Surprisingly practical.

But it’s the label that catches the eye, featuring a transparent design with a majestic golden bird as the centerpiece. Sure, there’s some of that necessary nutritional info and whatnot on the label’s flip side, but overall, it’s an intriguing package that screams quality.

Now, let’s talk about the main event – the sauce itself. Poured into your plate, it’s a delightful shade of red, perfectly blended, and almost perfectly homogeneous.

It flows smoothly, like a gentle river, yet has a subtle thickness to it. The color? Appetizing, my friends. All in all, Sky Valley Sriracha’s appearance scores big points for making your taste buds tingle in anticipation.

Smell

When you pop the cap on Sky Valley’s Sriracha Sauce, your nostrils are in for a treat.

It’s got that unmistakable scent that hits you with a tangy zing, a hint of sweetness, and a dash of savory goodness. And you know what? It doesn’t hold back on that “kick” promise either. It’s like this sauce has been aging to perfection, with just the right blend of ingredients.

If you’ve ever found yourself in an Asian restaurant and caught a whiff of their hot sauce, this one’s in the same league. In short, the smell? Oh yeah, it’s the real deal.

Taste and Flavour

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the flavor game with Sky Valley’s Sriracha-style sauce. It’s a solid contender, not quite snagging the title of “best,” but it’s got its own charm.

Once you take that first bite, you’re greeted with a flavor profile that screams fermented red jalapenos, delivering a deep, complex taste with a dash of saltiness. Speaking of saltiness, it leans a tad heavy on that front for my liking, but don’t worry, it doesn’t completely overpower your taste buds, especially when you mix it with your grub.

Now, let’s talk texture. Here’s where it gets interesting; it’s a bit on the gritty side. My best guess? That might be thanks to the use of dried garlic and spices. But here’s the twist – when you’re enjoying it as part of a meal, that grittiness takes a back seat, barely noticeable.

Sweetness plays a role too, courtesy of the cane sugar, adding a pleasant touch to the mix. And what about vinegar? Well, it’s a ninja in this sauce, hiding well but adding that perfect hint of subtle tang. In a nutshell, Sky Valley Sriracha’s flavor game is pretty darn good, even with a few quirks along the way.

Heat Level

Now, let’s talk about the heat factor in Sky Valley’s Sriracha-style sauce. On my personal spicy scale, I’d give it a solid 3 out of 10. It packs enough of a punch to make it enjoyable on various dishes, but it won’t have you reaching for the milk carton or gasping for air.

Nope, none of that heavy-duty capsaicin action here. Just a gentle, tingling sensation on your tongue that comes and goes rather quickly. Think of it like most jalapeno hot sauces – enough heat to let you know it’s there, but nothing that’ll have you breaking a sweat or reaching for a tissue to clear your runny nose.

So, if you’re into a milder, tongue-friendly heat, this one’s got your back.

Conclusion: Overall Thoughts

In the grand scheme of things, Sky Valley’s Sriracha-style sauce is, well, okay. It’s not quite the superstar in the hot sauce world, but it’s a decent stand-in for the real deal.

The flavor, while not mind-blowing, delivers a satisfying mix of fermented jalapenos, garlic, and a pinch of salt. The heat level, though mild, hits the sweet spot for those looking for a tamer tongue-tickler.

So, to sum it up, this hot sauce falls into the “good enough” category. If you’re in a pinch or just looking for a milder option, it’ll do the trick. But if you’re on a quest for hot sauce excellence, you might want to keep exploring the shelves.

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.