La Amarilla Hot Sauce Review: Taste Of Peru In A Bottle

Alright, let’s get into it. We’re talking about La Amarilla by Matute Sauce Co. today, and let me tell you, it’s a standout in the Canadian hot sauce scene. This hot sauce is a blend of scotch bonnet and roasted Aji Amarillo peppers that delivers a flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s smooth, it’s got a medium kick of heat, and it’s simple in the best way possible.

The short ingredient list? It’s a winner for letting those pepper flavors shine through. If you’re on the hunt for a hot sauce that brings something special to the table, stick around. We’re diving deep into La Amarilla.

Introducing: La Amarilla by Matute Sauce Co.

Nestled in the flavorful world of Canadian hot sauces, Matute Sauce Co. is a name that’s quickly becoming synonymous with quality and cultural richness. At the helm is Chef Elizabeth Rivasplata, who infuses her Peruvian heritage into every bottle, creating small-batch sauces that are more than just condiments; they’re a journey to Peru in every drop. The star of today’s show, La Amarilla, is a testament to this journey, showcasing the beloved Aji Amarillo pepper, a native treasure of Peru cherished since the Inca times.

La Amarilla is a celebration of the Aji Amarillo’s vibrant flavor profile. The sauce, with its creamy texture and sharp heat, courtesy of the Scotch Bonnet pepper, is a culinary masterpiece. Its base of white onion and yellow bell pepper not only amplifies the Aji Amarillo and Scotch Bonnet peppers but also teases the palate with hints of raisins, passion fruit, and mango, despite these not being listed ingredients. It’s a flavor complexity that speaks volumes of Chef Rivasplata’s skill and her dedication to bringing Peruvian flavors to the global stage.

For those eager to experience this blend of heat and flavor, La Amarilla doesn’t play hard to get. Priced at a very reasonable $10 CAD, it’s accessible at your local big-chain grocery store or with a few clicks on the Matute Sauce Co. website.

Manufacturer: Matute Sauce Co.
Made In: Ontario
Heat Rating: 4/10
Size: 148mL
Price Range: $10-$12
Buy from Matute Sauce Co.

Ingredients: Yellow Bell Peppers, White Onions, Aji Amarillo Peppers, Scotch Bonnet Peppers, White Vinegar, Garlic, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Citric Acid

Appearance

When you pick up a bottle of La Amarilla, you’re greeted with that familiar woozy bottle shape topped with a sleek black lid. But it’s the label that really catches your eye. Clear, straightforward, yet captivating with a raccoon logo front and center – a nod to the crafty nature of Matute Sauce Co., perhaps? Right below, “La Amarilla” makes its mark in bold, letting you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Flip the bottle around, and you’re treated to a bit of storytelling on one side, with the nutritional info holding down the fort on the other. It’s all about giving you a peek into what makes this sauce special, alongside the practical bits you need to know.

Now, peek inside the bottle. You’ll find a mustard yellow sauce that’s a feast for the eyes, speckled with tiny bits of ingredients that promise flavor in every drop. The consistency? Spot on. It’s neither runny nor too thick, ensuring it’ll blanket your meal just right without making a run for it. And yes, it might remind you a bit of mustard, but this sauce is all about bringing a unique blend of heat and flavor to the table.

Smell

Diving into La Amarilla, the first thing that hits you isn’t the heat; it’s the aroma, and what an introduction it is. Imagine the cozy, inviting scent of sweet roasted onions and peppers filling your senses. It’s like a warm welcome before you’ve even taken your first bite.

While the label doesn’t specify roasted onions, your nose might beg to differ, suggesting a blend that’s been carefully crafted to highlight these roasted notes. There’s an earthiness to it, grounded and comforting, with just the right amount of tang and sweetness to pique your curiosity.

Surprisingly, the Aji Amarillo peppers don’t dominate the scent profile. Instead, they contribute to a symphony of smells that suggest this sauce is more about a harmonious blend than a fiery challenge. It’s the kind of aroma that promises a depth of flavor, hinting at a sauce that’s been thoughtfully balanced to enhance, not overpower, your meal.

Taste and Flavour

When it comes to taste, La Amarilla by Matute Sauce Co. is like a masterclass in balance and depth. Right off the bat, the texture grabs your attention. It’s smooth and creamy, a testament to the clever use of emulsified vegetable oil, but then you’re hit with a delightful surprise: a slight crunch from the seeds scattered throughout. This isn’t just a sauce; it’s an experience.

The taste itself is a journey. Roasted peppers, onions, and garlic lead the way, creating a rich tapestry of flavors. It’s a beautiful mix of sweet and tangy, with a savory depth that just makes your mouth water. This sauce has a way of spreading its flavors across your taste buds, ensuring you catch every nuance.

Interestingly, while the sauce boasts the inclusion of scotch bonnets, their flavor doesn’t overpower. Instead, the Aji Amarillo peppers and garlic are the stars of the show, with just the right amount of heat. And then there’s the saltiness, a subtle touch that adds an extra layer of flavor without stealing the spotlight.

Heat Level

Let’s get into the heat of La Amarilla, which for me, sits at a comfortable 4 out of 10 on the personal heat scale. Don’t let that number fool you, though. This sauce brings a sharp, distinctive heat that definitely wakes up your senses. After a few bites, my cheeks were subtly glistening with sweat, and my hairline joined the party too. Interestingly, my nose stayed clear throughout the experience, a rare occurrence in the realm of spicy foods.

The sensation on my tongue was a lively stinging, accompanied by a gentle yet undeniable burn on my lips. It’s a vivid reminder of the heat one encounters when biting into a fresh Scotch Bonnet pepper, albeit slightly tamed. This moderation is what makes La Amarilla shine. It strikes a fine balance, offering a spicy kick with each bite that doesn’t bulldoze over your taste buds. Instead, it dances alongside the flavors of your meal, enhancing rather than overshadowing.

For those who appreciate a good sweat without the overwhelming fire, this level of heat is ideal. It allows for a fully spicy experience that complements, rather than competes with, the flavors of your food. La Amarilla manages to maintain this delicate equilibrium, making each bite a delightful play of heat and taste.

Conclusion: Overall Thoughts

Wrapping up this fiery journey, stumbling upon La Amarilla by Matute Sauce Co. in the grocery aisle was a bit of a win. What first caught my eye was its unique mustard-yellow hue – it just popped among the rest. After giving it a go, I’m not shy to say I’m pretty chuffed with the buy. While it might not take the crown as the ultimate hot sauce in my book, it’s definitely up there. This bottle won’t be gathering dust in my kitchen – that’s for sure.

I’ve slathered it on pretty much everything edible in sight – burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and it was an unexpected hit on a simple garden salad. What makes this sauce stand out is how it brings the pepper flavors to the forefront, turning any dish into a peppery paradise. The heat? Spot on. It’s the kind of kick that adds excitement to every bite without overwhelming your taste buds, allowing the flavors of your meal to shine through.

For those who have a soft spot for roasted goodness and a peppery kick, La Amarilla is a must-try. It’s a versatile sauce that adds just the right amount of heat and flavor, making it a worthy addition to any meal. If you’re on the hunt for something new to spice up your food game, give this one a whirl. You might just find yourself reaching for it meal after meal.

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.