Royal Pepper’s The Duke Review: A Tamarind and Lemon Sauce

Good day everybody! Today, we’re attempting to turn up the heat with “The Duke” from Royal Pepper, from Burlington, Ontario. Now, before we jump in, let’s clear something up. This sauce? It’s like a twist on the norm. Packed with Tamarind and what they claim is Lime, it’s got this fresh, citrusy kick that wakes up your taste buds.

But here’s the kicker – when I took a closer look, lime was playing hide and seek on the ingredients list. So, what’s the deal? Turns out, The Duke is more about that tang and acidic punch, kinda straying into BBQ sauce territory. Not much burn, but plenty of flavor to go around. So, let’s dive into what makes this sauce stand out.

Introducing: “The Duke” Tamarind Lime by Royal Pepper

Alright, let’s shine a spotlight on Royal Pepper, the brains behind “The Duke.” Hailing from Burlington, Ontario, these folks are serious about spicing up your meals. They’ve got a lineup that spans the hot sauce universe, from dips to marinades and everything fiery in between. But “The Duke”? It’s a bit of an outlier. Picture it less as your typical hot sauce and more like a marinade.

This sauce packs a punch, but not the kind you might expect. It’s thick, tangy, and brings a whole lot of zest without setting your mouth on fire. Honestly, I couldn’t catch even a whisper of heat. But what it lacks in burn, it more than makes up for with a burst of acidic citrus flavors, giving any dish a fresh zing. Think steak, ribs, or really anything that sings when slow-cooked. “The Duke” feels like it’s meant to mingle with your meal, unlocking its full potential when it hits the heat.

If you’re itching to try it, Royal Pepper’s got you covered. Available in two sizes, with prices ranging from $7.50 to $15 CAD, it’s an investment in your culinary adventures. Just head over to their website, and you’re golden.

Manufacturer: Royal Pepper
Made In: Ontario
Heat Rating: 1/10
Size: 296mL
Price Range: $7.50-$15
Buy at Royal Pepper

Ingredients: Vinegar, Tamarinds, Water, Peppers, Spices, Salt, Tomato Paste, Lemons, Citric Acid, Natural Flavours, Sugar, and Xanthan Gum

Appearance

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the style of “The Duke” from Royal Pepper. My bottle’s got that old-school charm(one of their older bottles), tall with a royal vibe that screams BBQ sauce but with a touch of class. Fast forward to the present, and you’ll find the newer bottles have gone for a makeover. They’re shorter, stouter, and give off serious apothecary vibes, available in 12.5oz (370mL) and 4oz (120mL) sizes.

The look of these bottles is pretty slick. Royal Pepper’s logo takes the spotlight, sitting proudly above the sauce’s name, making it clear who’s boss. Flip to the sides, and you’ll find all the deets you need, from nutritional info to what makes this sauce tick.

Now, peek inside the bottle. You’re greeted by a deep brown sauce with hints of red and maroon swirling around. It’s like a treasure trove in there, with seeds, spices, and even some chunkier bits mingling in the mix. These ingredients aren’t just for show; they add character and depth to each pour. Speaking of pouring, this sauce knows how to make an exit. My bottle, with its wide mouth top, didn’t fuss or clog, draping over my food like a culinary velvet cloak. It clings to your meal, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last.

Smell

Diving into the aroma of “The Duke,” it’s like opening a door to a world where earthy meets spicy. Imagine stepping into a bulk food store, where every spice known to man hits your nose all at once. That’s the vibe this sauce gives off, and it’s nothing short of intoxicating.

The citrus notes are unmistakable here, thanks to the lemon juice that adds a zesty tang right off the bat. It’s like the scent has its own layers, with that citrusy freshness sitting right on top. But don’t let that fool you; lurking beneath is the sweet, rich aroma you’d expect from a top-notch BBQ sauce. It’s that smell that gets your stomach growling and your taste buds standing at attention, ready for action.

Taste and Flavour

When it comes to taste, “The Duke” takes a turn that’s a bit unexpected. I was all geared up for a blast of citrusy hot sauce magic, but what I got felt more like a journey through marinade territory. And hey, that’s not a bad thing—it just shifts the flavor profile into a different gear.

Right from the get-go, the citrus powers through. Lemon juice and citric acid team up to deliver a tangy sharpness that grabs your attention. Although this sauce is called Tamarind Lime, there was no lime to be found in the ingredients list, unless the citric acid is the lime.

This zesty punch is mellowed just a tad by the vinegar’s softer touch, setting up a complex dance of flavors. Then there’s the tamarind, sneaking in with its molasses-like sweetness and richness, adding a layer of balance to the mix. Lemon and tamarind are like flavor BFFs, each one amplifying the other, creating a solid foundation for the sauce.

But here’s where the plot thickens—literally. Amidst the symphony of flavors, the texture threw me for a loop. Bits of spices and salts are floating around, which I’m all for, but then you hit these crunchy chunks of salt. It’s a lot. Too much, actually. These salty surprises are a bit too intense, making me think “The Duke” is playing more in the marinade league than in the hot sauce championship.

Without these overly salty bits, the texture would’ve been spot on. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s the little things that can steer the experience. So, while “The Duke” brings a lot to the table with its bold flavors and unique character, it’s this aspect of texture that leaves me pondering its true calling as a marinade over a hot sauce.

Heat Level

When it comes to the heat level, “The Duke” is, well, pretty chill. On my personal spice-o-meter, it barely nudges the needle, landing a soft 1 out of 10. If you’re hunting for that fiery kick that leaves you reaching for a glass of milk, you won’t find it here. The most heat you’ll get comes from the zingy citrus notes, which is more of a tangy tickle than a spicy punch.

There’s none of the usual hot sauce mayhem—no mouth on fire, no beads of sweat, and definitely no runny nose. It’s as if “The Duke” is playing it cool, maybe too cool for those of us who crave the thrill of the heat. This sauce is more about flavor than fire, leaning heavily into its identity as a marinade rather than a traditional hot sauce.

Conclusion: Overall Thoughts

Wrapping up our journey with “The Duke,” it’s been a ride with more twists than a mountain road. This sauce, with its standout tamarind flavor—both sweet and richly earthy—plus a well-rounded mix of spices, really brings something unique to the table. While it didn’t quite hit the mark for me as a hot sauce to be enjoyed straight up, the potential it has as a marinade has me eager to fire up the grill.

Imagine slathering this on ribs or chicken, letting it simmer and caramelize under the heat of the BBQ. That’s where I reckon “The Duke” will truly shine, transforming good into great. It’s in this cooking process that those deep, complex flavors are likely to bloom and envelop your meal in a way that raw tasting just can’t capture.

So, if you’re in the market for a marinade with class to elevate your BBQ game, “The Duke” from Royal Pepper is a solid pick. Just a heads up though—if you’re chasing that fiery thrill, you might want to keep another hot sauce on standby. Because when it comes to heat, “The Duke” prefers to keep it cool. But for everything else, especially those looking to add depth and character to their dishes, it’s definitely worth a shot.

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.