Smokey J by Sam Sa House Hot Sauce Review

Let’s dive into a sauce that’s been getting some buzz lately. Smoked Verde by Sam Sa’ House Smokey J is a verde-style hot sauce that hails from the vibrant landscapes of Honduras. Featured on a recent season of Hot Ones, this sauce mixes the fresh kick of jalapeños with a distinctive smoky twist, thanks to some Honduras white oak action.

The heat isn’t going to knock your socks off, but it’s got enough to get your attention. The flavor? It’s decent, but it’s not knocking it out of the park. Let’s break it down and see if this sauce could be your next go-to for a smoky kick.

Introducing: Smokey J Smoked Jalapeno Sauce by Sam Sa House

Sam Sa’ House hails from Honduras and was born from the fiery passion of a former high school metalhead turned professional chef. The founder, who once loved shredding guitars, now crafts bold flavors in the kitchen. Merging his love for cooking with a die-hard affection for hot sauce, he whipped up the brand that’s catching some eyes today.

Now, let’s talk about Smokey J. This sauce veers off the traditional verde path by ditching tomatillos for a smoky ensemble of jalapeños and onions, both of which are smoked over Honduras white oak. This process imparts a deep, smoky flavor that really sets it apart. The sauce maintains a tangy profile without being overly vinegary or salty, making it a balanced choice for those who appreciate subtlety.

Tasting good but not extraordinary, Smokey J carries a price tag of about $22 CAD. Given the import fees and the hype from its Hot Ones feature, it feels like there’s a bit of a premium being paid here. Whether the unique smoky twist and mild heat justify the cost is up for debate.

Manufacturer: Smokey J
Made In: Honduras
Heat Rating: 2/10
Size: 147mL
Price Range: $22

Ingredients: Jalapenos, Yellow Onions, Garlic, Distilled Vinegar, Organic Blue Agave, Kosher Salt, Coriander, Cumin, Chia Seed Powder, Citric Acid, Black Pepper

Appearance

Smoked Verde by Sam Sa’ House comes in a standard woozy bottle, which is pretty much the universal look for hot sauces globally. The label really grabs your attention, plastered across the lower half of the bottle with some seriously cool graphics. For anyone with a taste for metal or rock, the label’s design might strike a familiar chord, resembling something you’d find on a rock album cover. It mixes neon green and purple on a stark black background, making it pop off the shelf and catch your eye.

The sauce itself is a vivid green, just what you’d expect from a jalapeño-based concoction. It’s not just about looks though; the sauce is textured with chunks of ingredients that pop with flavor as you eat. It pours smoothly too, without any hassle of clogging up the bottle’s neck. This is a sauce that not only stands out on the shelf but also delivers a satisfying experience when it hits your plate.

Smell

When you crack open a bottle of Smokey J, the first thing that hits you is that smoky aroma, living up to its name in a big way. It’s got a fresh vibe to it, with just the right hint of tanginess and a mild spicy undertone. The smoked oak scent is unmistakable, lending a robust, earthy character to the overall aroma.

The onions add another layer of depth, giving the sauce a salsa-like quality that’s really appealing. While the tang and heat are more understated in the scent, they’re definitely present. Interestingly, you might notice the smell of the heat more than you actually taste it when digging in. This sauce offers a sensory experience that starts the moment you unscrew the cap.

Taste and Flavour

Smokey J definitely takes a bit of getting used to. Initially, I wasn’t sold on it, mainly because there’s a hint of something in the smoke flavor that oddly reminds me of burnt plastic. It’s subtle, but if you’ve ever smelled plastic melt, you’ll catch that note here, mingled with the smoked oak.

However, once your palate adjusts to that initial surprise, the real flavors start to stand out. The jalapeños and onions are the stars of the show. The onions add a roasty touch, while the jalapeños deliver that classic, crisp pepper taste we all love in a good sauce. Rounding out the flavor profile, you’ve got garlic and coriander, which add layers of complexity and a bit of freshness, making each bite interesting and leaving you wanting another taste.

While the overall flavor is pretty solid, I have to admit, the initial smoky-plastic note did throw me off at first. But once you get past that, there’s a lot to enjoy in this unique blend.

Heat Level

When it comes to heat, Smokey J keeps it pretty tame. I’d rate it about a 2 out of 10 on my personal heat scale. This sauce doesn’t bring the intense heat that has you reaching for a glass of milk. There’s no sweating, no fiery sensation in your mouth, and definitely no runny nose.

What you do get is a gentle tingle on your tongue and lips, which is pretty much in line with what you’d expect from a jalapeño-based sauce. Jalapeños aren’t known for being particularly fiery, but they do offer a mild kick that’s more of a nudge than a shove. So, if you’re diving into Smokey J hoping for a wild ride, you might find it underwhelming. But for those who appreciate a subtle heat that complements the food rather than overpowering it, this sauce delivers just enough to make things interesting.

Conclusion: Overall Thoughts

Wrapping up, Smokey J didn’t quite hit the spot for me. The steep price, driven up by import fees and the so-called Hot Ones tax, set high expectations that just weren’t met. For someone like me who’s used to more heat, the mild tingle from this sauce felt a bit underwhelming. Flavor-wise, it was just okay—not terrible, but nothing to get excited about either.

I could see this sauce appealing to those who prefer a milder kick, but for anyone who loves a real burn and bold flavors, it might fall short. Locally, I’ve found verde-style sauces that pack more flavor and heat for half the price. If you’re curious about the sauces featured on Hot Ones, go ahead and give Smokey J a try—it might be right up your alley. But for my taste, I think I’ll keep looking for something with a bit more punch.

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.