Wildbrine Kimchi Sriracha Review: Spicy Perfection With a Catch

Hey there! Today, I’ve got a real treat on my hands. We’re talking about Fermented Kimchi Sriracha by Wildbrine, straight out of Santa Rosa, CA. Let me tell you, this sauce is a knockout. If you’re into kimchi, you’re going to feel right at home with this one.

It’s like they took all that fermented goodness and packed it into a bottle. The flavor? Spot on. It’s got that kimchi kick we all love. But there’s a twist – it’s still in the middle of its fermenting journey. More on that soon. Stick around for the full scoop.

Introducing: Wildbrine Fermented Kimchi Sriracha

Alright, let’s get into the heart of things with Wildbrine, the masterminds behind our star of the show, Fermented Kimchi Sriracha. These folks aren’t playing around when it comes to probiotic foods. From sauerkraut to kimchi, they’re all about keeping things fresh and full of life, literally. Their lineup screams quality and a dedication to fermentation that’s hard to beat. You can tell they’re pros at letting those good bacteria do their magic, keeping everything bubbling away long after it hits the shelf.

Now, onto the sauce itself. This Kimchi Sriracha is something else. Calling it “tasty” is an understatement. But, calling it Sriracha? That’s where I’m scratching my head. Sure, it’s got chili peppers and garlic, but it’s essentially kimchi in liquid form. Pure, unadulterated kimchi goodness. Looking at the ingredients, it’s kimchi through and through. No fillers, no-nonsense. Just the real deal.

But, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This sauce is alive. And I mean, really alive. Every time I pop open a bottle, it’s like a mini celebration I wasn’t ready for. Sauce everywhere. And it’s not just me. Even on the store shelves, these bottles are bursting with excitement, literally. It’s a bit of a mess and a clear sign that the fermentation party is still in full swing.

Despite the explosive enthusiasm, this sauce is a catch, especially at $7-$9 a bottle. Just make sure to use it quickly and maybe open it over the sink. Here’s hoping Wildbrine can tweak the process a bit because, let me tell you, this sauce is too good to pass up. Fresh, full of flavor, and with a kick that’s just right, it’s a must-try for any kimchi lover out there.

Manufacturer: Wildbrine
Made In: USA
Heat Rating: 4/10
Size: 241mL
Price Range: $7-$9
Buy at Spud.ca

Ingredients: Kimchi (Napa Cabbage, Chili Peppers, Water, Garlic, Green Onion, Sea Salt, Sea Vegetable, Ginger)

Appearance

Diving into the look of Wildbrine’s Kimchi Sriracha, it’s clear this isn’t your average hot sauce. The bottle itself is tall and cylindrical, a clear canvas showcasing the vibrant, fiery red sauce inside. It’s topped with a practical black flip-top lid, complete with a dispenser that hints at the sauce’s eager personality.

The label wraps around the bottle in a dance of colors, with red and green popping against a sleek black background. And then there’s the rooster – somehow familiar, adding a playful nod that ties the whole look together. It’s a design that catches your eye and promises something bold and exciting.

But the real showstopper is the sauce itself. It’s not just any red sauce; it’s chunky, with visible bits of kimchi that promise a flavorful bite. They’ve skipped the straining, leaving all that kimchi goodness right where you want it. Pouring it? That’s an adventure. It flows pretty smoothly with a squeeze, but be ready – the liquid has a mind of its own, finding its way everywhere, even sneaking under the lid. It’s all part of the fun with this sauce, a visual and tactile experience that’s as unique as its taste.

Smell

The scent of Wildbrine’s Kimchi Sriracha is a journey in itself, especially if you’re familiar with the unmistakable aroma of kimchi. That first hit is a wave of fermentation at its finest – it’s funky, aged, tangy, and spicy, embodying everything that makes kimchi so addictively good. There’s a complexity here that’s hard to put into words. It’s like diving into a well-aged culinary masterpiece, where every sniff brings something new to the table.

Then, there’s the unexpected hero in the mix – the onion. Normally, I’m not the biggest fan of a strong onion smell, but in this sauce, it’s transformed. It blends so well with the fermented vibes, adding a layer of depth that’s surprisingly pleasant. The overall aroma is incredibly inviting, almost like the sauce itself is calling you over for a taste.

Describing the scent of this hot sauce without falling back on a Google search is a challenge, but let’s just say it’s incredible. It’s the kind of aroma that doesn’t just linger in the kitchen; it captures your senses, drawing you in. The tanginess, the spice, the hint of onion – it all combines to create an olfactory experience that’s as enticing as the sauce’s flavor. It’s not just a scent; it’s an invitation to dive into a bottle of fermented goodness.

Taste and Flavour

When it comes to flavor, Wildbrine’s Fermented Kimchi Sriracha is a direct hit to the taste buds. It’s like diving into a jar of kimchi – and who wouldn’t want that? The base of fermented cabbage lays down a complex, earthy foundation, enriched by the depth and aromatics of onion. These flavors, especially after fermentation, create a tangy explosion that’s both fresh and vegetal.

From the first bite, you’re hit with that unmistakable tang, but it’s the kind of tang that makes your mouth water, craving for more. Then, the freshness kicks in, followed by the warmth of the peppers. But let’s not kid ourselves; the real MVP here is the kimchi flavor. It’s bold, it’s there, it’s what this sauce is all about.

Texture plays a big part in the experience, too. This isn’t a smooth, forgettable sauce. It’s chunky, filled with bits of fermented goodness that burst with flavor. You even get a little bit of that fizzy goodness that comes from fermentation. Each squeeze not only promises a hit of heat but a journey through a landscape of taste that’s hard to find elsewhere.

In every drop, you’re tasting the genuine flavors of fermented cabbage, the kick of the chilis, and that perfect finish of green onions. It’s a symphony of flavors that doesn’t just taste good; it feels good. This sauce is a celebration of kimchi, captured in a bottle, ready to elevate whatever it touches.

Heat Level

Wildbrine’s Fermented Kimchi Sriracha packs a decent punch, landing at a 4 out of 10 on my heat scale. It’s got that zesty kick you’d expect from red Thai chili peppers – a sharp, quick heat that zaps the tongue and leaves your lips tingling. It’s the kind of heat that creeps up on you, enough to get a bit of sweat going on the cheeks and around the hairline without overwhelming the dish’s flavors.

This sauce isn’t just about the burn; it’s a well-rounded experience. The heat is delightful, adding an extra layer to the rich, fermented taste of the sauce. It’s so good I’ve gone through three bottles just enjoying the mix of heat and flavor. If you’re into the real, punchy heat of Thai chili peppers without it taking over, this sauce hits the mark. It’s spicy, it’s sharp, and above all, it’s delicious.

Conclusion: Overall Thoughts

Wrapping up, I’ve got to say, Wildbrine’s Fermented Kimchi Sriracha is a standout. For anyone who’s a kimchi fanatic like me, this sauce is a dream come true. It’s like they took the essence of kimchi and bottled it up for our convenience. Genius, right? I’ve paired it with everything from fries and sausage to chicken and salads, and it hasn’t missed a beat – just steer clear of pairing it with desserts.

The only snag is its tendency to continue fermenting, leading to a bit of a mess and a short shelf life. But honestly, that’s a small price to pay for something this flavorful. I’m crossing my fingers that they’ll tweak the formula to extend its lifespan because it would be a tragedy to see this sauce go.

For the quality and taste, the price is more than fair. If you come across a bottle, don’t hesitate. Just make sure to enjoy it before it enjoys its freedom all over your pantry. Here’s to hoping Wildbrine keeps this flavor masterpiece in their lineup for a long time to come.

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.