Hot Stuff - Bunsters
If you have been following this series, it should not come as a surprise that is being utilized on the regular to enhance what I consume on a daily basis, which explains why I am delighted when I come across local entities producing quality emissions.
Bunsters is located in Perth in Western Australia, and having been inspired by extensive travel and the discoveries she made along the way, she decided to start making her very own hot sauces – an endeavour that quickly evolved to what has now firmly established itself as a proper brand.
Bunsters’ core range consists of four variants, which are proffered in 8oz and as far as the shape is concerned, Dom Perignon inspired bottles. The common denominator is that they are based on a solid foundation comprised of Scorpion and Birds Eye chillies, which is enhanced by citrus juices, vegetables, Goji Berries, Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut sugar and Himalayan pink salt. The fact that it is devoid of nasty additives and vegan friendly only adds to the appeal.
What I like about the Bunsters range is that it is all about nuanced peppery flavours and not just the novelty of generating raw, biting heat: The spice and heat stays in the background and build up, interweaving the deep rich and savoury flavours of acid and vinegar in a subtle manner instead, resulting in idiosyncratic, recognizable flavours.
In many aspects, Bunsters reminds me of a spicier variant of an old favourite, i.e. A-1 sauce, and while some of the advertising alludes to the breathing of fire and extreme heat, I personally find even Bunsters’ hotter emissions to be palatable and not super caliente at all, i.e. it not only delivers on the flavour front but is also a great entry point for the uninitiated on the timid side who like being eased into things.
In terms of visually appealing packaging and gimmicks, Bunsters goes all way out and their Hot Sauce Making Kit makes a borderline ideal gift for any spice aficionados in your squad as it comes not only with the foundation but also the tools so you can create your own brand of hot sauce by only having to add some common ingredients from your cupboard like salt, vinegar and curry powder.
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image from company website