Rating: ★★★★★

An oyster’s best friend. It certainly is. Ed’s Red is a favorite of mine. It wins a uniqueness award and is a local favorite. My mother and step-father know me all too well and got me this hot sauce as a Christmas gift some years ago. Found only in the Florida panhandle, Port St. Joe’s, specifically, it is a locally made, favorite.

While the traditional vinegar and pepper are main ingredients, the addition of horseradish is what tops it off and makes it an oyster’s best friend. I am not usually a horseradish fan but this is one exception. It is delicious. But it doesn’t stop on oysters.

An unexpected great combination: cracker, sharp cheddar cheese, and a dash of Ed’s Red. I also make a killer olive, celery, carrot salad with it (sounds weird doesn’t it?). Think of it as a Bloody Mary salad.

One can add it to a roast beef sandwich, prime rib, and, I've also added it to corn on the cob for another unexpected delicious combination.

Overall, it isn’t very hot but I don’t go after hot sauces just for heat. A little zing is a must but, like a wine, the nuance of a hot sauce is usually what makes me really like it. Ed’s Red, however, doesn’t just have nuance, it is at the top of the unique scale and absolutely delicious.

Flavor: Garlicy, citrusy, a little spicy, and the horseradish makes for a great flavor. An absolute favorite.

Versatility: Admittedly, Ed’s Red sauce’s crown jewel, the horseradish flavor, makes it a favorite but also makes it a little less versatile.

Uniqueness: I haven’t found another one like it yet. Even if I do, this will still be hard to match.

Recommended on:

• Oysters
• Shrimp
• Bloody Mary’s
• Tomato juice
• V8
• Cheddar cheese
• Baked potatoes

Ingredients:

Tomato sauce
Distilled Vinegar
Salt
Corn Syrup
Peppers
Horseradish
Lemon juice
Garlic powder
Onion powder