Where has Hot Doc's Hot Sauce been in the world?
Until recently, I would have said that Hot Doc's has only been nationally in Indiana, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Florida. I discovered from a repeat customer that his son, who is a US Marine, took some Hot Doc's with him to Iraq. He and his buddies loved it! So, Hot Doc's is international--it's been to Iraq and back!
Hot Doc, What's the hold up?
This dang day-job of mine, I tell you. I have my freezer full of peppers, my mom's freezer full of peppers, and the Moose freezer full of peppers. I know I need to get some product into jars, but my classes are taking more of my time than I would prefer. I will get four weeks off during the holidays, so I'll be sure to get back to pepper work then. Sorry.
UPDATE (11/14/07): I've filled three freezers so far, and am looking for more freezer space.
Is the sauce really hot?
Yes, it is hot. Hot Doc's is made from mostly habanero peppers. The label says that "This sauce has been known to make grown men cry"--and that is no exaggeration. They don't cry because they sat down in a chair funny. If you are accustomed to very hot condiments, you'll appreciate Hot Doc's. If you are a new comer to very hot condiments, you'll likely find Hot Doc's too hot for you.
Why is the texture thick?
The texture of Hot Doc's is thick because water and other "fillers" are left out. Some people have suggested I call it Pepper Paste due to its thickness. Because of its thickness, Hot Doc's Hot Sauce stays on a sandwich without soaking the bun, goes great as chip dip and taco sauce, and really packs the flavor and heat into a single whallop. The thickness also benefits those cooks wanting to add a little heat to spaghetti sauce, barbeque sauce, chili, and many other dishes. A single tablespoon of Hot Doc's Hot Sauce added to an entire pot of chili can add just the right amount of heat for the majority of people eating your chili.
UPDATE (1/24/07): I've thinned it a little bit. When I saw a buyer turn an opened jar upside down and nothing spilled out, I thought I should probably thin it out a bit.
Why the delayed heat?
I was toying around with the formula one day and discovered a way of making the first 2-3 seconds heat free. You get the flavor, and then the heat sneaks up on you. I thought that was a neat trick, so I incorporated it. And besides, when newcomers to Hot Doc's Hot Sauce first try it, their initial reaction is one of disappointment. They usually have enough time to utter the words "Ah, it's not that haaaaa.... OH! there it is." I get a kick out of that. Remember, "it'll mess with your mind."
How do you get the delayed heat reaction?
As they used to say in the old Calgon detergent commercials--"Ancient Chinese Secret". Or maybe that's "Ancient Scottish Secret" given Hot Doc's heritage. In other words, ... what was the question?
When is the milder Hot Doc's Hot Sauce coming?
That probably won't happen until fall of 2007. I'll need to do some research and experimenting to determine the best way of producing a milder version of Hot Doc's Hot Sauce, but I do understand the need for it. Please be patient.
UPDATE (11/14/07): I'll be toying around with some ideas here in the next few weeks.
Where is Hot Doc's Hot Sauce prepared?
Hot Doc's Hot Sauce is grown, processed and sold in Anderson, Indiana. Anderson may not be a location exactly synonymous with hot pepper cooking, but you just never know what the future may hold.
Do you have any tee shirts or stuff like that?
Not at the moment, but Hot Doc is looking into tee-shirts, hats, key chains, magnets, card markers, buttons, and other standard stuff. It may take a while, but eventually Hot Doc's Gear will be available.
UPDATE (11/14/07): Pens and refrigerator magnets have arrived. Shirts are here.
Hot Doc, do you like to watch movies about gladiators?
Not particularly. Some are OK, I guess.
Hot Doc, have you ever spent any time in a Turkish prison?
No, can't say that I ever have.
Hot Doc, have you ever seen a grown man naked?
Back when I was in organized sports, yes I guess did. But, I'm not proud of it!
What the?.....Where did those last three questions come from?
The 1980 movie Airplane--Capt. Oveur (played by Peter Graves) inappropriately asks these questions to a young boy visiting the cockpit. One of the funniest movies ever made! What are these questions doing on a website about Hoc Doc's--I don't know.
What's your favorite bet in Texas Hold'em?
Oh I don't know, "bout 350"--For those of you who don't know, this is a Southpark reference.