I used hickory smoked chicken (sliced) and sampled by dipping in the sauces. See pic below. I spooned out each flavor (except JD, it poured) to check the consistency of each. I also tasted each on the spoon, progressing clockwise.
Impressions:
The sauces were about 1/2 - 2/3 as thick as JDs. I've definitely had runnier sauces. These would have been fine in pourable bottles.
The original:
On the spoon: first thing I tasted was molasses and pepper. Other spices worked in, but those two dominated even through the aftertaste. Good flavor. Not sweet, but definitely not overpowering vinegar flavor that I've experienced with many Carolina sauces.
On meat: Good addition to the smoke flavor. Paired nicely. Neither dominated (smoke nor sauce).
Mustard:
On the spoon: less molasses than the original. More pepper and mustard flavor. Again, no vinegar flavor to speak of. Good flavor.
On meat: paired well with the smoked meat. Like the original, did not overpower the smoke in the meat, but was present in the flavor.
Hot:
On the spoon: Much like the original (molasses and pepper), but a little more heat than the original, but not too hot. No vinegar flavor.
On meat: more present than the other 2, but not overpowering. Complemented the smoked meat well.
In all: None of them was as sweet as JD's, but definitely not vinegar flavored (which I would expect of a "typical" Carolina sauce). Molasses was the base for all. The sauces weren't thin (also typical of Carolina sauces), but they weren't as thick as JD's (or Stubb's or other "western"/"midwestern" sauces).
I acknowledge the differences between using them as dipping sauces vs marinades or post-smoking sauce. Using them differently may change how they present themselves.
I think these may be good binders as well. I really like these sauces (relieved
). That means I won't have to throw them away.
Their website also only depicts these three flavors, so I think I've sampled everything they have to offer. Their website shows a "store locator" so you may be able to save shipping costs (these were $5.99 each).
I don't know if this helps or not. I doubt I'll be putting RG out of the "review" business any time soon.