Expert: Melinda Walker - 4/13/2001

Question
Hello, Melinda!
My friend and I have been having a bit of a disagreement. My friend says that there is no difference in taste between actual tabasco sauce, and so called "Texas Pete"... We would be much obliged if you would set him straight. Also, I was wondering: Which do you prefer?

Thank you for your time. :)
-Andrew

Answer
Hello Andrew!

I wish I could settle your disagreement, but I cannot.  I have never tasted, nor heard of, "Texas Pete" sauce.  I have tried several other red pepper sauces, but I believe the McIlhenny Co. "Tabasco" brand to be the best.  Made of vinegar, red pepper and salt, its been around since 1868.  Which I believe makes it the oldest brand.  So really all other pepper sauces are copies of the "Tabasco" brand.  In fact, much like people refer to all softdrinks as "cokes", people tend to refer to all red pepper sauces as "tabasco".  Next time I am at the grocery, I'll look for the "Texas Pete" sauce.  If I can find it, I'll try it.  But it is hard to believe that anything's better than "Tabasco".  

Melinda :)