MIDDLE KINGDOM: AP Warlord – 180g

The all-purpose warlord of the rack

AP Warlord is Middle Kingdom's do-anything seasoning from the award-winning Firehouse Barbecue competition team — savoury garlic up front, real butter richness underneath, and enough umami depth to make it worth reaching for on almost anything. One shaker, every protein, no excuses.

The flavour

Savoury garlic leads the charge, backed by a real butter richness and a layered, umami-forward finish. It's built to work at both ends of the cook — low and slow on the smoker, or straight onto a hot charcoal grill — without losing its balance either way.

How to cook with it

• Sprinkle a light, even layer for a subtle background seasoning, or go generous for a bold, punchy crust.
• Season steaks, chops or chicken before they hit the grill or smoker.
• Shake over roast veg, wedges or corn for an easy garlic-butter lift.
• Rogue move: keep it by the stove and use it as your everyday stand-in for salt and pepper.

In the shaker

A coarse, sandy-pale grind flecked with darker spice — it spreads into an even, clinging coat rather than caking on, so a light shake still covers the surface properly.

Ingredients & Dietary

Ingredients: Sugar, Salt, Spices, Butter Powder, Flavour Enhancer (621, 635), Anti-Caking Agent (551).

Dietary: Contains milk (butter powder) and added flavour enhancers (621, 635). No gluten ingredient in the blend, but made on the same equipment as products containing soy, sesame, gluten, peanuts and tree nuts — always check the physical label.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

Every galley needs a jar that does the lot without being asked twice — garlic and butter up front, savoury depth underneath. Build a plate around it with Four Saucemen The BBQ Sauce, then sharpen things up with Butchers Axe BBQ Mustard Sauce on the side. Season early, let it work, and don't overthink it.

FAQ

Does AP Warlord contain MSG?
Yes — it contains added flavour enhancers 621 and 635, which lift the savoury, umami depth.

Is it gluten free?
There's no gluten ingredient in the blend, but it's made on shared equipment, so we list it as gluten friendly — always check the physical label.

What can I use it on?
It's a genuine all-rounder — beef, chicken, pork, lamb and roast veg all work. Keep it by the stove as your everyday seasoning.

Is it spicy?
No — it's not marketed as a heat-forward rub. Expect savoury garlic and butter rather than chilli heat.