TILLMAN'S BARBECUE: Chipotle Apple BBQ Sauce – 595g

Sweet-heat with a chipotle chip on its shoulder

Another one built at home in Lee Nelson's kitchen for the competition circuit, and the sauce that first put Tillman's on the awards board — third place at the 2020 Awards of Excellence run by the American National Barbecue and Grilling Association. Sweet apple leads, smoked chipotle follows. The brand's own words: not too spicy, but you'll know the chipotle's there.

The flavour

Apple juice concentrate and brown sugar open it up sweet and fruity, then smoked chipotle rolls in with a proper earthy warmth and a low, slow burn that builds rather than bites. Cider vinegar keeps the whole thing honest.

How to use it

• Glaze pork ribs late in the cook — apple and pork were made for each other.
• Toss wings in it straight off the grill.
• Spoon it over tacos, hot dogs and burgers, which is exactly what the family does with it.
• Stir it through pulled pork for smoky sweetness without reaching for liquid smoke.
• Blend it with Tillman's Competition Brew — the mix Lee has won awards with.

In the bottle

Deep russet red, medium-bodied and glossy — loose enough to toss wings, thick enough to hold a glaze. Refrigerate after opening.

Ingredients & Dietary

Ingredients: Ketchup (water, tomato paste, corn syrup, vinegar, salt, onion, natural flavourings, garlic), brown sugar, cider vinegar, apple juice concentrate, water, sugar, Worcestershire (distilled vinegar, water, salt, hydrolysed soy protein, brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses, tamarind, caramel colour, spices, potassium sorbate), pepper sauce (distilled vinegar, red pepper, salt), salt, chipotle pepper, black pepper, phosphoric acid, spices.

Allergens: Contains fish (anchovies) and soy. Dietary: Tillman's label this sauce naturally gluten free and free of high fructose corn syrup — always check the physical label.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

The pick of the range if you only take one bottle home — sweet enough for the kids, smoky enough for you. Season pork ribs with Smoky Pastures Sweet Dreams Rub, run them low and slow, then glaze with Chipotle Apple in the last twenty. Build the leftovers into burgers the next day with a stripe of Boomas BBQ Burger Sauce and you'll be glad you kept some back. Part of the Tillman's Barbecue range.

FAQ

How hot is Chipotle Apple?
Mild to medium. Tillman's describe it as sweet-heat and say it isn't considered too spicy — the chipotle is a distinct note rather than a hit.

Can kids eat it?
Most will be fine with it. The sweetness leads and the chipotle warmth is gentle, but taste it first if they're sensitive.

Is it gluten free?
Tillman's label it naturally gluten free, but it does contain fish (anchovies) and soy — always confirm against the physical label if you have an allergy.