“Every vote through six rounds came from people who believe in craft production.”
Harmacy Hot Sauce, a Cookeville, Tennessee-based craft brand known for its small-batch sauces, has officially been crowned the 64’s Best Hot Sauce in America. The six-round, bracket-style tournament started with 64 of the nation’s top hot sauce brands, including household names like:
- Tabasco (founded in 1868)
- Frank’s RedHot
- Tapatio
It also featured powerhouse craft brands such as:
- Secret Aardvark
- Yellowbird
- Bravado Spice Co.
HHS excelled in the six-round, bracket-style, competition that began with 64 of the nation’s top hot sauce brands. They went on a run, and in round 4 HHC defeated Smokin Ed’s (owned by legendary pepper breeder Ed Currie). Then came another heavyweight: Melinda’s Hot Sauce, a globally distributed brand with more than 40 years of history.
HHS pulled off the upset, and Owner Homero Gonzalez says it was all about community.
“People voted, shared, and rallied for us. This win belongs to everyone who helped spread the word,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez left a career in engineering to chase a dream – building something he believed in. Something he could call his own.
“Every vote through six rounds came from people who believe in craft production, quality ingredient and supporting independent makers. They competed against corporate marketing machines and won,” said Gonzalez. “We prove that starting with nothing doesn’t limit how far you can go,” Gonzalez added. “Craft, and community support can compete at the highest level.”
Photo provided.
Copyright 2026 The Upper Cumberland Business Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Other stories you may want to check out:
