Grand Traverse Sauce Co.’s DD214

Tastemaker

Mark Baker was a Michigan State University public health graduate with a dream: He imagined he’d be fighting Ebola outbreaks in Africa. Instead, he ended up watching out for salmonella in northern Michigan. No matter; he found his way to fulfil his need for heat — and helping legions of people — by way of the company he founded with his spice-lovin’ wife, Ashley: Grand Traverse Sauce Co. Together the two have launched a fantastically flavorful line of sauces and rubs. So far, we’ve tried the feisty-spicy, vinegar-forward flavors of The Siren, a smoky cayenne habanero pepper sauce that finishes with a heckuva kick, and Red Hot Griff, a very versatile and garlicky-good cayenne jalapeno-pepper hot sauce that even the spice-sissy among us adored. But the hands-down favorite was GT Sauce’s DD214 (a nod to veterans, the name denotes the military’s discharge form). A serrano-habanero and dill sauce that tastes like a spicy pickle should, DD214 is a must for burgers, tuna and potato salads, and — says Mark Baker — the best Bloody Mary’s ever made. We tried it and agreed … three times. Each 5 oz. bottle is $10. Free shipping on $20+ orders at www.gtsauceco.com, where you’ll also find a list of local retailers.

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