From Backyard to Bottles
It all started in a backyard in the Pleasant Ridge neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. A love of food and curiosity about rare seeds led to us growing some of the hottest peppers on the planet—not just for the thrill of the heat, but for the complexity of their flavors. We even started creating our own pepper breeds and very quickly had more peppers than we knew what to do with. What began as a personal passion quickly turned into a quest: to craft hot sauces that respect the heat but elevate the flavor, using only the best ingredients. To this day, we still grow the majority of the product in our sauces.
Meet Our Founders
Nathan Hanks, a dedicated pepper connoisseur, and Julie Prevey, a talented home cook, share a passion for big flavors and bold heat. What started as a backyard experiment soon turned into an obsession—finding ways to showcase the unique complexity of super-hot peppers without overpowering the taste.
But before there was a garden, before the first batch of sauce was bottled, there were Sully and Grimlock—our loyal pit bulls who’ve been by our side since the very beginning. Long before we started growing peppers, they were watching over our backyard, which eventually became the thriving garden that now supplies many of the fresh ingredients for our sauces. They keep our produce safe from squirrels, rabbits, deer, and the occasional groundhog.
About Hot Sauce for Mortals
At Hot Sauce for Mortals, we believe that flavor and fire should go hand in hand. Our mission is simple: to make the intense heat of super-hot peppers approachable and delicious for everyone—without sacrificing bold, unforgettable taste.
Locally Sourced, Expertly Crafted
We take pride in sourcing high-quality, local ingredients to create sauces that balance intensity, depth, and richness. Whether it’s the smoky boldness of Alpha & Omega, the sweet heat of Tropical Apocalypse, or the fiery umami of Akuma, every bottle is a testament to our love for spice—and our commitment to exceptional flavor.
For Spice & Flavor Lovers Alike
Our sauces aren’t just about heat; they’re about experience. Whether you're a seasoned chilihead or just starting your hot sauce journey, we’ve crafted something that will ignite your taste buds without overwhelming them.
Join the Heat Revolution
This isn’t just hot sauce—it’s a celebration of flavor, fire, and fearless eating. Welcome to Hot Sauce for Mortals, where every drop tells a story, and every bottle is made for those who crave both spice and flavor.
Dare to taste the difference? Explore our sauces and experience heat the way it was meant to be—bold, balanced, and unforgettable.