In New Mexico, I have consumed, grilled, cooked, baked, barbequed and smoked many things. I’ve had fire-grilled ribs, pork bellies, chicken wings, smoked briskets and a fair amount of steaks. But if you asked me what the flavor ingredients that made the biggest impression on me so far, I would tell you without a doubt… “the old west original flavors!” They’re the best!

My curiosity and passion for good barbecue helped me to explore the new tastes in old west irresistible flavor combinations beginning in my kitchen, over my grill and smoker, searching for the ultimate BBQ sauces and seasonings. After an exhaustive search on how best to prepare the most tasty meats, I finally captured the flavor most people savored.   

To validate my flavors from my peers  and professionals in the BBQ industry it had to be a test. Guess what? My “Sweet and Spicy Rub and Seasoning” won an award in Competition! Of course, many competitors’ wanted to know my secret, but I’m not “tell’n, only sell’n”–  so everyone can experience the Hensley’s Hog House award-winning difference!  

Once I achieved the exact award-winning flavor people wanted most, I needed to get the production of my seasonings and sauces out of my kitchen and into a qualified food processor’s facility. I didn’t want it to be just another off-the-shelf, cheap ingredients store bought brand, but gourmet, concentrate products for the taste buds of the culinary appreciative–  backyard grillers, cooks and chefs.  

Then came my recipes. My life with barbecuing and smoking has been nothing less than an adventure, full of surprises and last-minute decisions. I place great emphasis on keeping traditional “Old West Original” flavors. 

The recipes show that they’re all about flavor. I love to grill, roast, bake, sauté, fry, braise and smoke, you name it. If it involves a truly traditional “Old West” style taste I’m going to be interested. And you will be too! 

–      Aaron Hensley