NW Elixirs

The company:  NW Elixirs, handcrafting small batch hot sauce that tastes as good as it burns.

The people:  The collaboration of chef and waiter, mixmaster and entrepreneur.

Why we picked them:  I have a serious affinity for spicy food. Not blow you over the head hot, but authoritative, heady heat that delivers deep in the flavor department. Andrew Garrett and Mitch Miller at NW Elixirs cater to hot-heads like myself, who appreciate a sauce that's as good as the food it's enhancing. A peak into their workroom immediately impressed me. Surrounded by mounds of chile and spice, both fresh and dried, I sensed that these two had done some serious tinkering before settling on the perfect blend. Their 'Hot Sauce 1' is just that, a blazing accomplishment.