This past summer, Rugged Jack’s turned up the fire at the Inaugural Long Island Hot Sauce Festival, held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the beautiful Riverhead Cider House. It was a full day of spice, community, and flavor—and we couldn’t be more proud of how it all went down. Facebook+3NJ Sauce Co.+3longislanddailynews.town.news+3
The Scene
From noon until late afternoon, the cider house grounds were buzzing. Made for family fun, foodie adventure, and hot sauce lovers of all levels, the festival brought together vendors, visitors, and local foodies under one (very spicy) roof. Live music played, sauces were tasted, and Riverhead’s own Sound Avenue was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and lots of heat. NJ Sauce Co.+1
Rugged Jack’s Moment
Rugged Jack’s had a booth among the small-batch sauce makers, each showcasing their unique flavors and fire. We showcased our sauces, gave away samples, chatted with folks about what makes each one special, and – most importantly – let the flavors speak for themselves.
There was something special about seeing people’s expressions when they tried our Pineapple Mango, Habanana, Chipotle, Ol' Hickory, Jack N' Cayenne, Roasted Garlic sauces for the first time. The mix of sweet, tropical fruit punch and heat seemed just right for a summer spice fest.
Highlights & Surprises
Some of the coolest moments from the festival:
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Challenges & Attractions: From “Marshmallows From Hell” to hot wing eating contests, there were fun ways for folks to test their spice thresholds. NJ Sauce Co.
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Community Vibes: Locals, tourists, sauce collectors, and curious eaters came together. Conversations ranged from “what heat level can you handle?” to recipe tips, grilling ideas, and home garden hacks.
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Networking & Discovery: We met fellow sauce-makers and each sample offered a chance to learn something new. It was energizing to see so much creativity in the small-batch hot sauce world.
What It Meant for Rugged Jack’s
Being part of this inaugural festival was more than just showing up—it felt like affirmation. It affirmed our place among Long Island’s craft flavor makers. It allowed us to connect face-to-face with people who care about flavor, quality, and the stories behind the sauces. And, of course, it gave us new fans who left with bottles, stickers, stories, and maybe a little sweat from tasting something extra spicy.
Looking Forward
With the energy from the festival still alive, Rugged Jack’s is fired up for what’s next:
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New flavors, some unexpected twists, are already being tested.
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More events, more kitchen crossovers, and more chances to meet YOU—the spicy food lovers who make what we do worthwhile.
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Bigger presence locally and perhaps even further afield: sharing Long Island flavor with every plate, grill, and trail we can reach.
Thanks to WhiteHouse Station Sauce Co. the Riverhead Cider House, all the makers, and most of all — you — for making the Long Island Hot Sauce Festival an unforgettable kick-off to a new annual tradition. If you missed it, catch us next time—and bring your appetite.