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Get Saucy
Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: November 2024 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro
Barbecue lovers, Highlands Smokehouse is bottling their legendary sauces, so you can savor the rich, smoky flavors right at home. Grab a bottle in-store, online at highlandssmokehouse.com, or at select local retailers.
With Highlands Smokehouse now firmly ensconced in the minds (and bellies) of local diners, owner Bryan Lewis is turning up the heat by bottling and selling the sauces that have earned him so much goodwill.
The move comes as no surprise to locals – after all, Lewis and his team have been perfecting their craft of pit-cooked barbecue since taking over the Smokehouse four years ago.
But what truly sets one barbecue apart from another?
Many argue it’s the sauce. While the meat may be cooked similarly, the sauce is where the pitmaster’s creativity shines. Some say it’s the sauce that defines the individuality of a cook, a guarded secret that transforms smoked meat into something transcendent.
Indeed, volumes have been written about barbecue sauce, and it’s no wonder why. Across the United States, regional variations of barbecue sauces fuel fierce loyalty, with pitmasters and competition teams guarding their secret blends.
And at Highlands Smokehouse, it’s always been about more than just the meat – it’s about the whole experience, from the first whiff of hickory smoke to the finger-licking joy of a perfect rack of ribs. Lewis understands the deep connection between sauce and Southern barbecue.
That’s why he’s worked with his Memphis-born cook, Dale Brendle, to perfect four signature sauces.
Here’s the lineup:
• Sweet and Smokey Sauce: A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this sauce is the classic go-to for pulled pork or ribs. It’s a comforting, familiar blend that delivers every time.
• Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce: A South Carolina favorite, this sauce is sharp, acidic, and subtly sweet—perfect for pairing with chicken or pork for a true Southern feast.
• Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce: This thin, tangy, and acidic sauce is a must-have for Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue fans. It cuts through the richness of smoked meats with its bright vinegar base.
• Smokey Tex-Style BBQ Sauce: The most popular sauce at Highlands Smokehouse, this Texas-inspired mix brings together heat, tang, and a touch of sweetness, making it ideal for brisket lovers.
Available both in-store and online, the sauces are also for sale at local retailers like Bryson’s, Highlands Mercantile, The Dry Sink, and Ace Hardware. Each 16-ounce bottle is priced at $11, and gift sets are available for barbecue enthusiasts.
