Test Drive: Each week, the Huffington Post Canada's Living team will try out something that has sparked our curiosity, and as long as we live to tell the tale, we'll let you know all about it.
The Contender:LeRoy's Gourmet Flavored Ketchup
Cost: Approximately $6 each
What It Is: Figuring Heinz et al had the classic ketchup market cornered, LeRoy's, a Milwaukee-based company, set out to innovate. They concocted flavours such as Dill & Celery, Homemade Chili, Mustard & Spice, Smokey Mesquite and Beer & Onion (two additional flavours, Crispy Bacon and Ghost Pepper & Aged Cheddar came out earlier in 2012).
Available in select stores in the U.S., and hoping to arrive in Canada this summer, the ketchups are meant for anything from fries to burgers to chips -- or any other recipe incorporating this favoured condiment.
So, did these ketchup chemists come up with a winner or are these the New Coke of the condiment world?
Putting It To The Test: Curious about the flavoured condiments trend taking off, 16 intrepid writers and editors from HuffPost Canada hustled to the kitchen to taste some ketchup.
They slathered the red stuff over Hero Burger fries and went to town, scoring each sauce on a scale of one to five.
Click through the slideshow to see check out the buzz.
Judges' Scores:
Dill & Celery:
Score: 2.8 - opinions landed on both sides of the spectrum
Comments:
"Dill not so hot when paired with tomato..."
"The dill is very distinguishable and certainly stands out... Delicious, or should I say dillicious?"
"If I wanted celery, I'd have the real thing ;(."
Homemade Chili:
Score: 2.5 - smack in the middle, without any true love
Comments:
"Too paprika-y"
"Love spicy stuff and this was fine. Could've been spicier."
Mustard & Spice:
Score: 3.4 - creeping towards the upwards end of the scale
Comments:
"Now I don't have to mix ketchup and mustard!"
"Nice taste overall. Reminds me of Pogo Sticks or hot dogs at the ball game = good times!"
Smokey Mesquite:
Score: 4.1 - almost unequivocal love from everyone
Comments:
"Strong smokey notes up front with a hint of mesquite that lingered pleasantly!"
"Just the right amount of liquid smoke made this one addictive."
"Yummm" (Editor's note: With three 'm's!)
Beer & Onion:
Score: 2.6 - a taste that came as a surprise to many
Comments:
"Rather offensive. I love beer and onions, just not together!"
"Fave - super awesome - would go well with what ketchup actually goes with."
"Tastes like neither beer nor onion. But is that the worst breath combo ever or what?"
The Verdict:
Smokey Mesquite!
The BBQ-licious ketchup was the biggest crowd-pleaser by far and away.
Sorry, Homemade Chili. We're shelving you.
Have a suggestion for a Test Drive? Tried something you loved or hated? Let us know on Twitter at @HuffPostCaLiv, or in the comments below.