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Tuesday, January 21st
Oakland Dust is one of the more mysterious BBQ sauce clubs on our list. It's the creation of Eric (no last name given), who gained an appreciation for good food and great flavors at his grandmother's table. Oakland Dust is his way of passing along the memories of happy times and laughter that happen when food brings people together, through his own collection of sauces and rubs. If you want to know more than that, though, you'll need to reach out via phone or email (and you may just reach Eric himself).
Good customization options
You have all the say-so in what you'll get in your Oakland Dust subscription box from one delivery to the next. Maybe you want to keep your favorite rubs and sauces stocked without having to think about it? Or you could switch it up and experiment with all of the flavors in Oakland Dust's inventory. The customization is up to you.
Just over a dozen BBQ rubs and sauces
Here's what you'll be choosing from, all of which are free from preservatives and artificial flavors and use sustainable packaging:
You choose how much to include in your box (and budget)
What you'll pay depends on which sauces and rubs you add to your box, but whatever combo you choose, you'll save 10% off the regular retail price. You can also decide to have your Oakland Dust subscription come every month, every 3 months, or every 6 months. But, to give you an idea, let's say you want 2 rubs and 2 spices in a month-to-month subscription. We picked the Hickory Garlic and Cowboy Steak & Rib rubs, plus Oakland Gold and The One for sauce, and our total price was $45.23 ($33.28 for the rubs/sauces and $11.95 for shipping). That's pretty on par for BBQ sauce clubs, and you can always customize your subscription to fit your budget if that's a little spendy for your taste. And, you can pause, skip, or cancel your plan at any time.
Not much buzz
It probably won't surprise you to find out there's not a ton of feedback for the sauces and rubs included in your subscription options here. We're not even sure how long the company has been in business. You'll see just a handful of reviews on some of the flavors, but hey, at least they're all 5 stars!
We like the choices you get
We're willing to give Oakland Dust a "cautiously optimistic” rating, mostly for the fact that you're behind the wheel when it comes to picking what is and isn't in your box from one month to the next: that kind of customization is uncommon among BBQ sauce clubs. While naturally we'd love to see dozens of ratings for each rub and sauce in the inventory, for now we're willing to give Oakland Dust our tentative recommendation as an option worth considering.
Barbecue sauce and rubs have earned a revered status in culinary culture, captivating taste buds with their rich, complex flavors and enhancing the succulence of grilled or smoked meats. And when it comes to flavors, the possibilities are vast.
Traditional BBQ sauces often feature a tomato or vinegar base, infused with a myriad of spices such as garlic, onion, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Some variations may lean towards the sweeter side with added honey or brown sugar, while others deliver a fiery intensity with the inclusion of chili peppers or hot sauce.
As for BBQ rubs, they are a blend of dry spices and herbs meticulously crafted to enhance the flavor and texture of meats. Common ingredients include salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar, but the beauty of rubs lies in their versatility, allowing grillmasters to experiment to their hearts' delight.
Now, let's explore the regional nuances of BBQ sauces, each offering a distinct taste of American barbecue tradition. In the Carolinas, vinegar-based sauces reign supreme, imparting a tangy, acidic punch to smoked pork. Meanwhile, in Kansas City, tomato-based sauces take center stage, balancing sweet and tangy flavors that pair perfectly with ribs and brisket. In Texas, BBQ aficionados swear by thick, peppery sauces that let the smoky flavor of the meat shine through, while in Memphis, a dry rub is often preferred, allowing the quality of the meat to speak for itself.
But, we all know that the options for truly unique BBQ sauces and rubs are a little limited when we visit our local supermarket. Wouldn't it be amazing if the nation's best flavors and newest selections could be delivered right to your doorstep?
Well, you're in luck. BBQ sauce clubs bring you the best of Texas, KC, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and beyond, so you'll never be disappointed by the grocery store condiment aisle ever again. Whether you send it as a gift to a lucky recipient or you keep the joy all to yourself, a BBQ sauce club lets you try flavors you probably won't find near you.
These clubs can usually be set up to be delivered for three months up to a year, and the best ones come with fun extras like recipes, grilling tips, and fun facts about the makers behind each sauce and rub.
Ready to jump in and get cooking? All you have to do is pick the right BBQ sauce club and you're good to go. Here are a few ways you can sort out which subscription you'll like best:
Whether you're drawn to the tangy allure of Carolina vinegar sauce or the bold flavors of Texas BBQ rubs, there's a world of barbecue delights waiting to be explored. To help you find the right BBQ sauce club, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked some of today's tastiest options. So get ready to fire up the grill, slather on the sauce, and savor the irresistible taste of barbecue bliss!
Select any 2 BBQ Sauce Clubs to compare them head to head