Re: Does Hot Sauce need refrigeration?
Read the fine print. Sometimes "Refrigerate after opening" is in an obscure location. I'm surprises sometimes to find such places on the label or lid that messages is hidden. When in doubt don't leave it out.
Well, I've always been of the opinion that the "Refrigerate after opening" on condiments is mostly there for a CYA thing. It says that on ketchup, mustard and some others which I never ever put in the fridge...including some of the hot sauces. Most of the time the stuff doesn't last long enough to even worry about it going bad.
Now mayo is a completely different thing. It will go bad...sometimes fairly quickly depending on the environment it is in, and will make you really sick if you get some that has gone bad.
My favorite hot sauce is one I found down in Belize when I was down there with the military. The name is Marie Sharp's Habanero Pepper Sauce. It is a carrot-based sauce and it is absolutely delicious. Of course it comes in mild, hot, or very hot. Also can be bought here in the states now too.
I actually still have a little bit left in a bottle that is almost 12 years old and still tastes as good as it did when it was new. This bottle was for me to use at work so it doesn't get regular use like the ones I keep at home. Never has been refrigerated.