About

-- Shelby Spice is Shelby's hot sauce company, founded by Duncan Blount. --

Growing up, I was mortified every time I entered a Mexican restaurant. Why? My dad would ask the waiter in his loudest, most dramatic voice for the HOTTEST salsa; “MUY CALIENTE POR FAVOR” he’d exclaim. But I inherited my love for hot sauce from him. My family is a trip.

I come from a family of farmers and taste testers. My great-grandfather was the dairy manager for the Allied forces in World War 2, and he had impeccable olfactory senses. I’ve used my own gifts as a taster both in food and in bourbon.

After working from 2021 to 2023 as the manager for a high-end catering company in Los Angeles, I brought a new venue from $0 to $4.5 million in yearly revenue in only 12 months. I discovered that I know how to lead, I know how to build community, and I know good sauce.

I believe I have the culinary passion, management leadership, and marketing pizazz to reach my dream and bring the heat back to North Carolina. 

I want to have the best hot sauce in North Carolina. When people ask you, "what's your favorite sauce," I want you to think back to all of our flavors and shout: "SHELBY SPICE!" 

Please follow us on social media, and join us on this journey. 

Stay spicy.

- Duncan Blount

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Small Batch Hot Sauce

We love trying new hot sauces. Our mission is to bring people together over the joy of spicy flavors. Sign up to get access to complimentary bottles, exclusive releases, fun tasting events, and more.

Sauce With a Dab of Service

My name is Duncan and I’ve worked in high-end hospitality for over five years. I know how to serve and delight my customers. My dream is to share creative, small batch hot sauces with others who share my passion for the SPICE. Please enter your email address below to join our free newsletter about all things hot sauce. I look forward to serving you.
- Duncan Blount

Subscribe Today

Shelby Spice is a small batch hot sauce company in Shelby NC, and we do things a bit differently. We believe in growing our community's knowledge of peppers and spicy recipes, as well as sponsoring fantastic local events. Our sauce is a bit different too:

  • Enjoy all natural, meticulously crafted sauces with no capsaicin additives, thickening agents, artificial preservatives, or other chemicals.
  • Support local! Based in Shelby, NC, we buy from local family farms for all of our special edition sauces.
  • Experience tasting events, rare peppers, creative blends, entertaining interviews, and more.

Get ready for Flavor, Heat, and Character

We're thrilled to have you climb aboard. We promise to respect your time and privacy. We'll only email you if we have quality insights or opportunities to share with you. Stay tuned for the occasional emails in your inbox, and thank you.