Torchbearer Sauces Son of Zombie "XXX Hot" Wing Sauce

Torchbearer Sauces Son of Zombie "XXX Hot" Wing Sauce

"Accidently Healthy. Intentionally Delicious"

Torchbearer Sauces Son of Zombie "XXX Hot" Wing Sauce is a bold, flavor-packed craft sauce that perfectly balances sweetness, smokiness, and serious heat. 

Created in small batches with Torchbearer’s signature attention to flavor and quality, this fan-inspired creation blends some of the brand’s most beloved sauces into one unforgettable bottle. The result is a rich, complex wing sauce that delivers mouthwatering flavor first and a steadily building burn that keeps spice lovers coming back for more.

Featured on Season 6 of the popular interview series Hot Ones, Son of Zombie quickly gained recognition among hot sauce fans for its approachable yet powerful flavor profile. It is a sauce that both seasoned chiliheads and casual spice fans can enjoy, offering just the right balance of sweetness, smoke, and heat.

The Torchbearer Story

The story behind Torchbearer Sauces begins with a spark of curiosity and a passion for fiery food. Owner Vid Lynch discovered his love for extreme heat during a high school farewell party for a friend who was moving away. While enjoying BBQ chicken, the friend began pouring an outrageously hot extract-based sauce over his meal. Curious, Vid joined in—and from that moment forward, he was hooked on pushing the limits of spicy flavor.

Years later, Vid and his friend Ben—who would later become his business partner—each found themselves with a large harvest of habanero peppers and no clear plan for using them. On September 21, 2004, they decided to bottle their peppers with carrots, mandarin oranges, and onions to preserve them. What started as a simple experiment turned into something extraordinary, producing a vibrant sauce that became their first official creation, Super Fancy Sultry #7.

Friends and family loved the sauce so much that Vid and Ben realized they might be onto something special. The name for their new venture came naturally. Vid already owned a photography and video production company called TorchBearer, and the name perfectly captured their mission to carry the torch for bold ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and fearless heat.

A Fan-Created Legend

Son of Zombie holds a unique place in the Torchbearer lineup because it was inspired directly by a fan. One day, a customer combined three of Torchbearer’s most popular sauces—Chipotle BBQ, Honey Garlic, and the legendary Zombie Apocalypse—and declared that the mixture was too good not to share. The message to Torchbearer was simple: “Here. Make this.”

The result was Son of Zombie Wing Sauce, a masterful blend that brings together the best characteristics of each sauce. The smoky depth of Chipotle BBQ provides a bold foundation, while Honey Garlic contributes a rich sweetness that rounds out the flavor. Finally, the intense heat of Zombie Apocalypse delivers the fiery backbone that gives this sauce its signature kick.

Flavor Profile and Heat Experience

Son of Zombie begins with a welcoming sweetness and a touch of savory garlic, followed by a gentle smokiness that adds depth and character. As the flavor develops, the heat gradually begins to build, driven by the powerful ghost pepper base inherited from Zombie Apocalypse.

Unlike many sauces that deliver an immediate blast of heat, this one creeps in slowly. The warmth steadily intensifies, eventually settling into a satisfying burn that lingers without overwhelming the palate. This balanced approach to heat allows the rich flavor combination to shine through from start to finish.

Tasting Notes

Sweet and savory with hints of garlic and honey, layered with smoky chipotle character and finished with a pleasantly building heat that grows with every bite.

Heat Level

Medium-Hot – Rated 6 out of 10

Perfect Pairings

Originally designed as a wing sauce, Son of Zombie excels when tossed with crispy chicken wings, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that delivers the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It also pairs exceptionally well with burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, and smoked meats.

Beyond classic barbecue dishes, the sauce adds incredible flavor to wraps, tacos, and roasted vegetables. Its combination of sweetness, smoke, and heat makes it a versatile condiment that can elevate a wide variety of meals.

Small Batch Craft Sauce with Big Personality

Torchbearer Sauces Son of Zombie "XXX Hot" Wing Sauce embodies everything fans love about the brand: creativity, bold flavor, and a sense of fun. Born from a fan’s experiment and perfected through Torchbearer’s small-batch craftsmanship, this sauce delivers a unique balance of flavor and heat that stands out in the world of craft hot sauces.

Whether used as a wing sauce, a barbecue companion, or an everyday table condiment...

Son of Zombie proves that sometimes the best ideas come from simply mixing great flavors together and seeing what happens.