In the summer of 1996, the first batch of "Spicey Mike's" Gourmet Ketchup began. The kids were young and we attended many sports team summer picnics. Mike, being the Hot Sauce enthusiast he is, could never satisfy his desire to spice up a hamburger, hot dog, sausage, chicken, or offering that day. It did not take long to realize that the available condiments would be the usual, ketchup, mustard, relish. That would not do!?

With a focus on Tasty, Healthy and Spicey the quest began. At first, a small saucepan on the stove was sufficient. Then a bigger sauce pan, the spaghetti pot, the lobster pot. The final purchase at a local restaurant supply store was an extra large pot requiring the entire family, all four burners of our home stove and 6 hours to brew and bottle

As the taste began to develop so did "Spicey Mike's" fan club. At the request of our friends and family, we would bring "Spicey Mike's" to many different events. Soon others began to ask for it by name. We often heard that old saying, "Mike, You should sell this stuff!" We started to believe we actually had something special.

The original "Spicey Mike's" gourmet Mild ketchup appealed to a wide range of people looking for that extra flavor not offered by the standard ketchup selection. Soon requests for a hotter version began.

In response, "Spicey Mike's" HOT ketchup was born. This version has all the flavor of the Mild but with a much bigger kick. "Spicey Mike's" Hot ketchup does not overpower your food it enhances its flavor. "Spicey Mike's" Gourmet Ketchup adds a uniquely complex layer of flavor to many traditional foods as well as those not traditionally enjoyed with ketchup.

As "Spicey Mike's" new ketchup, experience grew and our fan base expanded further, the true hot sauce fan requests began. "Make it hotter!" they asked and we responded. Building each Spicey Mike's Gourmet Ketchup upon the original version and vision, "Tasty, Healthy and Spicey", for an experience beyond "Hot" but NOT sacrificing Flavor. "Spicey Mike's" Nuclear was created. Our Nuclear version provides the superb taste experience of Hot with an additional layer of delayed pleasure. A few minutes after your first taste the real experience will begin, a slowly exhilarating, satisfying taste sensation.