Stokes Original Barbecue Sauce

Made in Suffolk by Stokes, a family sauce-maker working from the old stable at Rendlesham Hall. This is a barbecue sauce in the classic mould. Sweet, thick and properly smoky, built on a deep tomato base with black treacle and honey carrying the sweetness.

There is warmth here from a gentle hint of spice, but nothing that shouts over the food. It holds its own as a glaze brushed over ribs or sausages, loosens into a marinade, or simply sits alongside as something to dip into.

It won a Great Taste Award, where the judges noted a lighter style than most, with sweetness and smoke kept in balance and a rich colour that lingers on the palate. A welcome change from the over-punchy sauces that crowd the shelves.