When you sample as many sauces as I do, you see a lot of copy cats. So many sauces follow proven formulas and fall neatly into traditional categories. True original sauces are few and far between. However, that's exactly what Todd Dooms (Doomer) has created.

Doomer characterizes his sauce as "Maryland Style" BBQ. I have to admit that I have absolutely no idea what that means. While it's easy to associate vinegar sauces with the Carolinas or call thick tomato sauces Kansas City style, the phrase "Maryland Style" doesn't have the same tradition behind it. That being said, it's Doomer's barrier breaking individuality that makes the sauce so great. Whether Todd's sauce has actually created a new category of BBQ sauce is up for debate, but it's hard to deny that Doomer's "Q" is delicious and totally original.

I used Doomer's Original "Q" Sauce in a blind taste test over the weekend. The sauce scored well with most of the guests and generated a great deal of the discussion. The unique spices in Doomer's "Q" sauce had everyone guessing.

The flavor of Doomer's Original "Q" Sauce is difficult to explain. I guess the one disadvantage to Doomer's being so unique is that I don't have anything to compare it to. Doomer's starts with a typical blend of tomatoes and vinegar. It's the additional spices used by Doomer's "Q" that really set it apart. The earthy, ethnic flavors of tamarind and cloves are noticeable in the sauce's finish.

Doomer's Original "Q" Sauce is dark and relatively thin. I used the sauce as a dip for grilled chicken and sausage. I also poured it over pulled pork. The sauce can be brushed on meat as a finishing sauce, but I think it's best used as a dip.

Todd Dooms (Doomer) is doing his part to put Maryland on the BBQ map. His Original "Q" sauce uses an inventive blend of spices to create a style all its own. If you're willing to step outside your region's traditional sauce styles, I recommend giving Doomer's "Q" a try. To learn more about Doomer's "Q" Sauces, click the title of this review. See how Doomer's Original "Q" Sauce rates on the "Product Reviews" page.