A Short Run of 'pain'

[bentalphanerd]

Well I've been dabbling with my sauce making for a little while & after passing 'not hot enough' & too complicated to make consistently & 'F* that, toss it' - I've hit on a recipe that has most who've tried it asking for more. The 'nerd pain'.

It's time for me to make a short run of 100 bottles.

1. Is that name too silly to put on a label? maybe pyro-nerd..or something else all together. -*I will be keeping the 'pain' bit for this specific sauce ;)* - I probably should be thinking about starting a brand now too. Any suggestions?

2. I've sourced 100 bottles & caps for a great price. Whats the go with labels...can I do them off my home printer and somehow stick them on or do I need something special. I was a printer/plate maker/touch up artist in one of my previous 92 career moves so give it to me straight.

3. I plan to start selling down at the local farmers markets alongside the Jam makers, this should be ok with any health regs...right? I'll have a range of pepper seedlings there to sell too at the same table.

4. When the brand name is worked out,I'm also going to need a brand logo & a specific label art for 'pain' - I'll throw that open to the many capable graphic artists & the artistic enthusiasts here when the details are sorted.

Any advice appreciated
I'll sign & number the first 20 bottles to share amongst the best responses & logo/label designs, along with a standard bottle to consume.

thanks

~bentalphanerd

[DEFCON Creator]

Just make sure you cover your *ss with insurance.

[bentalphanerd]

Just make sure you cover your *ss with insurance.

seriously, even at the local markets? Does it differ that much from jam making? I do pH test my batches.

[Hot Canuck]

Using nerd in the name implies a mild hot sauce. If it really is hot, I'd try something like Blazing Nerd Hot Sauce.

Or...if you trying to using nerd to refer to the maker of the sauce, as opposed to the sauce, then how about Nerdman's Hot Sauce, or Bent Nerd's Hot Sauce. This removes the connection between nerd, and the level of heat of the sauce.

...of course, if you want it to fly off the shelves, you'll call it Pammy's Hot Sauce...:cool:

[Pam]

Using nerd in the name implies a mild hot sauce.

nuh uh!

Nerds are *so* hot!




If it really is hot, I'd try something like Blazing Nerd Hot Sauce.

It's hot, but not painfully so. I kept thinking "this is too hot" and waiting for the pain to kick in, but it was just this really mouth filling heat.

Or...if you trying to using nerd to refer to the maker of the sauce, as opposed to the sauce, then how about Nerdman's Hot Sauce, or Bent Nerd's Hot Sauce. This removes the connection between nerd, and the level of heat of the sauce.

Revenge of the Nerd, or was that a movie?


...of course, if you want it to fly off the shelves, you'll call it Pammy's Hot Sauce...:cool:

*wince*

Don't make me come over there and slap you.

[Pam]

Just noodling, but maybe, instead of Alpha Nerd, if you went for an evil genius persona, you could go the super villain route for naming your sauces.


Must go check a thermometer, more noodling as it happens.

[Hot Canuck]

Don't make me come over there and slap you.


Promises Promises...

[Pam]

Prolly should issue a bad pun alert.

Ok, across the top of the label: Bent Aplha Nerd's

then "Nerd Pain" in big letters, and behind the name a picture of a nerdy guy red-faced and sweating with some flames around his mouth saying "That smarts!"





Yeah, ok, but you know, nerds would get it.

[bentalphanerd]

Using nerd in the name implies a mild hot sauce. If it really is hot, I'd try something like Blazing Nerd Hot Sauce.

Or...if you trying to using nerd to refer to the maker of the sauce, as opposed to the sauce, then how about Nerdman's Hot Sauce, or Bent Nerd's Hot Sauce. This removes the connection between nerd, and the level of heat of the sauce.

How about Nerd's Pain Hot Sauce - It is hot, just not in a normal hot sauce way.

...of course, if you want it to fly off the shelves, you'll call it Pammy's Hot Sauce...:cool:

'Pammy' already has a jar of it & yes, that would be Pammy's Hot Sauce.....:P

Just noodling, but maybe, instead of Alpha Nerd, if you went for an evil genius persona, you could go the super villain route for naming your sauces.

Evil genius....MMmmmWwwaaHaHaHaaahhaaaa. I like it :) What are you thinking? Evil Nerd



Prolly should issue a bad pun alert.

Ok, across the top of the label: Bent Aplha Nerd's

then "Nerd Pain" in big letters, and behind the name a picture of a nerdy guy red-faced and sweating with some flames around his mouth saying "That smarts!"


*Ouch* now thats painful. How about behind the name a picture of an evil nerd with flames reflecting in his thick lensed nerd glasses?

[DevilDuck]

** Nerd's Revenge**

[LUCKYDOG]

On top "OZ's Revenge "
and right below
"Theres no place like 127.0.0.1"

:D

[bentalphanerd]

** Nerd's Revenge**

Isn't that the sequel :think:


On top "OZ's Revenge "
and right below
"Theres no place like 127.0.0.1"

:D

:lol:

[bentalphanerd]

nuh uh!

Nerds are *so* hot!

Cant argue with facts like that. :cool:

I'm still leaning towards 'nerd pain' in lower case, slightly detracted letters. After all it lures you in...it's is a full minute or more after you finish eating it that the heat really hits :hell:

[Pam]

I got one of my co-workers, Warren, to try Nerd Pain today. I put a dab on some sliced roast beef, and he popped it in his mouth. He chewed, then he said "Damn!", chewed some more, and said "Damn!" again.

Then he looked over my shoulder and pointed at the break room aquarium and said 'Hey, do we have more baby fish?" I glanced over my shoulder, then turned back just in time to see Warren walking quickly out of the break room with the Nerd Pain stored in his lab coat pocket.

[elousv]

How about "The Noxious Nerd" and then under it "PAIN" and then a thermometer that has "pain" at the bottom, "intense pain" in the middle and "searing pain" at the top. If it is really hot then the top of the thermometer is blown off.

[bentalphanerd]

Hehe - great story Pam :) I have one jar left here that I've been keeping to comparison taste the new batch against. I noticed yesterday it's been diminishing. I think my house mate is hooked. Will have to have words about it :lol:


How about "The Noxious Nerd" and then under it "PAIN" and then a thermometer that has "pain" at the bottom, "intense pain" in the middle and "searing pain" at the top. If it is really hot then the top of the thermometer is blown off.

While it is very hot, it's not a burning heat. Its a bit like eating a well made Asian curry. Very tasty, lots of aroma, the more you eat the more you sweat. :onfire:

[LUCKYDOG]

Looks and sounds as though you've found a winner Bent !!

[bentalphanerd]

I got one of my co-workers, Warren, to try Nerd Pain today. I put a dab on some sliced roast beef, and he popped it in his mouth. He chewed, then he said "Damn!", chewed some more, and said "Damn!" again.

Then he looked over my shoulder and pointed at the break room aquarium and said 'Hey, do we have more baby fish?" I glanced over my shoulder, then turned back just in time to see Warren walking quickly out of the break room with the Nerd Pain stored in his lab coat pocket.

It just occured to me that Warren does give two damns about my sauce :lol: :onfire:

[Pam]

Ok, got Loretta and Eula to try it today.

Eula after cautiously sniffing the drops she put on her potato salad, said that it smelled really good, and it must have garlic in it. Then she tasted it and said that it was perfectly spicy, her mouth was glowing but it didn't make her nose run or her eyes water, and she liked that. Eula gave it a thumbs up.

Loretta tried it, and said, yeah, it was nice. She sat there for a minute, and then she asked where she could get a bottle. I told her "Australia" and she said "Damn, you mean now I have to go back to Texas Pete?"

Warren had another go at it, too. He splashed a big dollop on a piece of roast beef deli meat, rolled it up and ate it. Then he started asking me detailed questions about how it was made, and how much of what went in it. He ran his hand across the back of his bald head and said "Look, it's giving me a nice sweat. You can always tell a good hot sauce by the sweat."

[bentalphanerd]

Thanks so much for checking it out Pam, results sound encouraging like I've been hearing here.
I've spent the last few days cruising Asian supermarkets trying to find what I thought were common ingredients. I found enough of what I need, but in small quantity packages, not bulk.
The end result may be 10 to 12 $US per bottle including postage. Is that out of reach or should I keep hunting for cheaper ingredients.

Oh...and who's up for doing some artwork?

[Uncle Big]

Thanks so much for checking it out Pam, results sound encouraging like I've been hearing here.
I've spent the last few days cruising Asian supermarkets trying to find what I thought were common ingredients. I found enough of what I need, but in small quantity packages, not bulk.
The end result may be 10 to 12 $US per bottle including postage. Is that out of reach or should I keep hunting for cheaper ingredients.

Oh...and who's up for doing some artwork?

What do you want? What do you need? When do you need it?
Shoot me a PM if you need some graphics help.

[bentalphanerd]

What do you want? What do you need? When do you need it?

Label artwork, logo...I have nothing so far. Would like to be able to print them up at home.
No great rush, it'll be another week or two before I've got the sauce done.

[texas blues]

Bent, as always you are an inspiration man. Doing up the fix on last weeks sauce as I type. So far, so good...although my gal is complaining a little about the hab ozone permuating the house...
Cheers, TB.

[bentalphanerd]

Bent, as always you are an inspiration man. Doing up the fix on last weeks sauce as I type. So far, so good...although my gal is complaining a little about the hab ozone permuating the house...
Cheers, TB.

Dont tell me she's inhibiting your artistic ability :rolleyes: :lol:

[Pam]

*Ouch* now thats painful. How about behind the name a picture of an evil nerd with flames reflecting in his thick lensed nerd glasses?

I like that.

Maybe he could be punching the evil secret recipe into his Palm Pilot.

Or, maybe, since it is Nerd Pain, a Red Savina could be giving him an atomic wedgie or some other abuse that's traditionally heaped on nerds. Maybe the Red Savina could be putting a "Kick Me" sign on his back.

Or is all that too busy for a label?

On the price, how big is the bottle? Maybe we could compare it to some of the quality sauces here in the US. I have no idea what a really good hot sauce would cost here.

[bentalphanerd]

Going High-Tech now...I doodled this today after a beer or 3...yes & a few whiskeys :P:

http://linksdisk.alphanerdz.com/stuff/sketch_SML.JPG

Kind of a skull with nerd glasses, eventually just a black line drawing, or maybe red skull with black rimmed glasses, flames reflected in the lenses. Trying to bend the jaw line to give an evil grin.
Do like the idea of an evil nerd. :cool:

Could add a collar from a white lab coat and a few beakers if it looks too sparse.

[Sauceman]

Going High-Tech now...I doodled this today after a beer or 3...yes & a few whiskeys :P:

http://linksdisk.alphanerdz.com/stuff/label_SML.JPG

Kind of a skull with nerd glasses, eventually just a black line drawing, or maybe red skull with black rimmed glasses, flames reflected in the lenses. Trying to bend the jaw line to give an evil grin.
Do like the idea of an evil nerd. :cool:

Could add a collar from a white lab coat and a few beakers if it looks too sparse.
i know im new here, so im sure i missed something, but im just curious, why are you so set on this nerd theme?
i don't get it.....

[bentalphanerd]

i know im new here, so im sure i missed something, but im just curious, why are you so set on this nerd theme?
i don't get it.....

Mostly because I am an unabashed nerd Sauceman. I turn nerd in everything I do. In this case its concealing the heat of the peppers in a rich flavored sauce through some Asian ingredients & a very tasty French fruit dessert. ??
I've had my 'bentalphanerd' nic all over the internet for 5 or 6 years .... more people know me as 'nerd' than my real name & I know thats a good thing :lol:

I think the word instills both familiar complacency & a little dread & fear..good angles for a hot sauce.

AlphaNerdZ i already own the name for {from a lame business proposal} ...so very handy to use.

[chilliman64]

add a plastic pocket protector!

I would suggest not naming the sauce something that suggests excessive heat levels. I made sauces for a farmers market some years ago and named the range 'F...ing Hot Sauce', I told everyone it was Flaming Hot Sauce. the casual users of hot sauces that frequent these markets were put off by the name as they thought it would be too hot for their sensitive palates.

I used to sell hab powder, $2 for a small bag. I remember one person saying to her friend whilst standing in front of me "I'm thinking of buying that for 'so-and-so'", I said "For only two dollars, why don't you?" she didn't

I guess the point I am trying to make is that most of the potential customers you will encounter at these events are the type who say "oh yes, I like chile, I'm a big fan of sweet chile sauce!" you see what I mean?

if you are offering tastings I'm sure you will make plenty of sales! best of luck dude!

ps - why not print up labels drawn in pencil? just make sure you don't use papery labels, use the shiny ones as the others will get moist and dissolve in the fridge.

[bentalphanerd]

Thanks chilliman64 & welcome back :)

I'll probably only have 20 or so bottles at the markets alongside a heat range of pepper seedlings from Jalo's to Bhuts {i think they're going to be more popular}

I will have taste testing of the sauce.

[chilliman64]

yeah I only get on here once or twice a week and I was at the in-laws virtually all weekend, working in their garden - no they don't have chile plants, but they will soon. I've convinced them they need some Cayennes in their vegie patch!

[bentalphanerd]

That sounds like so much fun too....couldn't swap those unworthy Cayennes for Nagas could you :whistle: accidentally of course.

[bentalphanerd]

On the price, how big is the bottle? Maybe we could compare it to some of the quality sauces here in the US. I have no idea what a really good hot sauce would cost here.

The bottles I've priced are 150 ml {5 oz) according to http://www.onlineconversion.com/

great site to add to favorites ;)

[chilliman64]

it's a woozie!

[Pam]

[QUOTE=bentalphanerd;41564]Going High-Tech now...I doodled this today after a beer or 3...yes & a few whiskeys :P:

http://linksdisk.alphanerdz.com/stuff/label_SML.JPG

Oh yeah, that'll look good.

This is an animated one, but this would be a good nerd head shot.

http://www.animationfactory.com/en/search/close-up.mc?&oid=5269947&s=1&sc=1&st=803&category_id=E1HA&spage=1&hoid=968de60b2ab18573e7452fb609b0b585

[bentalphanerd]

http://linksdisk.alphanerdz.com/stuff/nerd_skull_02.jpg

[Pam]

Oh cool. How did you do that?

[bentalphanerd]

umm flogged the b&w pic from google image search & paintbucket on Photoshop did the rest.
It may be a little too lame.
I have a better skull pic to use, but can't get my act together enough to add glasses yet.

[Intensity Academy]

Did you decide on a price?

[bentalphanerd]

Did you decide on a price?

Just got the last of the ingredients from the markets today - will be cooking tonight. I'll see how many bottles that makes & check postage costs next week.

[Sauceman]

The bottles I've priced are 150 ml {5 oz) according to http://www.onlineconversion.com/

great site to add to favorites ;)

Thanks for the conversion page, that could be a good tool to have.

[bentalphanerd]

Mmmm - I have that very distinctive 'pain' aroma permeating the whole house right now. I couldn't get any more Savinas so I'm using Orange Habs. Doesn't seem to have lost anything in the flavor.
Now I have to leave it steep for a few days so the cinnamon infuses before pushing it all through the sieve.
Meanwhile I think I'll just stand near the pot & inhale....& a little more taste testing couldn't hurt {much}. :onfire:

[bentalphanerd]

Found out today that my cousin is now in the printing business.
Sweeet because his Dad (my Uncle) still owes me for some computer nerd work last year.
Woohoo - labels are free :party:

[stillmanz]

I know someone who can print quite cheaply.... same quality as my bottles just requires jpeg file gloss finish no run in fridge... If your interested give me an email mate if I can give you a hand.
Mick

[bentalphanerd]

I know someone who can print quite cheaply.... same quality as my bottles just requires jpeg file gloss finish no run in fridge... If your interested give me an email mate if I can give you a hand.
Mick

Thanks stillmanz I'll head your way if the current offer turns sour.

[chilliman64]

your labels are excellent stillmanz! lucky for you what's inside the bottle is even better!!!

[chilliman64]

Thanks stillmanz I'll head your way if the current offer turns sour.

free is hard to beat - but remember bent, you only get what you pay for!!!

[Pam]

So, I was in the breakroom having lunch {spicey chicken pilau)when in comes Warren. He rummaged through the 'fridge for a minute, then he looked at me over his shoulder. "Did you take that hot sauce home?"

"Yes," I said dryly, "I was afraid people wold help themselves and use it all up."

He grinned and said,"Some people have no manners."

[bentalphanerd]

Hehe - tell Warren you'll have some more available soon {I'll let you name the price ;)}
Maybe you could take in Stillmanz Inferno & see what comments that gets?

[bentalphanerd]

free is hard to beat - but remember bent, you only get what you pay for!!!

Very true - I'm already feeling the twinge of what 'free' means when dealing with family members. I might back out of that idea & get the labels done on my own terms.

[bentalphanerd]

Scored my 108 bottles & caps today. The sauce has melded into the desired flavor well but seems to be a bit down on heat (have to eat more to sweat) - I'll try an experiment on a cup or two tomorrow - throw some asian birseye in see if I can't give it a bit more kick.
No sign of any artwork yet - it may wind up being a no-label sauce, I'm hoping to start passing them out by end of next week.
Maybe I could just write 'pain' on the bottle with a permanent felt pen?

[Omri]

Sounds awesome, and 'Pain' is a great name for a sauce.
BTW check your email, you got a messege from me about the artwork. :rolleyes:

[bentalphanerd]

The sauce is being bottled now & I'm crossing over to 'Marketplace > Miscellaneous' >>LINK (http://www.thehotpepper.com/showthread.php?t=3791)<<

Thanks everyone for your input, I'll be posting a little 'pain' out to you all soon.

:cheers:

[bentalphanerd]

Sounds awesome, and 'Pain' is a great name for a sauce.
BTW check your email, you got a messege from me about the artwork. :rolleyes:

damn...i was busy typing my post :P - looking now

[stillmanz]

I got my bottle of Pain tonight personally delivered in the nerd-mobile. Its very good, complex asian flavours thrown on there head by a blend of chillis from around the world. Im very impressed and still wondering where all the flavours come from.

Mick

[bentalphanerd]

still wondering where all the flavours come from.

And there lies the true pain.:cool:
Clues:
12 ingredients all up,
1 fruit (not citrus or paw-paw or mango ;))
4 varieties of chilli
white vinegar
so thats half the recipe :P

Thanks for the beer & good company mate :cheers:

[Omri]

o0o... gimme. :D

[bentalphanerd]

o0o... gimme. :D

It will cost a pretty penny to post Omri - I'll be checking out some postage options next week and will let you know.
When I have all the details I'll start another thread down in the Marketing section (since it'll be business stuff).

[Omri]

So you're able to take it in person to Mick, but not me? :(

[bentalphanerd]

So you're able to take it in person to Mick, but not me? :(

The airlines are kinda watchful for people trying to hotwire their planes these days, but I'll see what I can do.

[chilliman64]

Very true - I'm already feeling the twinge of what 'free' means when dealing with family members. I might back out of that idea & get the labels done on my own terms.

maybe you could save your free 'favour' for something else and use the stillmanz guy...

And there lies the true pain.:cool:
Clues:
12 ingredients all up,
1 fruit (not citrus or paw-paw or mango ;))
4 varieties of chilli
white vinegar
so thats half the recipe

one of the tastiest sauces I've ever had!

Scored my 108 bottles & caps today. The sauce has melded into the desired flavor well but seems to be a bit down on heat (have to eat more to sweat) - I'll try an experiment on a cup or two tomorrow - throw some asian birseye in see if I can't give it a bit more kick.
No sign of any artwork yet - it may wind up being a no-label sauce, I'm hoping to start passing them out by end of next week.
Maybe I could just write 'pain' on the bottle with a permanent felt pen?

Pain skins!?

btw, if I find out you hand delivered a bottle to Omri and I get Australia Post I'll be a tad disappointed!

[bentalphanerd]

maybe you could save your free 'favour' for something else and use the stillmanz guy...

That is now exactly what will happen now.

one of the tastiest sauces I've ever had!

Thanks, that means a lot from a world wide sauce eating connoisseur such as yourself. The new batch has a little 'sharper' heat. I figure it's an 8 or 9 out of 10.

btw, if I find out you hand delivered a bottle to Omri and I get Australia Post I'll be a tad disappointed!

Lol - depends which way I turn when I come out the driveway.

[stillmanz]

Mrs OL' Man Stillmanz is keen to help you get your labels formated when the art and info is ready I have pmd you regarding finer details. I'm excited and ready to roll on this when you are.
LOve that sauce man had some on grilled fish tonight with a splash of coconut cream
Mick

[Omri]

Grr... would REALLY like to try it now.

[stillmanz]

Just had some on some mini spring rolls as a dipping sauce. I think I underestimated the heat on this sauce.
Its absolutely delish and has a VERY real heat. I really like this stuff.

Mick

[bentalphanerd]

Mrs OL' Man Stillmanz is keen to help you get your labels formated when the art and info is ready I have pmd you regarding finer details. I'm excited and ready to roll on this when you are.

Fantastic mate, that will be a great help. I have to get this all finalized this week. Will be in touch.

Just had some on some mini spring rolls as a dipping sauce. I think I underestimated the heat on this sauce.
Its absolutely delish and has a VERY real heat. I really like this stuff.

Ahh yes, the more you eat the hotter it gets...Did you get the sweats?

[bentalphanerd]

Grr... would REALLY like to try it now.

patience grasshopper - it will need labels unless you want to feed the customs clowns. ;)

[stillmanz]

It did build up, a real creeper. By that stage of the evening I had had a few ales and basically I dosed myself...picture me pacing the loungeroom red sweaty face sucking air like a marathon runner. Magic sauce.

[bentalphanerd]

It did build up, a real creeper. By that stage of the evening I had had a few ales and basically I dosed myself...picture me pacing the loungeroom red sweaty face sucking air like a marathon runner. Magic sauce.

My house mate decided after several beers on Sat. night that he would see how far it goes. He poured 1/5 of a bottle on some cold lasagna. after some colorful language, 5 minutes of huffing & puffing & pacing he grabbed a loaf of bread & 2 beers & disappeared into the yard for an hour.
:mouthonfire:

[Trexxen]

Hey, have you worked out a label yet? I have an idea if you haven't - pixel art rather than normal art. Nothing says "Nerd!" like 8-bit graphics >.>;

~Trexxen

[bentalphanerd]

Hey, have you worked out a label yet? I have an idea if you haven't - pixel art rather than normal art. Nothing says "Nerd!" like 8-bit graphics >.>;

~Trexxen

Thanks Trexxen got it sorted here http://www.thehotpepper.com/showthread.php?p=43247#post43247