Review of D-Dog's Apple Meat Rub

If you're a serious griller or barbecuer, you're well aware of the importance of a meat rub. Although I make many of my own, you just can't beat some of the fine quality rubs that are being produced by people who share the same passion for meat as I do.
A case in point is D-Dog's BBQ. It wasn't difficult for me to spot his Apple Rub, since I am a freak on anything apple. Apple wood is my primary choice for smoking and I even have an apple tree in my backyard. So you know, I had to have some!

What's this stuff going to taste like, I wondered. The post office couldn't work fast enough for me!
Initial Impressions The 6.25 oz. plastic bottle comes with my favorite types of lids with the shaker on one side and the other side opens up for a teaspoon, or pouring. The listed ingredients are: Sugar, Seasoning Salt, Dry Apple Cider Mix, Paprika, Chili Pepper, Black Pepper, Honey, Soy Sauce Powder (Tamari Soy Sauce (Soybeans, Salt, Wheat), Maltodextrin), Dry Worcestershire Sauce, Old Bay Seasoning. Contains Soy, Wheat.
I love the saying on the bottle, “It's better than ketchup!” I'll soon see if that's the case.

Out of the Bottle Taste Test The rub is more course in consistency than most meat rubs, yet I don't see that to pose any problems. The color is interesting. A slight orange hue with several different colored granules. I have a feeling these various granules are going to offer up a variety of flavoring.
The smell doesn't produce any particular aroma other than an overall fruity smell. I do have to say this is a tasty rub. The initial flavor is definitely that of apple, followed by sweet then salt finishing off with just a touch of heat. This is not a hot, spicy rub. Basic sweet apple is how I would describe the overall flavor.

Apply the Meat Taste Test
I gave D-Dog's Apple Rub a try on some pork chops. Once applied to the meat, it began to dissolve into a glaze. I thought this would be quite helpful in keeping it on my meat. I was somewhat worried that this “glaze” may burn while on the fire, yet there was none of that.
Since I was grilling up apple slices as a side dish and to add to my stuffing, I applied some of the rub to them as well.
The entire dish turned out better than I could have expected. The rub seems to have been made for pork chops. The apple flavor didn't overpower the pork flavor, but complemented it. I guarantee, I won't be making pork chops any other way.

The Final Verdict
Although D-Dog's BBQ Apple Rub seems to be made for pork, I can see many uses for it. In addition to an all around meat rub, it worked well with my grilled apples. I'll bet it would be good on salads. I think it's possible that it could be better than ketchup!
To take a look at all of D-Dog's BBQ products, check out their website...Here