Revolution Barbecue’s Fuego Vida Earns Second Place at 2026 Artisan Flave Awards
Colorado-made Fuego Vida XXX Hot Seasoning receives its second major flavor award after earning first place at the 2025 Spicy Flave Awards
THORNTON, Colo. — September 2026 — Revolution Barbecue, a Colorado-based, woman-owned and family-operated producer of small-batch BBQ rubs and seasonings, announced that its Fuego Vida XXX Hot Seasoning has earned Second Place in the Extra Spicy Rubs category at the 2026 Artisan Flave Awards.
The award marks another national flavor competition honor for Fuego Vida. In 2025, the seasoning earned First Place in the Condiments – Table Seasoning – X/Hot category at the Spicy Flave Awards.
Developed by Revolution Barbecue President and CEO Vida Connaughton, Fuego Vida combines Carolina Reaper and Scorpion peppers with a carefully developed seasoning base. Rather than beginning with a target heat level, Connaughton approached the development of Fuego Vida by first creating the flavor she wanted the seasoning to deliver and only then building the heat around it.
That process reflects a philosophy that has guided Revolution Barbecue since its founding: even the hottest seasoning should be something people want to eat because of its flavor, not simply because of its heat.
“I am incredibly proud of my wife and our CEO, Vida Connaughton, for what she created with Fuego Vida,” said Glenn Connaughton, co-founder and Chief BBQ Officer of Revolution Barbecue. “Vida worked hard to develop the base flavor first and get that exactly where she wanted it before she ever started adding the serious heat. That really represents what we mean when we say, ‘When Flavor Matters.’ Heat can get someone’s attention, but if there isn’t great flavor behind it, what’s the point?”
Fuego Vida was created for cooks who enjoy significant heat but do not want heat to overwhelm the food itself. Carolina Reaper and Scorpion peppers provide the seasoning’s intensity, while its underlying blend was developed to make Fuego Vida useful as both a cooking seasoning and table seasoning.
The latest award provides independent recognition of that balance for a second time.
“Winning an award is always special, but seeing Fuego Vida recognized again means a lot to us because of how this seasoning was developed,” Connaughton added. “This wasn’t about making the hottest product we possibly could. Vida built something that tasted great first. Then she brought the fire.”
The 2026 Artisan Flave Awards Second Place recognition joins Fuego Vida’s 2025 Spicy Flave Awards First Place honor among Revolution Barbecue’s growing collection of industry awards.
About Revolution Barbecue
Founded in 2009, Revolution Barbecue is a Colorado-made, woman-owned and family-operated BBQ rub and seasoning company based in Thornton, Colorado. The company produces small-batch BBQ rubs and seasonings made with all-natural ingredients and without preservatives. Its products are designed for backyard cooks, pitmasters and anyone who believes great barbecue starts with great flavor.
Revolution Barbecue products are available nationwide through the company’s online store and select retailers.
When Flavor Matters.
Media Contact:
Glenn Connaughton
Co-Founder & Chief BBQ Officer
Revolution Barbecue
revolutionbbq.com