It’s not every day when a Maine hot sauce heads into the jalapeño heart of darkness that is Louisiana and burns the doors off the local competition. But that’s what Dan Stevens of the W.O. Hesperus Company did with his Canceaux Sauce — a fiery mix of jalapenos, African birdseye, japones, and cayenne red chilies, with just the right touch of sugar, vinegar, and garlic. Stevens’ homemade concoction took first place last year at the Cajun Hot Sauce Fest in Louisiana, beating out — get this — Tabasco. W.O. Hesperus’ other picante pickles, jerkies, and rubs warm our hearts, too. 64 Eastern Promenade, Portland, 207-773-8047, www.wohesperus.com