The World’s Best BBQ Sauce
Meet Tom Bertels – Champion of the Grill
Tom Bertels didn’t grow up planning a career as a pitmaster, he fell into it through curiosity, obsession and a lot of practice. What started as backyard experiments and a blog quickly turned into Barbecoa, Tom’s own brand for rubs, brines and sauces. Today he’s known across Belgium and beyond for international competition wins, workshops and for turning precise technique into memorable flavor.
Tom and his Barbecoa team rose through the European competition circuit and earned the Belgian championship six times, a milestone that put him on the map and opened doors to major international events.
Since then Tom has regularly taken his kit (often a Big Green Egg among other smokers) to high-level contests, including invitational events in the United States where he tested his recipes against the world’s best.
His approach is pragmatic and technical: Tom teaches that great barbecue is a mix of controlled heat, timing and the right seasoning, not just luck and bravado. That methodical mindset is exactly why his Perfect Blend sauce has won international awards and high placements at major competitions, including gold at flavour contests and a top finish at the American Royal World Series of BBQ Sauce. Those accolades demonstrate that his products perform under scrutiny from the toughest judges.
Tom also shares his craft widely: interviews, festival sessions and hands-on workshops are part of his mission to raise the barbecue standard for hobbyists and pros alike. Whether he’s developing a new rub, refining a sauce formula or teaching the “bend test” for ribs, his work focuses on repeatable techniques that anyone can learn.
The Sauces in Our Assortment
When you taste one of Tom Bertels’ creations, you taste the result of years of competition, experimentation, and mastery of flavor. Each of his sauces carries his signature balance: bold, layered, and designed to complement rather than overwhelm your dish. In our collection, you’ll find three of his stand-out sauces—each with its own story.
The first is Tom’s take on a true classic: the Burger Sauce. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with that essential pickle bite that cuts perfectly through juicy grilled meat. It’s a sauce that turns any burger into a restaurant-worthy experience, whether you’re serving beef, chicken, or a plant-based patty.
Next, there’s the Sweet Asian BBQ Sauce, inspired by flavors from the East. This sauce marries the deep umami of authentic teriyaki with the silky sweetness of honey. The result is a versatile glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving chicken, pork, or even vegetables a glossy finish and an irresistible taste. It’s proof of Tom’s ability to look beyond tradition and create something truly unique.
The Champion of Sauces
This is the crown jewel of Tom’s collection—and the world agrees. In 2024, Perfect Blend BBQ Sauce was crowned Best BBQ Sauce in the World (Foreigner Category) at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in the United States, and went on to claim 2nd place overall against hundreds of competitors.
So, what makes it so special? Perfect Blend lives up to its name by bringing together subtle sweetness and a gentle vinegar tang in flawless harmony. Neither flavor dominates; instead, they weave together to create a sauce that elevates smoked meat without overshadowing it. The smooth, glossy texture makes it ideal as a finishing glaze, while its balance of flavors ensures every bite stays fresh and exciting.
Whether brushed onto ribs in the last minutes of cooking, stirred through pulled pork, or served at the table as a dipping sauce, this award-winning blend transforms everyday BBQ into a championship-level experience. It’s not just a sauce—it’s a piece of Tom Bertels’ legacy in a bottle.
Taste the Champion’s Legacy
With Tom Bertels’ sauces, you’re not just adding flavor—you’re adding the passion, expertise, and achievements of a 6-time BBQ Champion to your grill. From the creamy kick of the Burger Sauce to the exotic flair of the Sweet Asian BBQ Sauce, and the award-winning balance of the Perfect Blend, each bottle carries a story worth sharing at the table.
Ready to bring championship flavor to your own BBQ?
