DC Cartel are kings of chilli oil

DC CARTEL’S chilli oil is racking up the plaudits despite its relatively young age, awarded first place in the Best Chilli Flake and Oil category in the Mr Chilli Awards.

The Original 1983 Limited Release Crispy Chilli Oil, which has many fans in Geelong and the Surf Coast, is a limited release oil made to the exact same recipe that the founder’s nanna used 40 years ago.

Relaunched in December 2022, The Original 1983 is made by hand in small batches of between 70-110 jars each time.

The prestigious Mr Chilli Awards judge the best chilli products from Australia and New Zealand.

DC Cartel owner and founder Leigh Kuhlmann is thrilled with the win.

“This can’t be right, we demand a recount!” he quipped.

“There is no way these numbers are correct.

“We have only been making The Original 1983 Limited Release Crispy Chilli Oil for four months now, surely we would be around 60th or 70th best?

“Someone will probably lose their job on the judging panel over this.”

DC Cartel’s oil also scored third place in the best Crispy Chilli Oil category

“When you look at it, technically we are number 1 at coming number 3 so that is also a pretty big win,” Mr Kuhlmann said.

“Two number 1s, baby – so is it too early for a West Coast Cooler?”

Mr Kuhlmann’s nanna, Dulcie, was one of South Australia’s longest-running publicans when she first mixed a chilli oil condiment in oneof the kitchens of an Adelaide Hills hotel she owned.

Four decades later, Dulcie’s legacy continues through every jar released by DC Cartel.

Mr Kuhlmann relaunched the oil after an almost 30-year hiatus, moving on from a 25-year media career running Australian radio stations including Triple M, Nova and K rock.

The chilli condiment is heavy on garlic and shallot flavours, setting it apart from most heat-only based oils on the market. It complements all types of food, from pizza and pasta to roasts and barbecue.

With its mantra of always shopping small and shopping local, DC Cartel sells only to small independently owned businesses across Australia, including stories n Geelong and the Surf Coast as well as at farmers’ markets in places such as Torquay and South Geelong.

For more information, head to dccartel.com.au