McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon Seasoning, 27 oz -

The Verdict

If you’ve only seen the 9-ounce grocery store shaker of McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon, the 27-ounce version might look like a typo. It’s not. This is the restaurant-sized bottle, and for anyone who grills more than twice a month, it’s the smarter buy. At 4.8 stars from 240 ratings, the math on this one checks out — but let’s talk about whether it belongs in your kitchen.

What you’re actually getting

The 27-ounce bottle is a serious container — bring your own shaker, because the cap that comes with it is a standard sprinkle top that’s awkward on a bottle this size. You’re getting a dry rub blend built around brown sugar, bourbon flavoring, garlic, onion, and a whisper of cayenne. The texture is fine and sandy, not chunky like some steak rubs. One 27-ounce bottle will cover roughly 25–30 pounds of meat, depending on how heavy-handed you are.

How it performs in real use

The flavor is the headline here. The brown sugar comes through first, then the bourbon note — it’s warm and slightly smoky, not like cheap vanilla extract pretending to be alcohol. The garlic and onion sit underneath, keeping it savory rather than dessert-like. The cayenne is barely there on the front end but leaves a gentle warmth on the finish. On pork chops, chicken thighs, or salmon, it creates a caramelized crust that’s genuinely restaurant-quality.

One thing to know: this is a high-sugar rub, which means it will burn at high temperatures. If you’re grilling over direct, screaming-hot coals, the sugar will scorch and turn bitter. Keep the heat medium (around 350–400°F) and flip often, or use it on the indirect side of the grill for larger cuts. I’ve also sprinkled it on roasted sweet potatoes and even over air-popped popcorn — both work surprisingly well.

What buyers keep saying

The reviews consistently mention two things: the value and the flavor. One buyer put it plainly: “This is the same seasoning I use at home but 3x the size for a fraction of the price per ounce.” Another noted, “Perfect on ribs and brisket — my family thinks I spent hours on the rub when it took 10 minutes.” The few critical reviews mostly revolve around the sugar-burning issue or people who expected a wet marinade rather than a dry rub.

Where it falls short

• The cap is impractical. A 27-ounce bottle with a sprinkle top means you’ll either shake too much or grip awkwardly. Transfer to a Mason jar or old spice shaker.
• It’s sweet — really sweet. If you prefer savory-dominant rubs, the brown sugar will be too forward for your taste. This is a glaze-style seasoning, not a blackened steak rub.
• No resealable pouch inside. The shaker top doesn’t have a flip-cap, so if you store it upright in a pantry, moisture can get in over time. Keep it in a dry, cool spot.

Who should buy this

• Weekly grillers who go through a standard shaker every few months — this will last you most of a season.
• Meal preppers who want one seasoning that works on chicken, pork, and vegetables without buying three different blends.
• Brisket and rib smokers who want a sweet, caramelized bark without mixing their own rub from ten spices.

Skip it if you only grill a handful of times a year — the smaller 9-ounce bottle makes more sense. Also skip it if you hate sweet barbecue flavor profiles entirely.

FAQ

Does this contain actual bourbon? No alcohol. It uses natural bourbon flavoring, so it’s safe for kids and won’t trigger any alcohol sensitivity concerns.

How does this compare to the 9 oz bottle from the grocery store? Identical blend, same formula. The 27 oz bottle is just the food-service size at a better per-ounce price. No difference in flavor.

Can I use this in a smoker? Yes, and it works well. Apply it as a rub before smoking at 225–250°F. The sugar won’t burn at those low temperatures, and it will help form a beautiful dark bark.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You’re a regular griller who wants a versatile, crowd-pleasing sweet-and-savory rub at a genuinely better price per ounce, and you don’t mind transferring to a smaller shaker.

Skip it if: You prefer dry, savory rubs without sugar, or you only fire up the grill on holidays.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The flavor and value are undeniable, but the impractical cap and sugar-scorch learning curve cost it half a star. For the price per pound of meat covered, this is one of the best value seasonings on Amazon right now.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.