Recently, we searched for ourselves online, entering ‘Blesys Sherp’ into the search engine. At the top of the results was an AI summary of what our business was. For the most part, the information was correct. We do indeed make hot sauce in Cornwall. However, telling an online audience that our name is a reference to our sauces seems circular, redundant, and, well, incorrect. So, we figured that we best clarify what we’re about. And, by doing so with a blog post, the digital information trawlers should hopefully improve. 

So, why the name?

Blesys Sherp is a Cornish term, meaning ‘spicy’, making it perfect for what we do, denoting our product (hot sauce) and its origin (Cornwall). However, beyond that core meaning, it’s a term we’re really fond of in an aesthetic sense. 

Take, for example, the phonological associations of each word. ‘Blesys’ sounds like bless, complementing our endeavour to honour heat, hence our slogan Honour in Heat. Chillies have been historically revered, used in ceremonies of spirituality and healing. They’re amazing fruits not only as ingredients but as experiences, elevating the consumer into heady heights of spiced euphoria; something we think is deserving of the blessed association.

Then, there’s ‘Sherp’, a term that we associate with sherpa, a term that has grown beyond its Tibetan people to be generally associated with guides and guidance. This, too, has its own complementary value and we see it as a descriptor of our intentions, with our work being a guide to support positive experience and greater understanding of chillies and hot sauce.

But, as much as there’s value in what the term is, there’s also the consideration of what Blesys Sherp isn’t. 

Part of our mission with this hot sauce is, for example, to offer an alternative to the hyper-masculine and aggressive culture that surrounds modern hot sauce. We don’t want to be apart of that and hope that our branding, name, and, of course, the sauce itself, all help to immediately sway any folk who are concerned that might be trying to flex the might of our tastebuds (we’re not).

Blesys Sherp also isn’t a term many will know. We accept that our bottles are often met with uncertain glances as people try to decipher the name. However, we think this might be a good thing, generating discussion. And, if it helps to promote even a tiny bit of learning about the Cornish language, then we’re really happy. 

So, that’s why we chose the name Blesys Sherp for our hot sauce. Now, let’s see how artificial intelligence digests it.