I'd been wanting to stop here for a while. I have to say it was a bit difficult to shop. There are a few spices that are prepackaged, but it seemed most of the spices were in large jars. I usually leave a spice shop with a large assortment, but not this time. I will admit being less than comfortable shopping here is on me. So I'll say there is a huge selection and as long as there's enough staff behind the counter to help, it could be a good experience. If you're at Findlay Market, you should definitely check it out. read more

Love this place. They sell an ounce of spice for $3 which is reasonable. They'll recommend what to put stuff on.

We stopped here @ Finley Market and a boat load spices premixed for about everything you could think of. We bought a few for grilling. Everyone was courteous & knowledgeable and us know you can order of there spices from and have them shipped. read more

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Stopped over to the Colonel De's stall in Findlay Market, merely because I was impressed by the array of spices on display - all in glass jars for you to see. Then, we got to smelling and tasting some of the spices. I couldn't walk away without something to bring home. The lavender sugar smelled amazing (would be great on top of scones or anything baked for that matter!). I wanted to go for some of the more intense seasoning combos - ras el hanout, curry seasoning, so many good ones! I ended up getting Rubie Red Steak Rub (2oz. for a just under $5) and Taco Seasoning (2oz. for nearly $7). The real shining moment came when I got home and made tacos and strip steaks using each of the seasonings. These spices are so much more flavorful than anything you'll find in the normal grocery store aisle. So fresh - you can taste every flavor mixed in. If you want to kick your steaks up a notch, this is the way to do it. You can guarantee I'll be picking up a jar of that steak rub once I run out. So glad to hear they sell online too! read more

Neat little spice and seasonings shop in the Findlay Market. It was our first time at the market so we walked the entire length and Colonel De is at the end...glad we found it. It is very much like the Penzey's that we have in the Chicago area and in some ways even better. Prices were very reasonable and the number of seasoning blends was large. We picked up some Buckeye Sugar Blend, Sam Adams Summer Ale Rub, Okie Dokie Seasoning, and a grilling assortment of 12 rubs and spices. Besides having a creative mind for naming their blends, they had a nice layout of the merchandise and numerous gift packages for purchase. Nice service from the laid back employees. We will return here on our next trip to Cincinnati...a great find in the Findlay Market. read more

Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices - Spices and seasonings stall for Colonel De. - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The best salts, spices, and blends around! Quite literally use on every meal I make. Excellent customer service too. There was a small mixup with one of my online orders and Peggie responded to my email within an hour and got everything taken care of--hassle free! Highly recommend read more

You guys! Colonel De offers cooking demonstration classes at their Ft Thomas (KY) location. I just took one and it was great. This class was using cheese powders (more sophisticated than it sounds). We watched Chef Jeff make 4 different dishes with them and everyone got to try everything. We also were sent home with "swag bags" full of the spices we used, and recipe cards. A great value and a fun way to spend a couple of hours. A lot of staff were there and were happy to answer all of the spice/cooking/etc questions we had. They said they post info for future classes on their FB page- check them out! Then of course, stay after the class browse the delicious spices. read more

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They say 'variety is the spice of life'- well, nowhere is that more true, quite literally, as at Colonels Gourmet. If you need it or want it, they've got it-heck, they've got all sorts of things you didn't even know you needed! No matter what I say here, the only real way to experience it is to visit yourself!. read more

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Amazing spices by excellent people. I discovered their stall in Findlay Market on a visit to Cincinnati, and quickly fell in love with their blends and unique offerings. It's so hard to choose from all of their wonderful-smelling herbs and spices, but some of my favorites include: Apple Jack blend - I put it on fish, chicken, veggies, everything; the raspberry chipotle - I don't even like spicy, but it's a real subtle heat with a burst of fruit flavor, great on chicken wings; and the OTR Butt and Booty rub for your grillin' meats. My husband really likes the bourbon sugar with some butter and toast or a muffin. Since I don't live in Ohio anymore, I am so glad Colonel De ships, because I can't live without those flavors now. My last order actually arrived destroyed and burst open by the post office. I contacted Colonel De with some photos of the ruined package for help in filing a claim with USPS, and they immediately apologized and said they'd have a new package out right away, even though the damage was in no way their fault. I am certainly a loyal fan and customer for life! I look forward to working my way through lots of their products! read more

They have everything! Including stuff you never knew existed. When you feel overwhelmed, their seasoning experts are happy to help. Who would have guessed that I would buy $14 an ounce applewood smoke salt? The apocalypse is some excellent spicy powder that goes great on everything and includes ghost peppers. read more

Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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One of the best things about Findlay Market: The selection of spices from this vendor. They have every spice you can probably think of! I wish I can add an extra star for a six star rating in consideration for also having Sichuan Peppercorns (Szechuan as non Chinese people would spell it) which is a must have spice for Sichuan cooking especially for Chinese cooks. Honestly, forget about buying those overpriced spices from Kroger or any other grocery store. These spices are sold at a much better deal and this is a spice Mecca for pretty much any home cook whose cultural food relies on some hard to find spice, especially for Chinese cooks like me! If a recipe calls for a combination of different spices especially for cuisines like Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Jamaican etc. recipes, you will find it here! read more

Amazing spice selection!!! The Cincy Chili spice is delicious, we'll be ordering more online! Thank you so much. The lady at the stand was so helpful and nice! read more

Great dispensary! A wide selection of herbs for you medicinal needs or recreational pleasures. To be completely honest Colonel Dee's snuck up on me! I had no idea recreational use had been cleared in the great state of Ohio until I found myself here on Race Street staring glassy eyed into what is now the only herb dealer I'll ever need! Picked up a nice little pack of oregano ;) here on the way home from the office and boy let me tell you. Finally! After years of struggle we finally have a herb and Spice shop right here in our own nice clean Over the Rhine district. It's nice to buy herbs and support a REAL business instead of someone who to be honest scares me a little bit hah. Anyway highly reccomended! Go get you some herbs, pick up some Spice (can't believe it's back! Used to get it at the Smoke Shop in Clifton all the time before it was criminalized), and have yourself a nice summer walk through beautiful safe and new Over the Rhine! You won't be disappointed! WARNING though after smoking the "oregano" I had a really bad cough for a few days, pretty harsh, but that's how you know it is working! read more

This was one of the places on our list to check out so we made a trip to Findlay Market to see what they were all about. Their selection is impressive; containers everywhere full of spices that I've never heard of. A bit overwhelming. We knew we wanted some of their "Ouch That's Salt" and also got a few other spices that will inspire us to try new recipes. My advice is to go there with a few recipes in mind so you have some focus on what you are looking to buy. Or go there and ask for recommendations for specific dishes you intend to make. We'll definitely be back. read more

I received a sampling of some of their most loved spice blends, and I easily became an instant fan of Colonel De! For those of us who may not know how to expertly combine spices to make them shine, Colonel De has excellent blends to make you look like a culinary superhero. Within a month, I'd exhausted my reserves of their Parmegeddon (yes, just as epic as it sounds), so I visited their farmer's market location to restock. I was a little taken aback at just how vast their offerings are, to be honest. Feet and feet of case space housing spices from the common to exotic, inexpensive to elite. From blends to single spices. All spices are sold by the ounce, and a little goes a long way. I ordered three ounces of Parmegeddon, and it will last me quite some time. Don't know where to start? Fret not. The staff is so friendly and more than willing to direct you. They also have sampler packs that allow to to try a number of different ones without breaking the bank, AND there's a spice club. For a yearly fee, and some preferences noted, you get different spices every month or so. Neat! I use these blends on freaking everything...roasted veggies, fresh tomatoes, sautées, etc. you can't go wrong, especially when supporting local business like these folks. read more

I can't imagine there is a better spice shop anywhere on the planet. Because they don't have our secret weapon: Colonel De. De is...a wonder. He is a master, and he knows everything. Sometimes I wander in there (I don't recommend this on the weekend--if you are lost in the spice world, go on a weekday). And I say, with a glazed look, "I need something...fish, I just bought fish, what do I do?" And De will show you 17 different ways to spice up the fish. If you listen to any of the really great chefs or mixologists here in Cincy, you will hear them all talk about how that is where they get their spices. It really does make a difference, folks! Go there and let them educate you. They will let you smell all the wonderful spices as they try to teach you the differences. As De says, "If you ain't sneezin', you ain't workin'! " read more

Colonel De is a godsend. I usually like to make my own spice blends and rubs but let's face it, it can get pretty pricey. This is your one stop shop where you can find anything without running up and down the aisles or from store to store. They make all their own spices and when you walk up it can be a little intimidating. They have quite a selection. So I suggest telling them what you are making or what kind of flavor profile you like and they will help you narrow it down. I love that everything is labeled with exactly what is in the containers. The word spice itself is so huge. Don't forget that they have sugars and herbs too! One of my favorites is the lavender sugar. The possibilities are endless. I put it on some sugar cookies and also used it to make a nice craft cocktail. Don't be afraid to get creative. The prices are so cheap you can afford to! This place is a great find! read more

So you're at Findlay market, or the new Jungle Jim's at Eastgate. You just bought some meat and vegetables because, hey, it's Findlay market, release your inner foodie! But then you get that "in in way over my head" feeling because you've never actually roasted a duck before and you aren't really sure what parsnips even taste like. What are you going to do?! The friendly, mustache rocking, Cornel D will save you. I (and maybe you too) know nothing about spices and would waste all that amazing fresh food I bought by smothering it with BBQ sauce. This guy knows spices. His staff knows spices too. He's going to make you look like an excellent cook. He even makes excellent cooks look like even more excellent cooks. The things is; he doesn't just stick his nose in the air and tell you how exotic and wonderful his spices are (even though they are). He can teach you how to select and use them. Since you're at Findlay Market getting your fresh produce every weekend, you only need to buy a little bit of spice at a time. As a matter of fact, don't stock up! If you buy in small quantities (they totally don't mind), you'll get the freshest spices and you can mix it up with new flavors every once in a while instead of using the same old jar of oregano that you inherited from your great grandmother. Now you can take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy something home-cooked to perfection. read more

I love this place! About a year ago, I was one of those "I'll just get my spices at the grocery store" kind of guy. Well, I still have some spices from the grocery store because they refuse to run out, but every time I'm in need of some more spices, I go here! I always seem to be approached by the older guy (almost looks like the guy in the logo - coincidence?) - he's a little intimidating, but great with his spicies. I'll tell him what I want, and you'll respond with "No, you don't" (all matter of-fact). And sure enough, he's right. He always suggests something else, something better! You tell him what you're making, and what your looking for, and he'll give you a better option! Also, just so you know - they don't just have your regular spicies, they have some that you wouldn't normally find such as star anise, and they have options, like Italian & Egyptian Oregano (I suggest Egyptian), and they have a lot of pre-mixed blends for specific uses. So, seriously, go there, tell them what your making, and get your spices! read more

Besides my friends, the thing I miss most about Cincinnati is Colonel De's! You want it, they probably got it. Excellent customer service and love that you can purchase spices in the quantity you need. I also love that you can sniff all the goods on the counter... a great way to find something new to try. I have tried countless items there, but my personal favorite spice blend is the Okie Dokie mix. read more

I spent 3 years living in London and made a lot of South African friends. Two of them in particular made a mouth-watering curry. Of course to them the recipe was just ingrained in them and they didn't have anything written down. So, when I left I tried to have them write it down. Well, that was 2 years ago and I never got around to making it. I was overwhelmed by all the spices I needed that I never heard of and knew I would never be able to get at Kroger. I was recently re-invigorated in my desire to try to the dish so my friend suggested Colonel De's to try and get the spices. The service was fantastic...I literally handed them the recipe and asked for help! Several of the things listed in the recipe were also mixes of other spices so they looked those up online and got me started. It was quite a selection and they were very patient and thorough in helping me get everything I needed. I will say, I haven' t yet had time to make it but I am very excited and now feel fully equipped. I will be returning to Colonel De's for all my spice needs! I really don't know how the prices compare but if they can help me get what I need then it's worth it. read more

This place has great spice blends! Checking in also gives you a 5% off coupon!

I'm a bad spice shopper. I buy a little jar of whatever I need for my recipe, use it once, and then it's banished to the back of the spice shelf. No more. A chili recipe I made recently called for ancho and pasilla ground peppers. Per usual, I only needed about a tablespoon of each and wasn't likely to use more of it again soon. A friendly staff member located the spices I needed in no time, and I was on my way with exactly what I needed, in recipe-appropriate amounts. The grand total? Under $2! That's nuts! Of course, you can splurge on some more expensive stuff here, but it's an excellent value for someone like me. Everyone behind the counter that has ever helped me has been friendly, knowledgeable and fast. I will definitely be getting all of my spices here in the future. read more

Can we just talk about Coloel De, the man, for a second? This busy little store of his in Findlay Market could earn 5 stars by merit of his mustache alone! But alas, that's not what this review is about. I've visited Colonel De and crew several times, and each time is almost exactly the same. I come down to the shop with no idea of what I want and wind up wanting everything. This last time, I actually knew that I wanted smoked paprika, and of course the Colonel had like 4 different types to choose from. The variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings here CANNOT be beat. What I love most about coming here is the service. Like I said, you don't even have to show up with an idea about what you want, just start talking with the staff and they will craft something delicious for you, and their suggestions are always great. Be prepared to be spend some time there if you go on the weekend. It gets packed, but it's totally worth the wait. That will also give you some time to look around in the cases, and it seems like they have something new every time I go. You'll love it. read more

This is the kind of place where I could spend way too much money at, which is ridiculous considering how cheap the spices are. If you need a spice, it is pretty much guaranteed that they will have it. Most of it is bulk, so if you only need an ounce or a half ounce of something exotic that you'll never use again, it's no biggie. Beats buying a container of dull spice from the grocery store that will sit in the back of your cabinet until you throw it out. The last time I was there, I bought a couple ounces of chipotle, Cajun, and jerk seasonings. All three are great and were pretty affordable. The guys that work there are really nice and are always happy to discuss the spices, offer recommendations, explain their sourcing, and even give you recipes. If you need an ordinary or extraordinary spice, this stall in Findlay market is the place for you. read more

We love this place it always seems like an adventure going through and finding new blends to influence our menu for the week. They have the best curry blends! read more

I fell in love with Colonel De Herbs and Spice when I first saw their "Simon and Garfunkel" spice blend (Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme... get it? Ha!!). I've bought only a handful of things from them, but every time I have been completely satisfied. Most recently I was in desperate need of vanilla beans, didn't really know where to turn, headed to Colonel De's, and was pleasantly surprised (though I shouldn't have been surprised at all!) to find they had whole vanilla beans! There is always at least 5 people standing on the little step that surrounds Colonel De's glass displays (try not to trip on it!) so obviously they're in demand and won't be going anywhere! They have really great gift ideas if you're in need of something for a foodie friend: jarred marinades, shirts, unique sauces, and spice blend variety boxes. You'll find something new every time you head there... so check it out (and get some gelato afterwards)! read more

Herb's and Spice is the supreme spice store in Cincinnati. I'm so glad that I found this place as I will be purchasing my spices here from now on. In their cases they have organic and non organic spices. You can get them powdered or whole. On top of the counter are their unique spice blends which are made in house. Some of them smell SO good. I cleaned up today purchasing about an ounce each of twenty or so different spices and spice blends. The lady that helped me was very knowledgeable about the spices and helped us pick her favorite blends! They also have teas and various gadgets and grinders for sale. I'm telling you, if you come here, you'll never think of spices the same anywhere else. They also do online orders so those of you not in the area can still get this great deal! All of the stuff I bought today only cost $13 in total. It's a steal!!! read more

Colonel De's is the ultimate spice shop! They are my go to when I'm looking for a unique blend to add to a meal. Their staff is quite knowledgeable too. I always keep the Holy Smokes seasoning on hand. They have everything from rose salt blocks that you cook on to sugar blends for drinks and desserts. If you are unsure what spice to pair with what meat, just ask and the staff will direct you to the perfect one. The dried Persian limes are a favorite of mine for lamb. I suggest a visit if you've never been! They have spices for every flavor pallet. read more

Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices - My favorite saying ever! It's on the shirt I bought. - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Like everything else in Findlay Market- this place is amazing. I like to make my own spice blends, and this place has anything you might need!! They also have their own spice blends, which I haven't tried, but I'm sure are good. The quality of the herbs is what sets this place apart, so it is worth it. read more

I have purchased numerous spices and blends from him and have yet to be disappointed. I could listen to Col De Ray talk for hours about the history behind certain spices and techniques. He also has suggestions for any of his spices beyond your typical uses. I always leave feeling like I just got away with robbery, paying next to nothing for my pork rub or chicken rub. This is one of those places that makes Cincinnati unique if you ask me and you would be wise to stop by and find out why. read more

Colonel De Gourmet Herbs & Spices - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I can't believe that I have not written a review on the Colonel yet. I have been going here for my spices ever since my first day of culinary school. I usually go during the week and when it isn't busy love talking to the Col about his newest spices and especially about salts. For those that are in the industry there is a discount. read more

I first met Colonel De doing a scavenger hunt a Findlay. I'm sure I had seen him many times before, but ever since I was forced to search out his mustache and get his signature, his presence has seemed much more obvious to me, making me smile when we pass by. They also expanded their stand in the market house and gave it a new look within the year, so you'd have a hard time missing this delightful spot. We go to Findlay Market almost every weekend, I like to cook at home and try new things- it is unusual for a week to go by when I don't stop by to pick up a little something for a restaurant, gift, or to restock my spices at Colonel De's. This shop is full of wise, friendly, and helpful staff. The location in the heart of the market makes it a bit of a bottle neck at first, but they have a nice step up so you can smell, talk, and buy more conveniently. I really appreciate the location, expertise, and diversity in their stock. Thank you for always being there to help me out in my quest to add spice to life and my dishes. read more

This is my go-to for any and all dried herbs and spices I need. They have everything - and if they don't have it they'll order it for you I've been told. My favorites are their rubs, especially the fish & poultry rub - it has a great citrus flavor! One of the best things about Colonel De's is that you can smell it before you buy it - a must for the spice blends in my opinion! This place is also great if you have a specific need for a recipe and don't want large jars of spices you'll never use again. Most recently I went in for 1 tsp of allspice berries and whole cloves. Paid only $1.50ish instead of probably $10 if I had to buy a jar of each of these at the grocery store. read more

Seriously, where else would you go for spices, other than The Colonel? Not the single greatest spice shop I've ever seen, but it's the best in the city by quite a significant margin. Cowboy rub + Pork = Happiness. read more

This is one of the true gems of Findlay Market. I have had the chance to purchase several spices and herbs from Colonel De's and have yet to be disappointed. First of all, the quality of the inventory is unbelievable. Everything smells and tastes fresh with lots of attention given to each item to make sure it is at it's best. What makes De's truly special is the service you receive. The choices are truly overwhelming, but with the help of the friendly and knowledgeable employees it is possible to get exactly what you are looking for. Just to be clear, they have at least 5 kinds of cayenne, without guidance it would be difficult to make a choice. This is the place to go for all of your flavor needs in Cincinnati. One stop to this shop will elevate your meal to the highest quality! read more

Everything I love about the market, and Cincinnati, is encapsulated by De Stewart and his amazing team. Whether you are someone who loves to cook, someone who cooks occasionally or someone who is new to cooking--Colonel De is where you need to be! De and all the members of his team and there to help you. Their knowledge is astounding, and they take the time not only to advise you as to what spice may work best, but they tell you the history, walk you through the entire cooking process and then tell you a story sure to make you laugh! You can come in knowing exactly what you want--and they will have it! You can come in with no idea of what to do--and they will tell you and hand it over! You can come in for a sample and they will measure out exactly what you need. They have spices and oils from all over the world and the expertise to mix them together, measure them out and make a gourmet chef out of you! So you can get something to sample for under $2 or really spice up your life with some exotic concoction that is sure to be worth every penny! The only thing better than their knowledge and willingness is the fact that De guarantees his spices for 18 months! That's not even comparable to the manufactured chemicals you get at Kroger that have a shelf life of 6 months and taste weaker than whiffs you get just walking by the Colonel's shop. Oh, and did I mention the smells you get? At the very least stop by and ask De for a little sniff of his famous smokey grill spice combo that goes great on everything--and I do mean everything--from pork to shrimp! I could go on and on forever about how amazing De and his team are, but I've got spices to put to good use! read more

I was hoping to stop at the loose tea place in Findlay Market but because of a change in their schedule I ended up at Colonel De. I AM ONLY REVIEWING THEIR LOOSE TEAS AND HAVE NEVER TRIED THEIR SPICES OR HERBS. Their loose teas are all in clear, glass jars without air tight seals. That is terrible for the quality of the tea. They have five house blends. I asked to sniff the Shakespeare's Tea and ended up buying a a very reasonably priced ounce based on two reasons: It was fragrant and the jar was filled leading me to believe that it may have been recently mixed and fresh. The young clerk was very pleasant and helpful. Check in and get 5% off! read more

Everything and anything you can think of you can find here. I'm a food enthusiast and I love to try new recipes using spices & flavors from all different cuisines. Absolutely any spice that you need you will be able to find here. PROS: Nothing beats fresh spices, you can always buy as little or as much as you'll need for a single dish instead of having to purchase those spices that have sat at the shelf at the grocery store. As obscure as you think a spice might be, the staff here will sure to help you find it. Even if you don't really know what you want, the staff is always extremely helpful in providing suggestions for you to try. CONS: The spices are sold in plastic baggies, which can get somewhat messy if you buy a large number of them. I usually transfer my spices to small spice jars from IKEA and they seem to keep them fairly fresh. TIP: For your next cookout, splurge on a good smoked salt for a high quality steak (which you can buy at Findlay as well). We purchased this extremely rare smoked Norwegian Viking salt to top off some our steaks and they were UNBELIEVABLE! I mean out of this world amazing. The salt was on the pricey side ($10 per ounce) however you only need very little of it since the flavor is so potent. We used half an ounce for three large steaks and that was more than enough. read more

Seriously so many freaking spices... If you are going to cook something I assure you that this place has something to hook it up. The cajun went REALLY well with my shrimp and grits. read more