Which sauce is characterized by a smoky flavor?

Barbecue sauce is recognized for its distinct smoky flavor, which often comes from the inclusion of smoked ingredients, such as smoked paprika or liquid smoke, as well as a variety of spices and sweeteners that enhance the overall taste. This sauce is typically used in grilling or barbecue cooking methods, which also contribute to its smoky essence, as the meat absorbs the aromatic smoke during the cooking process.

In contrast, peanut dressing, mustard-honey dressing, and buttermilk garlic dressing do not typically feature a smoky profile. Peanut dressing relies on a combination of nutty and savory tastes, mustard-honey dressing delivers a tangy and sweet flavor, and buttermilk garlic dressing is creamy with a zesty taste. None of these sauces encapsulate the characteristic smokiness that defines barbecue sauce.