I'm an Eastern North Carolina native and I have to say that this recipe is quite authentic. I typically pick up the locally made spice pouch from the Piggly Wiggly in town. But since I never get down that way (from my home in Raleigh), I had to put this one together in anticipation of a Pig Pickin' that I'm having in a month (these sauces are always better when you let them marinate over time). For those giving this recipe a 1 star based on it being "too vinegary" check the ingredients. This thing is 99% vinegar. What do you expect? All-in-all, the recipe is authentic to what I've grown to expect out of an Eastern North Carolina barbeque sauce.