Pepper X

Since its crowning as the world’s hottest pepper by Guinness World Records in late 2023, Pepper X has moved from a mythical "Hot Ones" exclusive to the star of a growing lineup of extreme sauces. Bred by Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company, it averages 2.69 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Unlike the Carolina Reaper, which delivers a "stinging" heat that hits the back of the throat, Pepper X is known for a "creeping" heat. It often tastes surprisingly sweet and floral at first, but once the capsaicin binds to your receptors, the burn can last for 20 minutes or longer, often affecting the entire mouth and chest.