Carolina Reaper is the world’s hottest chilli, or was until something even more ridiculous came along. Putting it in a crisp is either brave or foolish, depending on your relationship with capsaicin.
Burts’ version is genuinely hot. Not “might be a bit warm” hot. Actually, properly, make-you-pause hot.
The heat builds aggressively, starting manageable and escalating to levels that demand respect. Your lips will burn. Your tongue will protest. This is not a crisp for the timid.
The lime factor
The lime is crucial. Without it, these would be pure punishment. The citrus provides brightness and relief, cutting through the heat with acidity and giving your palate something else to focus on.
It’s a smart combination. The lime makes the heat more bearable and more interesting.
Flavour beyond fire
The best hot products have flavour as well as heat. The Reaper chilli here brings fruity, almost floral notes underneath the burning. It’s not just pain. It’s complex pain.
Know your limits
If you don’t regularly eat very spicy food, approach with extreme caution. These will hurt. If you’re a chilli enthusiast, these offer genuine challenge from a premium crisp brand.
The verdict
Impressive heat credentials from a mainstream brand. Not for casual snacking, but serious chilli fans will appreciate the commitment.
Respect the Reaper.
