When people ask me what the hottest pepper is, I say the "Reaper" is the current record holder but that others may outrank it on any given day, and that new crosses are coming every year. For me, these cross-breads (Reaper, Jigsaw, Brown TSMB x Douglah, stressed varieties, etc.) make the record more trivial. I still think it's great accomplishment, but doubt it will stand long - as it may soon or already be eclipsed by others. Plus, there's so much consumer confusion as products containing just Habs still claim "World's Hottest." These ultrahot crosses are already merging into the "extract" column, with capsaicin overriding everything else. Those that can detect any desirable flavors must have incredible palates. I love heat, but think the flavor curve sharply diminishes after the bhut/naga level.
As a hobbyist, I will still grow some of these varieties as a novelty. But my focus is on the heat/flavor/production nexus. I have also found the varieties above the bhut/naga level tend to be less prolific in my area.
As a hobbyist, I will still grow some of these varieties as a novelty. But my focus is on the heat/flavor/production nexus. I have also found the varieties above the bhut/naga level tend to be less prolific in my area.