Oh, I have to tell you I was right to be a little afraid of these. They are hot. Taste is awesome, kind of sweet and smoky to start. Then as you keep eating, the heat builds in your entire mouth. I think the combination of the marinade and the powders worked perfect together. You just find it getting hotter and building with each bite, but no direct hit. It's like you know it's hot, but you don't know where it is coming from. It's an overall warm glow, not a punch in the face. I have to remember this one, I nailed it. The only thing I would do different is maybe a bit more salt. I like the ying and yang of salty and sweet.