The World’s Hottest Chili
Carolina Reaper is the New Record-Holder
On November 19, 2013, the Carolina Reaper achieved the title of the world’s hottest chili. It was measured at an astounding 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This surpassed the previous record holder, the Butch T Scorpion, which had a SHU of 1,463,700. From March 1, 2011, until November 2013, The Hippy Seed Company, alongside Marcel de Wit and Mark Peacock, held the record for the world’s hottest chili.
Congratulations to Ed from the USA for the new record. If you’re interested in growing record-breaking chilies, try our World Record Pack.
The Store About Our World Record
Guinness World Record
Here is how Neil Smith obtained the former world’s hottest chili.
Butch Taylor, a close friend, sent the seeds to Neil many years ago. Due to his dyslexia, Neil began making chili reviews on YouTube instead of writing descriptions. This effort has resulted in over 350 chili reviews.
Regarding the world’s hottest chili, Neil made his first review of the Butch T Scorpion on February 21, 2009. The experience was intense: Neil lost his sense of taste for days, his tongue felt swollen, and he had to rest after the test. The chili was named after Butch Taylor, who sent the seeds.
For years, Neil claimed the Butch T was the hottest chili in the world, but he lacked the means to have it tested. In 2011, Marcel de Wit from The Chilli Factory funded the testing, and Neil, Marcel, and our scientist Mark Peacock applied for the Guinness World Record.
In March 2011, the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T was officially recognized as the world’s hottest chili with a SHU of 1,463,700.
Watch the Video:
Watch the video of Neil’s first attempt with the Butch T Scorpion. Enjoy!