The Last Dab has achieved iconic status in the hot sauce world, known for its extreme heat and complex flavor profile. Featured as the final challenge on Hot Ones, the YouTube series where celebrities eat increasingly spicy wings, The Last Dab has cemented its reputation as one of the hottest sauces available. But just how spicy is it, and what sets it apart from other ultra-hot sauces? This article dives deep into the intensity of The Last Dab, its unique ingredients, and why it’s so popular.
If you’re interested in understanding the different heat levels of hot sauces, learn more about the Scoville rating of Sriracha or see how The Last Dab compares with other Hot Ones sauces.
What is The Last Dab?
The Last Dab is an extremely hot sauce created by the team at Hot Ones, featuring unique pepper varieties that elevate it to extreme levels on the Scoville scale. It’s the final sauce in the Hot Ones lineup, and its primary role is to test the endurance of those who dare to take on the heat. The sauce contains Pepper X and the Apollo Pepper, two powerful varieties bred for their intense heat and flavor by chili breeder Ed Currie, the creator of the Carolina Reaper.
- Exclusive Peppers: The Last Dab uses Pepper X and Apollo Pepper, two rare peppers known for their high heat levels.
- Hot Ones Legacy: As the final challenge on Hot Ones, The Last Dab has become a rite of passage for spice enthusiasts and celebrities alike.
The Scoville Scale: Measuring Heat Intensity
To understand just how spicy The Last Dab is, it’s essential to know about the Scoville scale. Created by Wilbur Scoville, this scale measures the heat in chili peppers and hot sauces by calculating the amount of capsaicin—the chemical compound responsible for the spicy sensation. The scale ranges from mild sauces, like Sriracha, to superhots like The Last Dab.
Where Does The Last Dab Stand on the Scoville Scale?
The Last Dab boasts an astonishing Scoville rating of over 2 million units, placing it in the realm of the hottest sauces available. This puts it on par with the Carolina Reaper and Ghost Pepper sauces, but what makes it unique is the concentration and complexity of capsaicin derived from Pepper X and Apollo Pepper.
- Scoville Rating: 2 million+ Scoville units, making it one of the spiciest sauces in the world.
- Capsaicin Levels: High capsaicin content from exclusive peppers contributes to the intensity of its heat.
For a detailed look at Scoville ratings, check out the Scoville Scale and see how The Last Dab’s Scoville rating compares with other hot sauces.
Comparing The Last Dab to Other Popular Hot Sauces
Here’s a comparison of The Last Dab’s heat level against other well-known sauces to provide context:
- Tabasco Sauce: 2,500-5,000 Scoville units – Known for its mild heat and tangy taste.
- Sriracha: 2,200 Scoville units – Popular for its blend of mild spice and sweetness.
- Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce: Around 1 million Scoville units – Hot, but less intense than The Last Dab.
- The Last Dab: 2+ million Scoville units – Far beyond most commercially available sauces, offering intense heat with each drop.
The Peppers Behind the Heat: Pepper X and Apollo Pepper
The Last Dab owes its heat to two powerhouse peppers: Pepper X and Apollo Pepper. Developed by Ed Currie, these peppers are bred specifically for their high heat levels and unique flavor profiles.
Pepper X: A Chili Bred for Extreme Heat
Pepper X was developed to surpass the Carolina Reaper’s heat. With its potent capsaicin levels, this pepper adds a searing, intense heat that makes The Last Dab almost unbearably spicy.
- Scoville Rating: Pepper X often exceeds the Scoville units of the Carolina Reaper.
- Flavor Profile: Besides heat, Pepper X brings a slightly fruity taste, adding complexity to The Last Dab.
Apollo Pepper: The New Contender
The Apollo Pepper, also bred by Ed Currie, is known for its smoky, earthy heat. When combined with Pepper X, it creates a multi-layered spice experience that few sauces can match.
- Unique Smoky Heat: The Apollo Pepper’s earthy notes give The Last Dab a unique taste beyond just heat.
- Capsaicin Content: Like Pepper X, the Apollo Pepper is bred for high capsaicin concentration, adding to the sauce’s potency.
For more on Pepper X and its heat compared to Carolina Reaper, explore the Pepper X vs. Carolina Reaper Comparison.
The Complex Flavor Profile of The Last Dab
Despite its intense heat, The Last Dab is known for its surprisingly complex flavor profile. Many ultra-hot sauces focus solely on heat, but The Last Dab combines its spiciness with fruity, earthy, and smoky flavors, making it enjoyable for those who can handle the intensity.
- Fruity Undertones: A slight hint of fruit provides a brief respite from the heat.
- Smoky and Earthy Notes: The Apollo Pepper adds a deep, smoky character that complements the fruity heat of Pepper X.
- Balanced Complexity: The combination of these flavors makes The Last Dab a favorite among those who appreciate both heat and taste.
The Physical and Sensory Effects of Eating The Last Dab
Consuming The Last Dab is more than just a culinary experience—it’s a full-body reaction. The intense capsaicin levels trigger several physical responses that go beyond the mouth’s burning sensation.
- Burning Sensation: The high capsaicin content causes an intense burn in the mouth and throat.
- Flushing and Sweating: Many people experience flushed skin, sweating, and watery eyes.
- Endorphin Rush: Known as the “hot sauce high,” the body releases endorphins to counter the heat, which can create a euphoric feeling for some.
This combination of reactions makes trying The Last Dab both a challenge and an experience, as evidenced by the celebrity reactions on Hot Ones.
Health Effects and Risks of Extremely Spicy Foods
While The Last Dab can be enjoyable for spice enthusiasts, consuming it comes with potential side effects. The intense heat can impact the body in various ways, especially if consumed in large quantities.
- Immediate Reactions: Burning sensations, watering eyes, and sweating are common.
- Gastrointestinal Impact: For some, high capsaicin levels can cause stomach discomfort or irritation.
- Endorphin Release: Many experience an endorphin rush, a natural response to pain, creating a temporary feeling of euphoria.
Tips for Handling and Enjoying The Last Dab
If you’re brave enough to try The Last Dab, here are some tips to help you manage the heat and enhance the experience:
- Start Small: Begin with a drop or two to gauge your heat tolerance.
- Pair with Starchy or Creamy Foods: Pairing The Last Dab with foods like bread, rice, or yogurt can help mitigate the intensity of the heat.
- Keep Dairy on Hand: Dairy products like milk or yogurt help neutralize capsaicin, reducing the burn.
FAQs about The Last Dab
1. What makes The Last Dab so spicy?
The Last Dab’s heat comes from Pepper X and Apollo Pepper, both bred for extremely high capsaicin levels, which elevate the Scoville rating.
2. Is The Last Dab hotter than the Carolina Reaper?
Yes, The Last Dab is generally hotter than sauces made with Carolina Reaper due to the unique heat of Pepper X and Apollo Pepper.
3. How many Scoville units is The Last Dab?
The Last Dab has a Scoville rating of over 2 million units, making it one of the spiciest sauces available.
4. Is it safe to eat The Last Dab in large amounts?
While small amounts are safe, consuming large quantities of The Last Dab can cause intense reactions, including stomach discomfort.
5. Can The Last Dab be used in cooking?
Yes, but it should be used sparingly due to its extreme heat. A small amount can add a fiery kick to soups, sauces, or marinades.
Conclusion: The Unique Experience of The Last Dab
The Last Dab is not just another hot sauce; it’s an experience that blends extreme heat with a unique flavor profile. Whether you’re taking on the Hot Ones challenge or simply testing your spice tolerance, The Last Dab offers a complex mix of fruity, smoky, and earthy notes combined with an intense burn that few can handle. For those brave enough to try, The Last Dab delivers a one-of-a-kind journey into the world of ultra-hot sauces, leaving a lasting impression and unforgettable heat.