Ed Currie – Creator of the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X

Ed Currie, known as “Smokin’ Ed,” is the mastermind behind some of the world’s hottest chili peppers. As the founder of PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill, South Carolina, he has dedicated decades to breeding super-hot chilies, blending science with an obsession for capsaicin’s extreme heat. His work has twice earned him the Guinness World Record for the hottest chili, first with the Carolina Reaper in 2013 and then with Pepper X in 2023.

The Carolina Reaper was the result of a carefully bred cross between a Pakistani Naga pepper and a Caribbean St. Vincent La Soufriere pepper. With its menacing red color, bumpy surface, and scorpion-like tail, the Reaper quickly became a global sensation. It recorded an average of 1.64 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with some pods exceeding 2.2 million SHU. Its unique balance of extreme heat and fruity, slightly sweet undertones made it a favorite among hot sauce makers and spice enthusiasts.

Never satisfied with the status quo, Currie spent another decade breeding an even hotter pepper. In 2023, Pepper X officially dethroned the Reaper with an average 2.69 million SHU, making it the new record-holder for the world’s hottest chili. Unlike the Reaper, Pepper X has a blistered yellow-green appearance and an even more brutal, lingering burn, described as “almost inedible” by those brave enough to try it.

Currie’s impact on the chili world extends beyond records. His company has driven innovation in the hot sauce industry, and his peppers have inspired chili breeders worldwide to push the limits of heat. His appearances on platforms like the YouTube series Hot Ones have made extreme chilies mainstream, turning what was once a niche pursuit into a global phenomenon. Through years of relentless experimentation, Ed Currie has cemented his place as the undisputed king of super-hot peppers.