Neil Smith

Location: New South Wales, Australia
Known For: Co-developer and global promoter of the Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” and founder of The Hippy Seed Company

Neil Smith is a prominent figure in the global chili pepper community, best known as the founder of The Hippy Seed Company (THSC) — one of Australia’s earliest online retailers dedicated to chili seeds, pods, and plants. Based in New South Wales, Smith has played a critical role in introducing exotic and superhot pepper varieties to home growers and collectors across Australia and beyond.

His most significant contribution to chili history is tied to the Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T”, a strain originally developed by Butch Taylor in the United States. Smith received seeds directly from Taylor, grew the plant in Australia, and submitted it for testing — which led to it being crowned the world’s hottest chili pepper by Guinness World Records in 2011, with a rating of over 1.4 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

Smith’s YouTube videos — often featuring himself or friends eating outrageously hot peppers — became iconic in the chili world, offering both education and entertainment. He was among the first breeders and retailers to use video content to market chili seeds, document pepper behavior, and create a global sense of community around chili growing.

In addition to promoting the Butch T, Smith has helped popularize a range of other superhot and ornamental varieties, including Naga Viper, Trinidad 7 Pot, and Jigsaw. He has been an outspoken advocate for proper pepper testing, clear lineage documentation, and responsible sharing of seed genetics.

Notable Contributions:

  • Co-introduced Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T” to global markets
  • Founder of The Hippy Seed Company
  • Pioneered online chili education via YouTube
  • Promoter of numerous rare, heirloom, and superhot varieties in Australasia

Legacy:
Neil Smith is a master cultivator, educator, and seed distributor whose influence helped launch the global superhot pepper craze. His mix of storytelling, science, and seed work continues to inspire hobbyists and professional growers alike.

Sources / References

  1. The Hippy Seed Company – www.thehippyseedcompany.com
  2. Guinness World Records (2011) – Hottest Chili Pepper: Trinidad Scorpion “Butch T”
  3. YouTube – THSC channel (Neil Smith pepper tastings, seed reviews)
  4. Interviews on chili forums and with The Hot Pepper community
  5. Australian agricultural and gardening media (ABC News, SBS Food)