Tom Kleinfeltner
Location: United States (exact location not publicly disclosed; active in Midwest grower circles)
Known For: Co-naming and promoting the Beast chili pepper series; reviewer and grower in the superhot community
Tom Kleinfeltner is a dedicated chili grower, reviewer, and community contributor known for his instrumental role in popularizing the Beast line of superhot peppers — particularly the Chocolate Beast, a hybrid developed by Brian Seal. While not a breeder in the traditional sense, Kleinfeltner has played a central role in the naming, field-testing, and public visibility of several niche superhot varieties, often serving as the first point of contact between a breeder’s experimental line and the wider growing community.
Tom gained recognition through his frequent, detailed posts in online chili growing forums and Facebook groups, where he reviewed pods, discussed growing conditions, and helped stabilize certain strains through community grow-outs. The name “Beast” was first publicly applied by Kleinfeltner to describe the sheer visual intimidation and extreme heat of Brian Seal’s Chocolate Naga Brain × Carolina Reaper cross — and it stuck.
Beyond the Beast line, Kleinfeltner has tested and reviewed dozens of other rare crosses, often acting as a trusted early grower for new hybrids before they reach seed vendors. His photographic documentation, flavor notes, and pod assessments have helped build trust and legitimacy around hobby-bred peppers that might otherwise go unrecognized.
He is frequently acknowledged in breeder footnotes and seed listings as a key collaborator — someone who helps evaluate new peppers in real-world growing environments and provides honest feedback about stability, productivity, and culinary potential.
Notable Contributions:
- Naming and early promotion of the Beast line (especially Chocolate Beast)
- Trusted reviewer and community grower for emerging superhots
- Known for detailed tasting notes and phenotypic documentation
Legacy:
Tom Kleinfeltner represents the essential but often unsung role of the amplifier — the grower who helps new strains gain attention, credibility, and refinement. His eye for detail and respect for breeder intent have earned him a place of high regard among chili hobbyists worldwide.
Sources / References
- The Pepper Lovers Community (Facebook) – Kleinfeltner reviews and photo posts
- Grow journals and breeder acknowledgments (e.g., Brian Seal, John Ford)
- The Hot Pepper Forum – “Beast” strain threads (2017–2021)
- YouTube: Pod review appearances and interviews on chili hobbyist channels
- Vendor seed notes (White Hot Peppers, PepperLover.com) crediting Kleinfeltner