The Reaper Challenge: How Scorching Hot is Dave’s Hot Chicken Reaper Spice Level?

Have you ever wondered just how hot Dave’s Hot Chicken Reaper really is? Well, I’ve done the painful research so you don’t have to set your mouth on fire (unless you want to). Let me tell you, this isn’t your average spicy chicken – it’s a whole different level of heat that makes people question their life choices!

What Exactly is The Reaper at Dave’s Hot Chicken?

Dave’s Hot Chicken offers seven different spice levels, ranging from completely mild to face-melting hot. The Reaper sits at the very top of this fiery hierarchy as their most extreme heat option. Named after the infamous Carolina Reaper pepper, this spice level isn’t just hot – it’s downright punishing.

The Reaper spice level at Dave’s Hot Chicken features the Carolina Reaper pepper which once held the title of the world’s hottest pepper with a mind-boggling 1.6 to 2.2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). To put this in perspective a typical jalapeño registers between 2,500 to 8,000 SHU – meaning the Carolina Reaper is roughly 400 times hotter!

The Seven Levels of Heat at Dave’s Hot Chicken

Before we dive deeper into the blazing inferno that is The Reaper let’s break down all seven heat levels so you know exactly what you’re getting into

1. No Spice Zero heat just well-seasoned chicken with good flavor. Perfect for kids or people who drive exactly at the speed limit.

2. Lite Mild: Adds more flavor through the dry rub but still no noticeable heat. Better than No Spice if you want taste without burn.

3. Mild: You’ll detect a hint of heat but it’s very faint. Adds depth of flavor without much kick.

4. Medium: Well-seasoned with a lingering warmth that doesn’t cause discomfort. This is what many other places would call “mild.”

5. Hot: Now we’re talking! Significant heat that makes itself known but won’t have you questioning your life choices. You can still taste the chicken.

6. Extra Hot: Kicks like Jean Claude Van Damme, overwhelming but not completely obliterating other flavors. Expect watery eyes and some sweating.

7. The Reaper: The nuclear option. This is where all bets are off and your taste buds enter survival mode.

The Reaper Experience: What Actually Happens When You Eat It

Based on firsthand accounts from brave (or foolish) souls who’ve tried The Reaper, here’s what you can expect:

The Sneaky Attack

The Reaper doesn’t hit you immediately – it’s deceptively sneaky. After taking your first bite, you’ll experience a few blissful seconds where nothing seems to happen. This false sense of security is just part of its evil plan.

The Meltdown

Once those few seconds pass, the heat crashes through like a wrecking ball. It starts at the back of your throat and rapidly works its way forward until your entire mouth feels like it’s hosting an inferno convention.

The Physical Symptoms

The heat doesn’t stop at your mouth. Here’s what else happens:

• Profuse sweating from every pore
• Eyes watering like you’re watching the saddest movie ever
• Runny nose (not a cute look)
• Possible coughing fits
• Chills and stomach cramps
• A sauna-like feeling in your stomach that lasts for hours

One reviewer mentioned: “In the long list of bad ideas a person will make in their life, this ranks almost as high as giving fake Brad Pitt money for his fake cancer treatment on Instagram.”

Is It Actually Edible?

Yes, technically The Reaper is edible, but “enjoyable” is another question entirely. The extreme heat completely obliterates any other flavors in the chicken. You’re not tasting chicken anymore – you’re just experiencing pure, unadulterated pain.

The most telling detail? You have to sign a waiver before ordering The Reaper, and it’s not available to anyone under 18. When a restaurant makes you sign a legal document before eating their food, that should tell you something!

How Does The Reaper Compare to Other Spicy Foods?

The Reaper at Dave’s is comparable to other extreme spice challenges that feature ghost peppers or habaneros. It sits firmly in the realm of “stunt food” – dishes that are more about the experience and bragging rights than culinary enjoyment.

While Dave’s doesn’t publicly disclose the exact SHU of their Reaper spice blend, based on customer reactions and the incorporation of Carolina Reaper peppers, it likely falls within the hundreds of thousands of SHU range – far beyond what most people can handle.

How to Survive The Reaper (If You’re Brave or Stupid Enough to Try)

If you’re determined to tackle this mouth-melting challenge, here are some survival tips:

1. Don’t go in unprepared: Build up your spice tolerance gradually in the days before.

2. Don’t eat it on an empty stomach: Having food in your system helps buffer the heat.

3. Have dairy products ready: Water won’t help and might actually spread the capsaicin around. Milk, yogurt, or ice cream are your best friends.

4. Know your limits: If you have digestive issues like acid reflux or IBS, this might not be the challenge for you.

5. Have a designated driver: Some people experience such intense reactions that driving might not be safe afterward.

What The Experts Say

Food writer Ariel Smith from the Reno Gazette Journal wisely recommends: “Save your taste buds and just get the Extra Hot. Your mouth and tummy will thank you later. Profusely, we might add.”

Danny Gallagher from the Dallas Observer described The Reaper as “a spice ninja that creeps up on you and strikes just when you think you’ve conquered it.” He warned, “Even if you’ve got the kind of iron tongue that you believe can endure such a thing, you’ll always end up paying the price in the end. Pun intended this time.”

The Verdict: Is The Reaper Worth Trying?

Honestly, The Reaper is more of a once-in-a-lifetime experience than a culinary delight. It’s for those who:

• Love extreme challenges
• Have something to prove
• Want a story to tell
• Enjoy suffering (no judgment!)

For most normal humans who enjoy tasting their food, the Hot or Extra Hot levels provide plenty of kick while still allowing you to taste the actual chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will The Reaper damage my taste buds?
While extremely uncomfortable, The Reaper is unlikely to cause permanent damage to healthy taste buds. The burning sensation, though intense, is temporary.

Are there health risks associated with eating The Reaper?
For most healthy individuals, the risks are minimal beyond temporary discomfort. However, those with pre-existing conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, or IBS should probably steer clear.

Is the Reaper spice consistent across all Dave’s locations?
While Dave’s aims for consistency, some slight variations may occur between locations due to preparation methods and ingredient sourcing.

What should I do if The Reaper is too hot for me?
DO NOT drink water! It will only spread the capsaicin around your mouth. Instead, reach for dairy products like milk or ice cream, which contain casein that helps neutralize capsaicin.

Final Thoughts

The Reaper at Dave’s Hot Chicken isn’t just hot – it’s a capsaicin nuclear bomb designed to test the limits of human endurance. While it might be tempting to try for the bragging rights, most people would be perfectly happy (and their digestive systems much happier) with one of the more moderate spice levels.

If you do decide to take on The Reaper challenge, remember this wisdom from those who’ve gone before you: “Pride comes before the fall into hot chicken hell.”

My recommendation? Start with Medium or Hot first. If those don’t satisfy your heat-seeking taste buds, then maybe – just maybe – you’re ready to face The Reaper. But don’t say I didn’t warn ya!

Have you tried Dave’s Hot Chicken Reaper level? I’d love to hear about your experience (or horror story) in the comments below!