Buffalo Wild Wings' Blazin' sauce is legendary. For many, it's the ultimate test of spice tolerance, a fiery gauntlet thrown down by the chicken wing empire. But just how hot is it, really? Let's dive into the fiery depths and uncover the truth.
Understanding the Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
To accurately gauge the heat of any pepper or sauce, we need to understand the Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This measurement quantifies the pungency (spiciness or "heat") of chili peppers, with higher SHU numbers indicating more intense heat. While Buffalo Wild Wings doesn't publicly release the exact SHU count of their Blazin' sauce, we can make some informed estimations based on its ingredients and common comparisons.
Comparing Blazin' Sauce to Other Hot Sauces
Many online forums and spicy food enthusiasts place Blazin' sauce somewhere in the range of 80,000 to 100,000 SHU. This puts it firmly in the realm of extremely hot sauces, comparable to some of the hotter commercially available brands. Keep in mind this is an estimate – the actual SHU count might vary slightly depending on batch variations and ingredient sourcing.
What Makes Blazin' Sauce So Hot?
The intense heat of Blazin' sauce stems from a potent blend of chili peppers, most notably cayenne peppers and likely a significant amount of ghost peppers (or a similar pepper with comparable heat). The recipe also contains a number of other ingredients that contribute to the overall flavor profile, but the peppers are the primary heat source.
Beyond the Heat: Flavor Profile
It's important to note that Blazin' sauce isn't just about raw heat. While intensely spicy, it possesses a complex flavor profile that many find addictive. The blend of spices and other ingredients provides a balance to the heat, making it more than just a one-note burn. Many describe it as having a slightly sweet and tangy undertone that complements the intense heat.
Is Blazin' Sauce Too Hot for You?
Whether or not Blazin' sauce is "too hot" is entirely subjective. If you're a seasoned chili-head with a high spice tolerance, you might find it enjoyable. However, if you're new to spicy food or have a lower tolerance, it's likely to be extremely intense, and potentially uncomfortable.
Consider these factors:
- Your personal spice tolerance: Start with a small amount to gauge your reaction before committing to a full wing order.
- Your stomach sensitivity: Extremely spicy food can cause upset stomachs in some individuals.
- The type of food: The sauce's intensity is amplified when paired with fatty or rich foods, like chicken wings.
Tips for Handling the Heat
If you decide to brave the Blazin' challenge, here are a few tips:
- Start small: Order a small portion or just a few wings with Blazin' sauce to test the waters.
- Have milk or other dairy on hand: Dairy products can help neutralize the capsaicin, the compound that causes the burning sensation.
- Don't panic: The burning sensation will subside eventually.
Ultimately, the true heat of Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin' sauce is a subjective experience. But based on its reputation and comparison to similar hot sauces, it's undeniably one of the spiciest commercially available wing sauces out there. So, are you brave enough to try it?
