Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) is a beloved chain of sports bars and restaurants known for its delicious wings and an extensive selection of signature sauces. One of the key features that sets BWW apart is their commitment to offering a wide range of spice levels, catering to both mild and fiery palates. At the heart of this spice spectrum lies the Scoville Scale, a measure of the pungency and heat intensity of chili peppers and their derivatives.
The Scoville Scale, developed in 1912 by American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville, is a widely recognized method of quantifying the heat in chili peppers. It measures the concentration of capsaicinoids (plant secondary metabolites), the compounds responsible for the burning sensation we experience when consuming spicy foods. The higher the Scoville Heat Units (SHU), the more intense the heat.
Understanding the Scoville Scale is crucial for BWW customers, as it helps them navigate the restaurant’s diverse sauce offerings and make informed decisions based on their personal spice preferences and tolerances.
Buffalo Wild Wings Sauces and Scoville Scale
BWW’s sauce lineup is a veritable playground for spice enthusiasts and a testing ground for those seeking to push their limits. Each sauce is carefully crafted and assigned a Scoville rating, allowing customers to gauge the heat level before indulging.
Here’s a breakdown of some of BWW’s most popular sauces and their corresponding Scoville units:
- Parmesan Garlic: 0 SHU (No heat)
- Honey BBQ: 100 SHU (Mild)
- Asian Zing: 600 SHU (Mild)
- Caribbean Jerk: 1,200 SHU (Medium)
- Spicy Garlic: 1,500 SHU (Medium)
- Wild: 2,500 SHU (Hot)
- Blazin’: 4,000 SHU (Hot)
- Mango Habanero: 7,000 SHU (Extreme)
- Blazin’ Carolina Reaper: 2,000,000 SHU (Insanely Hot)
Breakdown of Scoville Scale Levels
Mild Sauces (0 – 700 SHU):
BWW’s mild sauces are perfect for those who prefer a touch of flavor without the intense heat. Sauces like Parmesan Garlic, Honey BBQ, and Asian Zing fall into this category, offering a delightful blend of flavors with minimal to no spiciness.
Medium Sauces (700 – 3,000 SHU):
For those seeking a little more kick, BWW’s medium sauces like Caribbean Jerk and Spicy Garlic provide a moderate level of heat. These sauces strike a balance between flavor and spice, delivering a satisfying burn without overwhelming the taste buds.
Hot Sauces (3,000 – 25,000 SHU):
The hot sauce category at BWW is where things start to get serious. Sauces like Wild and Blazin’ pack a considerable punch, with Scoville ratings ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 SHU. These sauces are not for the faint of heart and are perfect for those who crave a fiery challenge.
Extreme Sauces (25,000+ SHU):
For the true spice warriors, BWW offers extreme sauces like Mango Habanero and the legendary Blazin’ Carolina Reaper. With Scoville ratings soaring into the millions, these sauces are not to be taken lightly. Only the bravest and most seasoned chili-heads should attempt to conquer these infernal concoctions.
Tips for Choosing the Right Spice Level
Assessing Personal Spice Tolerance:
Before venturing into the world of BWW’s sauces, it’s crucial to have an honest assessment of your personal spice tolerance. Consider your past experiences with spicy foods and how your body reacts to heat. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to start on the milder side and work your way up gradually.
Suggestions for First-Timers or Those with Low Spice Tolerance:
For newcomers or those with a low spice tolerance, BWW’s mild sauces like Parmesan Garlic or Honey BBQ are excellent starting points. These sauces allow you to enjoy the flavor without the overwhelming heat, making them ideal for getting acquainted with BWW’s offerings.
Recommendations for Spice Enthusiasts and Daredevils:
If you consider yourself a seasoned spice lover or a daredevil seeking the ultimate challenge, BWW’s hot and extreme sauces are where you’ll find your thrills. Sauces like Wild, Blazin’, Mango Habanero, and the infamous Blazin’ Carolina Reaper await those brave enough to take them on.
Ordering and Customization Options
Mixing and Matching Sauces:
One of the great advantages of BWW’s sauce lineup is the ability to mix and match flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can combine a mild sauce with a hot one, creating a unique taste experience tailored to your preferences. Just be mindful of the combined heat level when experimenting.
Customizing Spice Levels for Individual Orders:
BWW understands that not everyone in a group may share the same spice tolerance. That’s why they offer the option to customize spice levels for individual orders. Whether you prefer your wings extra spicy or prefer a milder sauce, BWW can accommodate your preferences.
Requesting Sauces on the Side:
If you’re unsure about committing to a particular sauce or want to sample multiple flavors, you can always request sauces on the side. This allows you to dip and taste at your own pace, giving you greater control over the spice level and flavor intensity.
Safety and Precautions
Handling Extremely Hot Sauces:
When dealing with sauces in the extreme heat range, like Mango Habanero or Blazin’ Carolina Reaper, it’s essential to exercise caution. These sauces can cause intense burning sensations and should be handled with care. Avoid contact with sensitive areas like the eyes, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling them.
Recommended Remedies for Accidental Over-Spicing:
No matter how experienced you are with spicy foods, accidents can happen. If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve accidentally over-spiced your dish, BWW offers several remedies. Milk, yogurt, or bread can help neutralize the burning sensation, while water or beer may provide temporary relief but can potentially spread the heat.
Importance of Hydration and Cooling Agents:
When indulging in spicy foods, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Have plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages on hand to help combat the heat and prevent dehydration. Additionally, BWW offers cooling agents like ranch or blue cheese dressing, which can provide a soothing counterbalance to the spiciness.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Interesting Facts about the Scoville Scale and Chili Peppers:
- The Scoville Scale was named after its creator, Wilbur Scoville, an American pharmacist.
- The hottest chili pepper in the world is the Carolina Reaper, with an average Scoville rating of 1,641,183 SHU.
- Chili peppers get their heat from a compound called capsaicin, which is used in some self-defense sprays and pest repellents.
- Eating spicy foods can temporarily increase metabolism and trigger the release of endorphins, providing a natural high.
Records and Challenges Related to BWW’s Spiciest Sauces:
BWW has a rich history of spice-related challenges and records. One notable achievement is the “Blazin’ Challenge,” where participants attempt to consume an entire order of Blazin’ Carolina Reaper wings in a set time limit. Those who succeed earn a commemorative t-shirt and bragging rights.
Cultural Significance and History of Spicy Foods:
Spicy foods have played an essential role in various cultures around the world, with chili peppers being a staple ingredient in cuisines ranging from Mexican and Indian to Thai and Korean. The love for spice has deep cultural roots, with some believing it can ward off evil spirits or increase longevity.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Wild Wings Scoville Scale is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to catering to a diverse range of spice preferences. Whether you’re a mild-sauce connoisseur or a fire-breathing chili head, BWW has a sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
By understanding the Scoville Scale and embracing the wide array of options available, you can embark on a flavorful journey that pushes your boundaries and ignites your senses. From the gentle warmth of Parmesan Garlic to the scorching intensity of Blazin’ Carolina Reaper, BWW’s sauce lineup offers an adventure for every palate.
So, embrace the heat, savor the flavors, and conquer the Scoville Scale one delicious wing at a time. Just remember to stay hydrated, have cooling agents at the ready, and always respect the power of the chili pepper. Happy eating, spice lovers!
