Hotter Ghost of Saffron by High Desert Sauce Co. and Brian Ambs is the fiery sibling to their beloved flagship sauce, Ghost of Saffron. This amped-up version keeps the original’s signature smoky and tangy base but turns up the heat with a potent blend of ghost peppers and Scotch bonnets.
Co-created by Brian Ambs—a skateboarder, photographer, and die-hard hot sauce enthusiast—this sauce celebrates fire-roasted flavor with a bold, smoky aroma that hints at the spice to come. If you’re looking for depth, balance, and serious heat, this might just be the bottle to test your limits. Let’s dive in and see what makes this scorching sauce stand out.
Introducing: Hotter Ghost of Saffron by High Desert Sauce Co.
High Desert Sauce Co. has built a reputation as one of the premier hot sauce makers in the United States, known for their creative, flavour-packed sauces that span a wide range of heat levels and styles. With a strong following and features on shows like Hot Ones, they’ve carved out a respected place in the hot sauce world. Teaming up with them is Brian Ambs—a skateboarder, photographer, business owner, and devoted hot sauce connoisseur—who helped bring the Ghost of Saffron line to life.
Hotter Ghost of Saffron is the result of that collaboration, and it doesn’t hold back. Loaded with fire-roasted carrots, tomatoes, and onions, this sauce delivers rich, smoky flavour right from the first pour. But make no mistake—this is a heat-lover’s sauce. It brings the fire with a bold combination of ghost peppers—ten times more than the original—and Scotch bonnets, creating a sharp, lingering burn that commands attention. At around $16 CAD, it’s a solid value for anyone chasing deep, balanced flavour with serious kick.
Manufacturer: High Desert Sauce Co.
Made In: USA
Heat Rating: 6/10
Size: 150mL
Price Range: $16 CAD
Buy from High Desert Sauce Co.
Ingredients: Fire Roasted Tomato, Vinegar (Cider and Distilled White), Smoked Ghost and Scotch Bonnet Peppers, Fire Roasted Carrots, Roasted Garlic, Roasted Onion, Avocado Oil, Fresh Garlic, Salt, Agave Nectar, Smoked Paprika, Toasted Cumin Seed, Lime Juice, Mexican Oregano, Saffron
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Appearance
Visually, Hotter Ghost of Saffron immediately sets the tone for the bold experience ahead. The sauce pours out in a rich, rusty red-brown hue, deepened by charred black flecks that hint at its fire-roasted ingredients and smoky flavour profile.
The label adds to the attitude—sleek, matte black with a high-quality finish, featuring a playful yet fierce image of a ghost pepper punching a ghost—a clever twist on the original label, which featured just the ghost alone.
In terms of texture, the sauce strikes a great balance: thick enough to cling to your food, but not so viscous that it struggles to pour. It flows cleanly from the bottle, coating everything it touches with that deep, roasted intensity.
Smell
If there’s one standout feature of Hotter Ghost of Saffron, it’s without a doubt the aroma.
From the moment the cap comes off, the pungent, smoky-sweet scent fills the air and practically pulls you in for a taste. It’s bold and unmistakably inviting—the kind of smell that instantly tells you you’re in for something special.
The roasted vegetables shine through with that comforting, charred sweetness you get from fire-roasting, layered with a warm blend of aromatic spices that give the sauce depth. You can even pick up the distinct scent of the dehydrated peppers—a rich, earthy sharpness that adds another layer of complexity.
This aroma is everything you’d want in a spicy sauce: smoky, sweet, spicy, warm, and mouthwatering. In many ways, it’s the soul of the sauce, and for me, it’s the absolute best part.
Taste and Flavour
The flavour of Hotter Ghost of Saffron delivers exactly what the aroma promises—and then some. From the very first bite, you’re met with a bold wave of fire-roasted goodness: smoky carrots, tomatoes, and onions that bring a rich, slightly sweet depth to the sauce.
Layered into that is the floral elegance of saffron, which adds a subtle but unmistakable note that elevates the whole flavour profile. The garlic rounds everything out beautifully, giving the sauce a strong umami punch that ties the roasted vegetables and spices together.
But the stars of the show—the ghost peppers and Scotch bonnets—bring more than just heat. They add their own distinctive flavour: fruity, slightly floral, and intense, complementing the other ingredients rather than overpowering them. The sauce hits your taste buds with complex flavour first, filling your head with warmth and spice, before the heat kicks in just a moment later—sharp, building, and incredibly satisfying.
Heat Level
When it comes to heat, Hotter Ghost of Saffron brings the fire without overwhelming the experience. I’d rate it a solid 6 out of 10 on the heat scale—hot enough to make you sweat, but not so intense that it overshadows the complex flavours built into the sauce’s rich base. The initial burn hits fast and sharp, thanks to the ghost peppers, but it doesn’t linger too long. Just as that sharpness starts to fade, the Scotch bonnets step in with a consistent, lingering burn that keeps your tongue tingling and your mouth warm.
The heat is concentrated and clean, burning mostly on the tongue with a bit of warming intensity that settles in as you continue eating. During my taste test, it was strong enough to get my cheeks flushed and my hairline sweating after just a few bites—but it never crossed the line into painful or overwhelming. It didn’t cause a runny nose or lasting sting, just a steady, sharp and enjoyable heat. Paired with food, the heat mellows out slightly, making it even more enjoyable while still delivering that satisfying burn hot sauce lovers are after.
Conclusion: Overall Thoughts
Overall, Hotter Ghost of Saffron really impressed me. The roasted flavour profile is rich, balanced, and incredibly versatile—playing well with just about anything I threw at it. Whether it was sandwiches, salads, wings, or even pasta, this sauce found a way to elevate each dish without overpowering it. The heat level struck that perfect middle ground for me—intense and satisfying, but not so extreme that it takes away from the carefully crafted flavours underneath.
This is one of those rare hot sauces where the internet hype is absolutely justified. Between the quality of the ingredients, the sharp but manageable heat, and the overall depth of flavour, Hotter Ghost of Saffron stands out as a must-try for fans of smoky, pepper-forward sauces. If you get the chance to grab a bottle—do it. You won’t be disappointed.
Please remember that taste is subjective and everyone will experience hot sauce uniquely. These reviews contain my own thoughts and opinions. If you think you’ll enjoy a hot sauce then you should definitely try it out.
Mike P
Welcome to The Hot Sauce Guy! I’m Mike, your guide to the spicy world of hot sauces and the creator of Spicy Riffs Hot Sauce. From Canada, I share the hottest reviews, pepper-growing tips, and sauce recipes with a touch of rock and roll.
My passion? Crafting the perfect blend of heat and flavor. Whether you’re here for the fire or the flair, get ready for a journey into the world of spicy delights.
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