Hot Sauce Review: The Last Dab by Hot Ones and Heatonist

The Last Dab by Hot Ones and Heatonist packs a punch that’s not for the faint of heart. Known for its starring role as the final challenge in the Hot Ones wing lineup, this sauce brings the heat with Pepper X and a hint of dry mustard.

I got my hands on a mini bottle from the Truth Or Dab game—a twist on truth or dare, Hot Ones style. Let’s break down how this fiery contender performs off the screen.

Introducing: The Last Dab by Hot Ones / Heatonist

Hot Ones, the show that’s made sweating celebrities a spectator sport, ramps up the heat with each wing, culminating in The Last Dab. This sauce is notorious for being the final, fiery hurdle. The bottle I’m talking about today is The Last Dab Version 1.0. It’s crafted with a fierce blend of Pepper X, dry mustard, and a dash of turmeric, which is a bit of a twist.

I’ve tackled a full bottle of this stuff before and actually enjoyed the flavor beyond the heat. This version seems to focus more on taste, not just on how to make you sweat. It’s spicy enough to command respect but balanced enough to not ruin your meal. Sadly, this one isn’t on the shelves anymore. If you’re on the hunt, be ready to shell out anywhere from $30 to $50 CAD—a price driven by its Hot Ones fame.

Manufacturer: Hot Ones / Heatonist
Made In: USA
Heat Rating: 10/10
Size: 148mL (usually)
Price Range: $30-$50CAD

Ingredients: Pepper X Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, Turmeric, Coriander, Cumin, Dry Mustard

Appearance

When it comes to looks, The Last Dab doesn’t skimp on style. Typically housed in a 150mL woozy bottle, my version is a downsized edition from the Truth Or Dab game. It sports the classic Hot Ones design, with “The Last Dab” splashed across in bold block letters that grab your attention.

The sauce itself is a striking mustard yellow, mirroring the color of the infamous Pepper X pods used in its creation. It’s a smooth blend without any chunky bits, ensuring a sleek pour, though it can be a bit stubborn due to its thickness. A quick shake before serving is a good move to avoid any bottle-neck battles.

Smell

Cracking open a bottle of The Last Dab, you’re immediately hit with a noseful of what can only be described as super spicy mustard. It’s a bold, upfront scent that leaves no doubt about the heat packed inside. Layers of mustard are woven together with hints of cumin and coriander, giving it a rich, complex aroma.

Surprisingly, the vinegar usually prominent in hot sauces takes a backseat here, overshadowed by the potent spices and the fierce Pepper X. While it might not smell like your typical appetizing condiment, it definitely signals a fiery challenge waiting to light up your taste buds.

Taste and Flavour

The Last Dab isn’t all about the heat; it actually brings some flavor to the table. Initially, there’s a sharp tang from the vinegar, which quickly gives way to the robust taste of mustard and spices.

For a moment, it feels like you’re enjoying an intensely spicy mustard. But don’t get too comfortable—the peppers soon take center stage. You’ll catch a fleeting taste of Pepper X, reminiscent of a Carolina Reaper but with its own unique kick.

However, this flavor is short-lived. As the heat escalates, it overwhelms everything else, leaving nothing but a fiery trace that wipes out any other taste.

Heat Level

The Last Dab scores a solid 10 out of 10 on the heat scale for me. This sauce doesn’t just tingle; it launches a full-on assault. Within moments of tasting, it had me sweating, my nose running, and my mouth felt like it was engulfed in flames. I even found myself hyperventilating from the intensity. After the initial fire dies down, there’s a lingering sharp pain in the stomach, echoing the infamous effects described by Pepper X creator Ed Currie.

Yet, despite its ferocity, the heat feels genuine—like it’s coming from an actual pepper, not some lab-created concentrate. It’s natural but brutally overpowering. Without a doubt, The Last Dab belongs to a league of the world’s hottest sauces that rely purely on real peppers for their punch.

Conclusion: Overall Thoughts

The Last Dab was one of my first ventures into the Last Dab series back when Hot Ones was just rolling them out. Of all the versions I’ve tried, this is the only one that manages to pack some real flavor into the mix.

The robust mustard taste actually complements the natural flavors of the pepper, making it more than just a mere torture device. But make no mistake—this sauce is still insanely hot and delivers all the fiery effects you’d expect from capsaicin.

If you’re someone who thrives on extreme heat, hunting down a bottle from any of the Last Dab series is a must. Just be prepared, because this sauce is hot as hell, and if you don’t find it so, well, you might just be a bit crazy.

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.