Clearly by the hot meter, this sauce is not that hot. But with that forward balsamic vinaigrette, it is more than just delicious. If you have 2 TBSP of this sauce, you will feel an ever so slight tingle, perhaps akin to eating a jalapeno pepper by itself. However, the taste factor with this sauce is high. It is so delicious. You can definitely taste the vinaigrette, maple syrup, apple cider, and cayenne. I can't taste much ghost pepper (nor feel it). Either way this sauce is one to keep on the shelf. It goes FANTASTIC with chicken, steak, taco, samosa, stir fry, rice-based dishes, and more. It's not for one seeking heat but more for one seeking flavor with a tingle. 5 stars for flavor. If I was to rate it out of 10 on my personal heat scale, perhaps a 2/10. Maybe 3/10 if I'm generous. Don't let that fool you though, it's still as delicious as any sauce can get.