The thing is that there is different ways the capsaicin affects the olfactory senses. I’ve had hot that straight burns. I’ve had hot that takes it’s sweet time to ramp up to inferno, and then there’s what you’re talking about.

While I’ve never had the carolina reaper pepper, I’ve had almonds lightly seasoned with them and that was intriguing. Subtle at first, but the heat builds and before you know it you’ve had too much…my guts complain shortly afterwards. Habaneros burn hot, but fade fast. The reaper appears to build slowly, but then lasts…but i can’t speak to that until I try the actual pepper…which I am on the fence about. Probably won’t, but am tempted solely for the bragging rights, lol.

Love the endorphins, but my intestines complain. And yes, sometimes you can’t taste anything anymore cuz of the heat. It’s a balancing act unless you’re competitive/insane.