Heat Makers is a Republic of Heat series spotlighting Europe’s independent #hotsauce producers. In this episode, we sit down with Justin from Not That Spicy, a Berlin-based hot sauce maker building a flavour-first lineup of 10 sauces, honeys and maple infusions. We talk about: • Why extract-based sauces are “devil’s work” • Why hot sauce doesn’t need to be insanely hot • The challenge of scaling as an independent producer • Madam Jeanette peppers • Fermented vs non-fermented sauces • And what it really takes to become the “chilli king of Berlin” The Republic believes European small-batch hot sauces are building something different. Less gimmicks. Less vinegar-forward shortcuts. More flavour. Still real heat.
