Also, the hotter the pepper, the less time it needs in the mix, FYI.

Likewise, opening it up to increase saturation via steeping. For example: habanero only needs a 3cm vertical slit or two (think: lantern) and just a few hours in the rum/vodka/etc. when making hotshots base. Going longer or adding more cuts (let alone fully-open) will all but ensure hours within a personal cornucopia of pain & suffering you have only yourself to blame for. 😭🤌🏼