Just made this in the crock-pot and it was delish! I added potatoes and carrots to it and everything came out great. Great recipe, I'm adding it to my list of favorites.
I think you and me are on the same wave length. I think of spicy as finding red pepper, tobasco, jalapeno, etc in the recipe.
However.... I do find your receipe intriguing and sounds like it would be very tasty!!! I never would have thought to use brown sugar or soy sauce in a roast recipe. Sounds very robust!
"spicy" is becoming synonomous with "hot". It makes sense, but the use of a lot of spices would make a strong and/or complex flavor and not be hot in the least.
It's a strong flavored roast and sauce, but it's not hot.