I tried the new item that even Nabzy's staff can't handle

One of Liverpool's favourite fast food spots is advertising a saucy new arrival to the menu - so don't worry if the next time you see someone standing outside Nabzy's in the city centre, they have tears in their eyes. They won't have been stood up on a chicken shop date - they may have just braved the "Tang Reaper."

Nabzy's is a firm favourite with chicken fans and has 11 branches across the north of England. A few local celebrities, including Paddy "The Baddie" Pimblett and Molly "Meatball" McCann, can even be counted among its fans. The chicken shop has a fiercely loyal customer base, which has helped the company expand across the North West.

The legendary city centre takeaway, based on Leece Street, is famous for its hearty portions and healthy smatterings of delicious red salt. Despite its glowing reputation, I've never tried it until today. My streak of absence has finally reached its conclusion, and that's thanks to an intimidating new sauce that even the staff have difficulty handling.

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Nabzy's has unleased upon the world a fiery collaboration with fizzy drink Tango. The new 'Tang Reaper Hot Sauce' is said to make diners "spontaneously combust" due to the heat, so naturally, I couldn't wait to try it.

I didn't know much about the new sauce other than the concept collaborators. If you're familiar with my past gluttonous work, specifically tackling the Davy Jones' Locker hot wing challenge, then you'll know I'm not afraid of fire. I was excited to see where on the Scoville scale Nabzy's would land, so I made my way to the nearest shop.

You can have the Tang Reaper sauce on any menu item - doused inside a beef burger, splashed across red salted chips, or as a dip for fillets. I chose to have mine inside a fried chicken burger with lettuce and cheese. I specifically asked the serving staff to give me as much as physically possible to really experience the full force of the sauce.

Nabzys' chicken burger with Tang Reaper, red salted chips and Tango Orange
Nabzys' chicken burger with Tang Reaper, red salted chips and Tango Orange

I soon discovered even the the staff couldn't handle the heat. The lovely gentleman behind the counter took the plunge before I could to showcase just how hot the sauce can be. After pouring a drop on his freshly gloved finger, he winced at its impact before quickly washing it down. I continued to hear his pain for a few moments thereafter.

I was excited to try it myself. The portions were massive. The smell was radiant. The Tang Reaper was dripping from the sides of the burger. I took my first bite, and sadly, it was fine. It's infamous reputation failed to immediately live up to expectations, so I had another bite. And another. Then the heat started to kick in.

The Tang Reaper is a slow burner. So slow, in fact, you'll start to regret it by the third bite. By the fourth, your tongue will be on fire. You won't mind, as the fiery kick is undercut with a delicious citrus flavour that develops as the star of the show. After a few more bites, I was gasping for a drink.

Nabzy's has created a great new arrival that will appeal to flame seekers like myself and long-term fans alike. If you're willing to double up on great food with equally great heat, then try the Tang Reaper sauce the next time you visit.