Can you handle the fiery flavors of the Arby’s Diablo Dare?

A new challenge has come to the quick service restaurant space. The Arby’s Diablo Dare might have a sweet reward waiting at the end of the meal, but the flavor is not for the spice adverse. If that slow burn fills your dreams with a strong longing, this sandwich offering will have people jumping for that first taste. For others, the flavor flames might leave a mark that won’t fade from the mind.

Spice can be a hotly debated food topic. While one person might faint at the idea of a jalapeno, others happily sign up for the Paqui One Chip challenge. Although everyone’s preferences vary, the reality is that spice is more than inducing a burning sensation.

When a dish can find the right balance of flavor, the heat, whether extreme or more tame, spice is integral to flavor enjoyment. No one wants bland food. That punch of heat can make the difference.

What is the Arby’s Diablo Dare?

The recently announced limited time menu item and corresponding challenge, the Arby’s Diablo Dare brings the heat to the meats. Available with both the Arby’s smoked brisket and fried chicken, the offering features “five sources of spice: ghost pepper jack cheese, fiery hot seasoning, fire-roasted jalapenos and Diablo BBQ sauce served on a toasted red chipotle bun.”

Patrick Schwing, Chief Marketing Officer of Arby’s, admits that “This is not a sandwich for the faint of heart.” But, this is more than just extreme for extreme sake. Looking at the sandwich, it is a full spice flavor experience.

As Schwing commented, the key is offering layers of different spiciness. One bites features, “the hot, the numbing, and the lingering are combined to make the Diablo Dare a true test of how much heat you can handle.” While he believes that Arby’s sets “the new standard of spice,” guests will have to do their own taste test.

Is the Arby’s Diablo Dare really the new standard of spice?

Ahead of this announcement, I was able to taste test both the brisket and fried chicken offerings of the Arby’s Diablo Dare. With the small vanilla milkshake waiting to tame the flames (the milkshake comes free with every order), the appearance says what people will expect.

The bold color of the toasted red chipotle bun denotes that this sandwich will not blend in with the crowd. At the same time, it makes a strong statement for flavored buns. More quick service restaurants need to appreciate the use of a flavored bun.

Upon first whiff, the spiciness doesn’t seem to overwhelm. Unlike some chicken wings whose pepper sauces seem to induce a tear in the eye, these sandwiches do make you hide your eyes in fear. It makes you believe that it will be ok and that shake will be a tasty dessert.

On further examination, it is the finely chopped jalapenos that start to bring the worry. It isn’t just a coin or two. The jalapenos smoother the top. There is no hiding that ingredient under some cheese. Add to that the sauce, which luckily doesn’t overwhelm the sandwich. Overall, the fear is only a touch. Not a huge worry.

Still, that first bite promises a food adventure. There is cheese, lettuce and that tasty brisket waiting. Arby’s didn’t double dog dare on this menu offering, right?

After that first bite, the flavor delivers on the spice. Still, it is not the first burst of heat that makes an impact. It is the slow burn, the linger, the second wave that makes you do a double take. But, you cannot help but go back for more and more till the sandwich is done.

To be honest, I am not spice adverse. Still, the Arby’s Diablo Dare is extreme. If you think that you can hide from the flavor, this item is not from you. Either go all in for the experience or don’t bother.

If you are on the fence, the fried chicken seems to be a little less spicy than the brisket. It could be that the fried aspect helps to cut through a touch of the spiciness.

And, to be clear, I didn’t sip on the shake till my sandwich was gone. But, I was quite happy that it was included. A little sweetness to bring my mouth back to normal was the perfect end to this dare.

The Arby’s Diablo Dare is available from January 10, 2022 to February 6, 2022. The sandwich is priced at $5.99 and it does include a free snack shake with purchase.

Are you ready for the Arby’s Diablo Dare? Do you think that this new menu offering could spark a new quick service menu trend?