It has been dubbed Australia’s hottest burger and two Mackay veterans took on the challenge.
And both had a death wish to take on what has been dubbed Australia’s spiciest burger.
Introducing the Nashville Death Wish, which is 400 times hotter than a jalapeño and 500 times hotter than tabasco sauce.
Australian Defence Force 1RAR veteran Dylan Hyatt-Jacobson faced-off against Vietnam War veteran Ken Higgins in a challenge for bragging rights over what has been dubbed as the country’s most unfinishable burger.
Hot success! Mackay veterans Dylan Hyatt-Jacobson and Ken Higgins successfully completed the Nashville Death Wish challenge, both finishing a burger said to be 500 times hotter than tabasco sauce at Burger Urge Mackay on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Picture: Heidi Petith
“I’m not really one to turn down a challenge,” Dylan said.
While Ken said it was a more “impulsive” decision.
“It’s a bit of fun and also it’s a bit of camaraderie,” he said.
They each had to sign health and safety waivers and don PPE before eating the burgers. Picture: Janessa Ekert
Both Dylan and Ken had to sign health and safety waivers and don PPE before attempting the feat, a first for each.
The tear-inducing fried chicken burger, a tribute to its namesake, is drenched with Aged Moruga Scorpion chilli, which packs two million Scoville heat units.
It is the latest in a spice challenge at Burger Urge and will be available for about four weeks.
Australian Defence Force 1RAR veteran Dylan Hyatt-Jacobson faced-off against Vietnam War veteran Ken Higgins in the Nashville Death Wish challenge. Picture: Janessa Ekert
Ken said he was “reasonably confident” going into the challenge, before learning his opposition absolutely loved spicy food.
His game plan was to “psych Dylan out”.
While Dylan said he was “equal parts excited and nervous”.
“I don’t know what to expect really,” he said.
This was the moment it was clear Mackay veteran Dylan Hyatt-Jacobson would beat fellow Mackay veteran Ken Higgins in the challenge to be the first to finish eating a Nashville Death Wish at Burger Urge Mackay on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Picture: Heidi Petith
“If it gets ahead of me I’ll try and catch up,” he said.
A crowd of supporter gathered and cheered when the burgers were brought out. Both Ken and Dylan also had a milkshake to help wash down the scorching heat.
Both started with healthy bites but as the heat began to build those bites became smaller.
Cold drinks were needed. Picture: Heidi Petith
However Dylan finished in about six minutes and Ken closer to the 10-minute mark.
“It didn’t make me cry so maybe a nine (out of 10),” Dylan said.
While Ken rated it a 8.75 spicy level.
The burger comes with jalapeños, pickles and slaw.
Burger Urge Mackay City venue manager Cassia Dos Santos
Burger Urge Mackay City venue manager Cassia Dos Santos said the sauce was made by 13 Angry Scorpions and was a mix of ages cayenne and scorpion peppers.
It only came on the market on Thursday and already 12 brave souls had stepped up to the challenge by mid Saturday.