Long gone are the days when the only choice of sausage was pork or beef. Now you can get an array of fillings, created by butchers up and down the country.
Here are some of the tastiest, and most interesting, bangers on the market.
1) Bennachie Bangers from Kemnay
One of the classic flavours that is often paired with pork is honey and mustard. But few have thought to put it into a banger, which is what this Aberdeenshire butcher has done.
The Bennachie Banger is speciality sausage made by AG Collie using locally-reared pigs from Chapel of Garioch, located near the stunning mountain range which provided the inspiration for the sausage’s name.
Made from high quality pork mixed with honey and wholegrain mustard, this unique banger is a true winter warmer and great paired with mashed potato.
http://aandgcolliebutchers.co.uk/
2) Sweet chilli and Irn Bru sausages from Kemnay
Another sizzler from Kemnay, this time courtesy of Lingard Family Butcher.
This mix of flavours may sound strange, but the Irn Bru and the sweet chilli works well together. The whole combination works to create a sweet and slightly hot sausage.
The butchers at Lingard use the finest pork shoulder, sugar-free Irn Bru and sweet chilli to make one of the most unususal sausages on the list. Definitely worth a try, especially for those on the hunt for new tastes.
https://www.facebook.com/RoyLingard66/
3) Hog roast sausage from Peterhead
No stranger to creating new and unusual flavours and ideas, Ewan Morrice Quality Butchers in Peterhead have once again hit on a winner.
One of the top-selling sausages, the Hog Roast takes all the best flavours of a hog roast – pork, red onion, sage and apple – and combines them into one single sausage.
No matter how they are cooked they are yummy, but for that true hog roast feel, there’s no better way than by putting them on a barbecue and letting the heat from the coals cook them through.
https://www.facebook.com/Ewan-Morrice-Quality-Butcher-192889684222167/
4) Hobo sausages from Portlethen
Whether feeding a king or a humble hobo, these sausages from McIntosh Donald are sure to hit the spot.
And with a taste similar to haggis, the Hobo sausages are not just sizzling, but spicy too.
The Hobo is made from lambs’ hearts and kidneys, beef, chicken and fresh onions. The sausages are then given an extra kick, thanks to the black pepper and onion seasoning.
Perfect with some mashed potatoes, the Hobo sausages put a new spin on an old classic.
5) Merguez from Aberdeen
Herd’s Butchers have created their own version of a North African classic in this special sausage.
Made with local lamb, sourced from their own Aberdeenshire farm, the banger features a special blend of spices including chilli, paprika and cumin which gives it a mild spice and warmth.
Merguez is popular in the Middle East and Europe and is good in tagines as well as grilled and eaten in a sandwich or with some chunky chips.
http://www.herdbutchers.co.uk/
6) Haggis, neeps and tatties from Inverbervie
“Great chieftain o the puddin’ race”.
In true Bannerman Butchers tradition, fourth-generation butcher Chris has created a unique flavour sensation with this Burns Night in a banger.
A mixture of steak, Bannerman haggis and local tatties and neeps – as well as a “little secret” they won’t reveal – this sausage is a meal in itself.
A great way to introduce a visitor to Scotland’s national dish, or for a haggis lover in general.
http://www.bannermanbutcher.com/
7) Banana and Madras sausages from Kippen
The Extraordinary Sausage Company
Just one of the many unusual and very tasty offerings from Kippen-based family butchers the Extraordinary Sausage Company. It is a curry-themed sausage that brings a bit of heat to any meal or sandwich.
They use locally sourced meat products and the finest ingredients – including QMS accredited pork, natural flavourings and fresh fruit and veg – to create a selection of delicious bangers, including the Indian-inspired banana and Madras.
Each one is lip-smackingly delicious and bursting with amazing flavours. The range of sausages can be viewed online and purchased from the woodhouse in Kippen or through mail order.