Double Down UK Review: By The Fans, For The Fans

Finally. First announced back in 2010 as a US-exclusive, the Double Down has become a thing of legend among true chicken fans across most of the globe. If you don't already know what it is, well, you're probably reading the wrong blog.

KFB's frustration at the Double Down (DD) not making an appearance on UK shores was at one point so intense that we opted to recreate our own version rather than wait on its UK appearance (and thank goodness we didn't given how long it's been since it hit the US!). We've also been lucky enough to sample the DD (complete with hash brown!) in Australia and of course in the States.

Well, October 9th 2017 shall henceforth be known as Double Down Day (DDD) here at KFB HQ. And to honour it's less than speedy introduction, we assembled a crack team of chicken connoisseurs to share their thoughts:

First up, Stevie G:
"It was really good, like an Uncharted game: it looked great, tasted and played great but got a bit repetitive. I'd say the main drawback is that it wasn't easy to eat and was quite messy. I'd get another but if it was on menu all the time I would get a WZTM (Wicked Zinger Tower Meal).

Be warned though, chicken fans:
"The queue was massive - about 30 metres outside the Liverpool Street Branch and that's before midday."

Next to sample the Colonel's delights was Digital Aitken:

"Overall it’s impressive, albeit mine was poorly constructed (cheese not melted thoroughly and the chicken could have been crispier). My honeymoon double down in the States was better but I’m putting that down to the under-trained staff.

Didn’t need hot wings but a gravy dip would have been a great compliment to the DD. Guess I’ll have to go back in for more"

Aitken also had qualms about the messiness and overall consumption difficulty though:
"I actually removed the DD altogether from said packaging and discarded it. Then realised the hard way how hot fried chicken is"

And finally, Wellbad got his chops around two tender breast pieces:
"Mine was good, although the cheese wasn't melted enough either. But I went for the bacon which was a nice addition. I like the packaging too, would be such a mess were it in a standard wrapper."

So there we have it, positive thoughts all around for the most part with some practice required in order to overcome mess hurdles from the fans and cheese-meltiness from the assemblers.

What do you think, folks? Was it worth the wait?

*UPDATE* Padman has now sampled the DD and came across an alarming construction issue, further reinforcing our aforementioned concerns. See if you can spot what it was:

Yes that's right, the bacon and cheese were placed above one of the chicken fillets. You'd think such a glaring error would be obvious but apparently not. Padman didn't let this slip-up detract from his overall enjoyment though:

"The whole experience was glorious. I did open the packet the wrong way which was my own fault. Chicken was moist and perfectly cooked and the bacon does help the whole experience. If acceptable, I would have one every day till it goes off the menu. Hats off to Shepherds Bush KFC".

KFB in Australia: Zinger Mozzarella Review

Long term readers will know that the Zinger burger family of products has a very special place in the hearts of all of us here at KFB HQ. Over the many years of innovations though, none have truly managed to best the OG itself: the Zinger Tower. Still, we're always more than willing to give every new offering a 'red hot go' as they say down under. 

The Zinger Mozzarella burger, as the name suggests, adds a layer of gooey mozzarella to the mix. And this layer just so happens to be breaded and deep fried, much like all the greatest things in life.

First impressions were good with solid construction and an ample but not overbearing amount of sauce. Speaking of which, the Zinger Mozzarella features a new, tangy tomato sauce that ends up being a fairly dominant flavour with plenty of punch but only a little spice. Oh and the rasher of bacon? Always welcome.

The Mozzarella itself added a creamy richness not usually found in the Colonel's offerings and though it didn't quite stretch out in a gooey string of cheese as the TV ad promised, it was a welcome addition indeed. 

Overall, the Zinger Mozzarella burger is a tasty, albeit temporary addition to the Zinger range here in Oz. Don't worry though, Zinger Tower, your crown remains intact.

Taste: 7
Value: 8

Innovation: 7

Overall: 7

KFB in Australia: Tobasco marinated chicken mini review

G'day once again from down under, chicken fans. You may have noticed a distinct lack of updates recently for which we apologise. It's fair to say that there's been a lack of exciting Colonel related news to cover...until now.

Ask yourself two important questions:

Do you like fried chicken? (If not we strongly suggest seeking out an alternative blog)

Do you like spicy things? (What's up, Zinger fans?)

Assumning the answers to both of these questions is yes, you're in for a treat with KFC Australia's latest limited time offering - Tobasco chicken. We reckon they've marinated the meat in a Tobasco-infused sauce ahead of breading. The Tobasco taste hits you straight away - initially sweet and sour then with only a slight kick: chilli-heads aren't going to get much of a fix here.  

We had a piece of the special edition chicken in a Zinger Burger Box Meal and it made for a great accompaniment to the burger itself. But you know what would have made an even better acccompaniment? A hash brown, that's what. Seriously, sort it out Australia and put Towers on the menu permanently.

Recommended.

P.S. Bonus points for the itsy bitsy Tobasco sauce you get with the meal seen bottom left in the pic above