What are some fun, different spices we could try in our homemade sausage? Beyond sage and fennel, guys!

I'll just mention allspice, and remark on what a great adage that is, pierino.

There is an old adage that you don't want to see laws being passed or sausage being made. Sausage covers a multitude of sins as well numerous nationalities. It sounds like you want to make a pork sausage there are plenty of things to add (or leave out); chopped apple, cumin, thyme, citrus. One of my favorite sausages is the boudin of Louisiana made with pork liver and rice. Sooo delicious. When you get into things like German wursts and so on the technique changes because you may be poaching the sausage first prior to grilling it, and it will need to be ground super smooth.

Check out the offerings from Olympic Provisions for some inspiration. The loukanika has equal parts cumin & garlic with some orange peel, and is fantastic. http://olympicprovisions.bigcartel.com/

Not crazy original, but Penzeys has a brat seasoning that is good. I used it with ground turkey to give me the same flavor without all the fat. Although without the flavorful fat they aren't 'quite' the same. : (

One of my all time favorite sausages on the grill is boerewors (Afrikaner for Farmer Sausage) . . a South African treat. Usually made from fresh game, you can easily use a mixture pork and beef. Use salt, pepper, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, sugar and vinegar to help preserve them in the hot climate of SA. Make them the day before and let sit. Unbelievable on the grill.

How about Shichimi? A seven spice combination in the Asian section.

I love the taste of za'atar. I'm not much of a meat eater, but I think it would pair well with whatever meat you choose to use.