Bacon washed whiskey is exactly what it sounds like – whiskey that has been infused with the flavors of bacon. This is done by taking a bottle of whiskey and adding cooked, smoked bacon to it, letting the fat and flavors infuse into the spirit. The result is a whiskey with subtle smoky, meaty, umami notes that complement the vanilla and oak flavors from the barrel aging.
How is Bacon Washed Whiskey Made?
The process of making bacon washed whiskey is relatively simple, though some distilleries have their own proprietary techniques and recipes. Here is a general overview of how most bacon washed whiskeys are made:
- Cook bacon until crispy – The bacon needs to be fully cooked and crispy to render out all of the fat and flavor compounds.
- Add bacon to whiskey – The cooked bacon is added to a bottle of bourbon, rye or another whiskey of choice.
- Infuse – The whiskey is left alone to infuse for a period of time, often anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. This allows the spirit to extract flavors from the bacon.
- Strain – Once the desired bacon flavor is achieved, the whiskey is strained through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solid particles.
- Bottle – The infused whiskey can be bottled or put back into the original whiskey bottle for serving.
The ratio of bacon to whiskey can vary, but roughly one pound of bacon per 750ml bottle is common. The bacon is sometimes cooked right in the whiskey itself too. The longer the infusion, the more prominent the bacon flavors will become.
What Types of Whiskey Work Best?
Many distilleries making bacon washed whiskey favor bourbons and ryes as the base spirit. Some examples include:
- Bourbon – The sweet vanilla and oak notes balance nicely with smoky bacon.
- Rye – The spicy, peppery rye flavors complement the salty, savory bacon.
- Tennessee Whiskey – Jack Daniel’s is sometimes used for a smooth, charcoal-mellowed base.
That said, you can make bacon washed whiskey with just about any style, including single malts, Irish whiskeys, blends, etc. The bacon will infuse into the spirit and lend its signature flavors.
Popular Bacon Washed Whiskey Brands
While you can easily make bacon washed whiskey at home, some distilleries are bottling it commercially. Here are a few notable ones:
| Brand | Whiskey Used | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bakon Vodka | Vodka | A bacon flavored vodka that uses a 7-week infusion process. |
| J&B Urban Stillhouse | Rye | A bacon washed rye made in Pittsburgh, PA. |
| Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye | Rye | They make a bacon-infused version of their Bottled in Bond rye. |
| Ole Smoky | Tennessee Whiskey | Their “Thick Cut Bacon” whiskey uses Jack Daniel’s as the base. |
Flavors and Tasting Notes
When tasting bacon washed whiskey, you’ll pick up layers of flavor contributed by both the original spirit and the bacon infusion. Common tasting notes include:
- Smoky – From the smoked pork flavors.
- Salty – The saltiness of bacon comes through.
- Umami – Savory, meaty flavors.
- Pepper – Spicy and peppery notes.
- Vanilla – Typically from the oak barrel aging.
- Caramel – Sweet caramel notes are often imparted by the charred barrel.
The finish might have lingering peppery, salty or savory notes. The maple flavors of maple-cured bacon may also be present in some bacon washed whiskeys.
How to Drink Bacon Washed Whiskey
Bacon washed whiskey can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks like typical whiskey. The flavors also lend themselves well to certain whiskey cocktails. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Neat or on the rocks – Drink it straight up to savor the bacon essence.
- Old fashioned – The bacon complements bourbon’s sweetness in this classic.
- Manhattan – Pairs well with the herbal, bitter notes of vermouth.
- Bloody Mary – Add a strip of bacon for garnish too!
- Bacon fat washed Sazerac – Use bacon fat instead of absinthe to wash the glass.
The bacon flavors also make it perfect for cooking. Use bacon washed whiskey to enhance meat sauces, baked beans, chili and more.
Where to Buy Bacon Washed Whiskey
You can find bacon washed whiskeys at some liquor stores, especially ones with extensive whiskey selections. However, they may not be widely distributed. Here are some places to help track it down:
- Check your local liquor store’s whiskey aisle – Ask if they have any bacon washed options.
- Search online whiskey retailers – Sites like Flaviar or Caskers may have some bottles.
- Buy directly from a distillery – Check the distillery’s website for availability.
- Make your own – Follow a DIY recipe to infuse whiskey at home.
Bacon washed whiskey is often produced in limited batches and may sell out quickly. Act fast if you see a bottle hit local shelves!
Is Bacon Washed Whiskey Good?
The unique flavor profile of bacon washed whiskey comes down to personal taste preferences. Here are some pros and cons:
Pros:
- Imparts a smoky, savory bacon flavor
- Adds salty, umami depth to the whiskey
- Interesting twist on traditional whiskey
- Can complement certain whiskey cocktails
Cons:
- May overpower the nuances of the original whiskey
- The bacon flavor could be overpowering for some
- Not as versatile for sipping or mixing
Bacon washed whiskey is worth trying if you enjoy both bacon flavors and whiskey. However, the unusual infusion may not suit all palates. It’s ultimately a fun, experimental spirit to taste.
Conclusion
Bacon washed whiskey brings together two quintessential American flavors – smokey bacon and bourbon whiskey. By infusing the bacon flavors directly into the spirit, you get a tasty hybrid that livens up cocktails and cooking. While not for every whiskey purist, bacon washed whiskey is an adventurous and mouthwatering experimentation for the bacon-obsessed.