For the first time in years, Oscar Mayer is expanding its bacon portfolio — and the new flavor is already generating major buzz. The brand has officially unveiled Maple Bourbon Bacon, a thick‑cut, sweet‑smoky variety cured with Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon. According to Allrecipes and Taste of Home, this is Oscar Mayer’s most ambitious bacon innovation in recent memory, blending classic breakfast flavors with a whiskey‑inspired twist that feels tailor‑made for 2026’s flavor trends.
A Collaboration With Evan Williams Bourbon
The standout detail? Oscar Mayer partnered with Evan Williams, one of America’s best‑selling bourbons, to infuse the bacon with real whiskey flavor. The curing process incorporates:
- Evan Williams bourbon
- maple syrup
- brown sugar
- smoked spices
The result is a bacon that’s sweet, smoky, and subtly boozy — without tasting overpoweringly alcoholic. Whiskey outlets like Fred Minnick and InsideHook note that the collaboration is surprisingly authentic, with the bourbon adding depth rather than gimmick.
What Maple Bourbon Bacon Tastes Like
Early tasters describe the new bacon as: rich and caramelized, slightly sweet with a warm bourbon finish, smoky but not overly salty and perfect for crisping in a skillet or oven. Sporked’s review highlights the bacon’s “maple‑forward aroma” and “buttery, smoky edges,” calling it one of Oscar Mayer’s best flavor launches in years.
Why Oscar Mayer Chose This Flavor Now
Oscar Mayer hasn’t released a new bacon variety in a long time, but the timing makes sense. Food trends for 2026 show strong consumer interest in: bourbon‑inspired flavors, sweet‑savory mashups and premium, craft‑leaning meats. Southern Living reports that the brand wanted to create a bacon that feels “weekend‑special” but still accessible for everyday breakfasts. The bourbon‑maple combo hits that sweet spot — familiar, but elevated.
How to Use the New Bacon
Oscar Mayer suggests using Maple Bourbon Bacon in both classic and creative ways, including:
- breakfast sandwiches
- BLTs
- maple‑bacon Brussels sprouts
- bourbon‑bacon cheeseburgers
- candied bacon appetizers
- brunch boards
Because the bacon caramelizes easily, it’s especially good for oven‑baking or air‑frying.
Where to Find It
Maple Bourbon Bacon is rolling out now to major retailers nationwide, including:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Target
- Albertsons
- Regional grocery chains
It’s sold in thick‑cut slices and packaged with a bold black‑and‑gold bourbon‑themed label that stands out from Oscar Mayer’s classic yellow branding.
Fans Are Already Calling It a Hit
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with shoppers praising the flavor as: “the best bacon Oscar Mayer has ever made”, “perfect for brunch”, “sweet, smoky, and addictive”. Whiskey fans are especially excited about the Evan Williams partnership, calling it a “dream crossover.”
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