(Submitted)

International Bacon Day on August 29 is the perfect celebration for crispy pork lovers AND maple whisky. Along those lines, there is no more natural a pairing than TAP 357 Maple Rye Whisky ($29.99/750ml./81% proof). A premium small batch Canadian whisky that marries rye whiskies, which have been cask-aged for either 3, 5 or 7 years, with pure maple syrup tapped at the first hint of spring.  The elegantly smooth spirit with a delicate sweetness is the perfect complement to the saltiness and fattiness of bacon.

Pro tip to best enjoy TAP 357 with bacon:

1. Dip your bacon into your TAP 357.
2. Take a sip of TAP 357.
3. Eat the bacon.
4. Drizzle a bit of TAP 357 into your maple syrup should pancakes or waffles be accompanying your bacon.
5. Take another sip of TAP 357.
6. Repeat.

And if you want to amp up your bacon on International Bacon Day, try this recipe.

TAP 357 Whisky Bacon

Ingredients

• 12 strips bacon
• 1 cup TAP 357 Maple Rye Whisky
• 1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pimente d’espelette

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Mix together TAP 357 with 1 cup of brown sugar and pimento d’espelette in a small saucepan over medium/high heat. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside
3. Place each strip of bacon directly on a baking sheet, allowing a bit of space between strips. Brush the bacon with the whisky reduction and then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar.
4. Place bacon in the oven and cook for 20 minutes, checking after 10 minutes. Ovens vary, so you want to make sure they don’t burn.
5. Take bacon out of the oven and allow to sit on a paper towel to cool/drain.
6. Serve and enjoy!