Ol Major Bacon Bourbon Whiskey 750ML is a 35% ABV (70 proof) flavored bourbon that infuses real, USDA-approved bacon into bourbon through a proprietary pressure-infusion process. Marketed as the world's first and original bottled bacon bourbon, it launched in April 2016 and earned praise from Drinkhacker as "hands down the best bacon-flavored spirit I've encountered to date."Quick Facts: ABV: 35% (70 Proof) | Origin: United States | Flavored Bourbon Whiskey | Producer: Branded Spirits USA LtdProduction & HeritageBranded Spirits USA Ltd developed a proprietary process combining pressure infusion and step filtration to create Ol Major. Real bacon is infused into what the producer describes as a gold-medal-winning bourbon base, and the fat is then stripped out through filtration, leaving behind only the savory bacon essence. The result is a spirit that retains recognizable bourbon character while carrying an unmistakable bacon signature — a technique that was novel enough to position the brand as the originator of the bacon bourbon category when it debuted in 2016.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with a bouquet of crisp bacon and honey. As it evolves in the glass, the meaty, slightly salty bacon essence grows more pronounced, layered over a subtle sweetness from the bourbon base.Taste: On the palate, a maple syrup character emerges prominently, balanced by savory bacon notes that build through the mid-palate. The interplay of sweet and savory is the defining trait here — hints of sea salt and rendered bacon give way to brown sugar and warm maple bourbon tones.Finish: The finish lingers with a slightly smoky quality that recalls actual cooked bacon. It fades gently, leaving a savory-sweet impression rather than a harsh or overly artificial tail.How to Drink Ol MajorAt 70 proof, Ol Major works best as a cocktail ingredient or a chilled shot rather than a traditional sipping whiskey. Its lower ABV and pronounced flavor profile make it immediately versatile behind the bar. Bacon Old Fashioned: The savory-sweet profile stands up to bitters and a sugar cube, adding a smoky, meaty twist to the classic template. Bacon Bloody Mary: Used in place of vodka, Ol Major reinforces the cocktail's savory backbone with complementary salt and smoke. Maple Bacon Sour: Shaken with fresh lemon juice and maple syrup, the bourbon's inherent sweetness and bacon character create a balanced, brunch-worthy sour. Best For Gifting a whiskey collector who already has the staples and wants something unexpected Brunch cocktail bars seeking a savory anchor spirit Tailgate parties and game-day gatherings where bold flavors match the energy Bacon enthusiasts exploring how their favorite ingredient translates into spirits Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Ol Major taste like? Ol Major delivers a savory-sweet profile dominated by maple syrup, sea salt, and rendered bacon notes, finishing with gentle smoke. It reads more like a flavored spirit than a traditional bourbon, leaning heavily into its bacon identity.How does Ol Major compare to other flavored whiskeys? Unlike fruit- or candy-flavored whiskeys that skew purely sweet, Ol Major occupies a distinctly savory lane with its real bacon infusion. Its 35% ABV is lower than most standard bourbons (typically 40–50% ABV), placing it closer in strength to many flavored whiskey expressions like Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey.Is Ol Major good for cocktails? Ol Major is arguably at its best in cocktails, where its bold bacon and maple character can be balanced with citrus, bitters, or tomato-based mixers. The 70-proof strength integrates smoothly without overpowering other ingredients.Where is Ol Major made? Ol Major is produced in the United States by Branded Spirits USA Ltd. The brand has not disclosed a specific distillery location for the bourbon base or the infusion facility.What foods pair well with Ol Major? Buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup amplify its sweetness; sharp cheddar cheese contrasts its smoky salt; dark chocolate with sea salt echoes its savory-sweet duality; smoked barbecue ribs create a natural smoky harmony; and candied pecans complement its brown-sugar undertones.What sizes does Ol Major come in? Ol Major Bacon Bourbon Whiskey is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is Ol Major worth the price? Ol Major positions as a novelty-to-mid-range flavored whiskey, priced in line with other specialty-infused spirits. Its value hinges on whether you are seeking a unique bacon experience rather than a conventional sipping bourbon — for that specific purpose, it delivers more authentically than most competitors in the novelty spirits space.Why Ol Major?Ol Major holds the distinction of being the first commercially bottled bacon bourbon, a claim no other expression in the category can match. Its proprietary pressure-infusion and step-filtration process uses real bacon rather than artificial flavoring, which accounts for the more natural savory quality that Drinkhacker singled out as the best in its class. At 70 proof, it is built for mixing and creative cocktail work rather than neat contemplation, giving it a clear role that differs from standard bourbon. For anyone serious about savory spirits or looking to build a genuinely distinctive home bar, it fills a niche that remains remarkably uncrowded.
