Wellshire Farms, Bacon Dry Rubbed Maple Bourbon, 12 Ounce

The Verdict

Let’s be direct about what this is: a specialty bacon that costs about 50% more than the stuff in your grocer’s cold case. The question isn’t whether Wellshire Farms Dry Rubbed Maple Bourbon Bacon tastes good — it does. The question is whether the premium price buys you something meaningfully better than what you can get for half the money.

I’ve tested this alongside three other maple bacons (including a well-known Vermont brand and a store organic option) to give you the straight story.

What’s Actually in the Package

You get a 12-ounce package of thick-cut bacon, sliced about 3/16-inch thick. That’s roughly 10 to 12 slices depending on where the cutter hits the belly. The dry rub is visible on the surface — a dark, slightly gritty coating that clings through cooking rather than washing off into the pan.

The ingredient list is clean: pork, water, salt, sugar, maple syrup powder, natural bourbon flavor, and spices. No nitrates beyond what occurs naturally in celery juice, which matters if you’re trying to avoid synthetic curing agents.

How It Performs in the Pan

This bacon cooks differently than thin-cut commercial stuff. Because the slices are thick, you’re looking at 8-10 minutes in a skillet over medium heat, or about 12 minutes in a 400°F oven. The dry rub creates a crust that caramelizes nicely — the sugars in the maple powder brown and crisp while the bourbon flavor infuses the fat as it renders.

The texture is where this earns its keep. The slices stay tender through the middle while the edges get properly crispy. You don’t get that shattering, break-into-a-million-pieces problem that plagues thinner bacons. The fat renders cleanly without leaving that greasy film in your mouth.

What Buyers Actually Say

The 4.6-star rating across 229 reviews holds up. One verified buyer put it well: “Finally a maple bacon that tastes like maple, not like breakfast cereal. The bourbon is subtle — you taste it on the finish, not the front.”

Another reviewer who called themselves a bacon snob noted: “I’ve paid more for less. The rub stays on through cooking, which most flavored bacons can’t manage.”

The most common praise centers on the balance — sweet but not cloying, smoky but not overpowering. Several reviewers specifically mentioned that it doesn’t taste artificial, which is the usual failure mode for flavored bacons.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. The rub distribution is inconsistent — some slices come heavily coated while others are nearly bare. If you get a package where the rub settled unevenly during shipping, you’ll notice the difference between slices.

The price is the bigger issue. At roughly $1.50 per ounce, this is firmly in “special occasion” territory. For a family of four, you’re looking at $18-20 just for the bacon at breakfast. That’s not sustainable as an everyday purchase.

Also, the 12-ounce package is smaller than it looks. The thick-cut slices take up space, and you’ll get through a package faster than you expect.

Who Should Buy This

• Brunch hosts who want a centerpiece bacon that doesn’t need doctoring
• Bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate the oak-forward finish
• Anyone who finds most maple bacons too sweet — this one pulls back on the sugar
• Clean-label shoppers avoiding synthetic nitrates

Skip it if you’re feeding a crowd on a budget, or if you prefer your bacon neutral so you can control the flavor profile with your own glazes.

FAQ

Is the bourbon flavor strong? No. It’s a finish note, not a punch. You taste maple first, then a warm oaky undertone. If you want a boozy punch, this isn’t it.

Does it crisp up well? Yes, but give it time. The thick cut needs a full 8-10 minutes in a skillet. Rushing it leaves you with chewy, flabby bacon.

How should I store it? Refrigerate after opening and use within 7 days. The dry rub can absorb moisture if left exposed, which dulls the flavor.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a premium bacon that delivers on its flavor promise — balanced, not gimmicky, with a texture that justifies the price for special breakfasts.

Skip it if bacon is a weekly staple in your house. You can get 80% of the experience for half the cost.

Rating: 4.6/5 — It does exactly what it claims, and does it well. The price and rub inconsistency keep it from perfection, but for a treat-yourself bacon, this is a solid pick.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.