This is taking the bacon meme a few steps too far — like over a cliff. Seattle-based Black Rock Spirits has introduced bacon-flavored vodka.
Premium vodkas have been a big deal for a while. Absolut, Grey Goose, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and other brands have made a splash as the cocktail makes a comeback. These changes, along with changes in state liquor laws (see my post on Utah, previously), are combining to create a sort of boutique culture. Forget 30-year-0ld Scotch or expensive wine beloved of Baby Boomers — distillers are marketing to a younger demographic with kicky new flavors that combine hipness with sophistication.
I think a large part of this has to do with the success of the craft brew industry. Jim Koch’s Samuel Adams set off the craze for beer-flavored beer (as opposed to the big, bland brews from Anheuser-Busch, Miller, and Coors). First came the bocks, the stouts, the ales, the old-fashioned lagers, the IPAs, then they started with the real crazy stuff. Pumpkin beer, anyone?
The interesting thing is that the trend seems to be slightly less crass than the alco-pops of a few years ago. Whereas those concoctions were definitely aimed at the novice drinker, these spirits are aiming for an older crowd, one that is college-educated, professional, and — let’s face it — still employed.
Back to the vodka. Apparently bacon-flavored vodka is good in cocktails like a bacon-bloody Mary or a bacon-chocolate martini. I will reserve judgment except to say, rarely has it been so clearly demonstrated that I am not the target market for a product.
Bacon — it’s not just for breakfast anymore.
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perhaps they can get Kevin Bacon to promote it? Ugh. Sounds gross.
I’m not sure what sparked this bacon obsession. I’ve seen bacon bandages, bacon magnets and bacon wallets? A recipe for something called the “Bacon Explosion” has swept the Internet. I’m sure the National Pork Producers Council is pleased….although it might not fix the “swine flu” stigma.
Oh yeah, that Bacon Explosion thing is hideous.