OWENSBORO, KY. – Kentucky Legend, a bacon and ham brand produced by Delphi, Ind.-based Indiana Packers Corp. (IPC), recently announced the launch of its new line of bourbon barrel smoked ham and bacon products that will be available to retail and foodservice customers this fall.

The company said the products build on the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship for premium flavor and smoking technique. Kentucky Legend also touts its proximity to the world’s bourbon capital. 

“Craftmanship has always been the differentiator for Kentucky Legend. That is why it is the country’s leading boneless ham brand. We’re excited to announce the addition of bourbon barrel smoked hams and bacon to our portfolio,” said Eric Sheiss, executive vice president for IPC. “We worked with partners to upcycle spent and broken bourbon barrels to develop a set of products with smoked characteristics that are different from anything you find on the shelf today.”

According to IPC, the premium hams and bacon carry a combination of flavosr from the oak barrels, the char on the inside of the barrel, and the subtle complexity of the spicy flavors from the bourbon that has soaked into the wood – sometimes over years.

“Eighty-one percent of consumers surveyed during concept testing agreed the bourbon barrels would give the products unique and delicious flavor,” said Bruce Johnson, vice president of marketing and innovation at IPC. “An overwhelming majority [91% for ham, 95% for bacon] indicated they will purchase the products multiple times per year. We’re excited to fill their appetite for a new and unique flavor profile that isn’t just for special occasions.”

The Kentucky Legend bourbon barrel smoked products will be sold in quarter sliced, half and whole hams for both retail and foodservice. The company plans to have 16 oz. bacon packages for retail that are gas-flushed and vacuum-packed for foodservice configurations.

The company stated that the product will become available Sept. 15.

Kentucky Legend is owned and operated by Specialty Foods Group LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of IPC. Other branded products include turkey, lunch meat, hot dogs, pork chops and other premium pork offerings found around the United States.