Well it was a gorgeous weekend up in Allegheny county Maryland. I was introduced to my first live Bluegrass festival at Delfest. My buds, both with North Carolina and Kentucky roots respectively helped to gently educate this Jersey boy on the finer points of “classic” styles and the more jazz-like variations. Listening to the banjo and, even more impressively, some of the Mandolin players was eye opening.

Perhaps the most memorable part of the event was watching Bela Fleck and Chris Thile play through an engrossing 90-minute set. I love music, but rarely have the time to really listen and just focus on the moment. Stunning. (While not from this festival, it should give you a good flavor of the set)

What could possibly pair with this type of camping weekend and outdoor music, you may ask? The pig… and duck bacon. As I work through different cocktails and various seasons, my interest in rye various and swings through styles but I always find myself coming back to my favorite Whistle Pig 10. Perhaps more than anything is the rich flavor, beautifully balanced with a smooth finish. There’s no rough edges or cloyingly sweet aftertaste… just spice, vanilla, and deliciousness. It’s a 100% rye and will set you back around $75, but unlike some of the whiskies out there – it’s worth the price.

And what does one eat after a day of sipping and listening? Duck bacon of course! If you don’t do pig (the meaty kind) then I can’t recommend duck bacon strongly enough. We’ve smoked it, cooked it on the outdoor stove, infused it into bourbon, and woven it for duck fatties. It is the most flavorful non-pork bacon, period. The fattiness adds the right mouthfeel and makes it a solid sub for pork bacon. While we have used D’Artagnan I imagine there are other good brands as well. Give it a try!

There ya go! Now I suggest you cook up some bacon, grab your pig, and listen to some crazy Bela / Thile with your friends on this stunning Memorial Day.