Shake Shack just announced it is releasing a new Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger and Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Chicken sandwich, featuring a sweet and savory bourbon bacon jam made with Maker’s Mark. The new menu items will be available at Shake Shack locations nationwide on Friday, May 6, but fans can order using the Shack App for exclusive early access starting today, Tuesday, May 3.

“Maker’s Mark was excited to be selected as Shake Shack’s chosen ingredient for this delicious new menu. A shared dedication to craft, flavor, and sustainability are just some of the reasons we are so thrilled that our bourbon will be used in the bourbon bacon jam, made by their in-house team with the very best (and carefully sourced) ingredients. We couldn’t think of a better way to amplify the taste profile our brand is known for, and in creating two new crave-able sandwiches, Shake Shack has worked their magic yet again.” – Josh Clark, Senior Brand Manager, Maker’s Mark

Shake Shack’s bourbon bacon jam marries the iconic Maker’s Mark Kentucky bourbon, which is aged to taste and has notes of vanilla, caramel and oak, with bacon that is smoked for six hours using real hardwood applewood, creating a sweet and savory sauce with woodsy and smoky flavors and a slight heat.

With Shake Shack’s fine dining roots and commitment to using high-quality ingredients, Maker’s Mark was an ideal partner for the new sauce and menu items.

Menu descriptions:

• Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger: White-cheddar cheeseburger, made with fresh (never frozen) 100% Angus beef, topped with bourbon bacon jam made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, crispy shallots and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun (pricing starts at $8.49)
• Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Chicken Sandwich: Crispy, whole white meat chicken breast topped with white-cheddar cheese and bourbon bacon jam made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon over pickles on a toasted potato bun (pricing starts at $8.09)

My initial final thought is “damn, I wish I lived near a Shake Shack!”  For now, I’ll just have to wait for someone to tell me how delicious the new Bourbon Cheddar Menu is.

This was as short (but tasty) bit of whiskey news.  Check out our latest video reviews on Weekly Whiskey, including Blood Oath Pact 8 and a recommendation for folks who Can’t Find Russell’s Reserve 13! 

Additionally, if you’re in the mood for some Maker’s Mark information, below is our Weekly Whiskey interview with Jane Bowie–Director of Innovation at Maker’s Mark.  We discuss her journey through the bourbon world, her contributions to the brand, and (of course) their limited edition Wood Finishing Series FAE-02.  Cheers!