Allan Benton makes country hams and bacon, but it would be a disservice to compare his smoked pork to any other product. Standing in the doorway inviting me in is Allan Benton. I’ve just showed up with the intention to buy a shitload of bacon and ham, but found myself getting a tour by Allan himself. Here is a man who has figured it all out, the Jiro Ono of the pork world. Cooking with his bacon will forever alter your sense of smell and perception of what bacon should be.
Walking me through the process, I saw a master at work. If brewers whisper to barrels, this man whispers to hickory and cured meats. More similar to those overseas than his counterparts in the US, aging never looked so good.
Thank you Allan.