People Cross States For Bacon From This New Hampshire Smokehouse
Imagine bacon so good you’d actually drive from Texas to New Hampshire just to get another taste. Not because you’re passing through, not because it’s on the way.
But because nothing closer even comes close. Out in a quiet corner of New England, there’s a place that doesn’t really advertise itself as anything special.
No flashy signs, no over-the-top claims. Just smoke, time, and a stubborn commitment to doing things the slow way in a fast world.
And somehow, that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. This is the kind of spot where one bite makes the trip feel justified, where people start planning return drives before they’ve even finished their first order.
Because once you’ve had bacon like this, “good enough” stops being good enough anywhere else.
Over 100 Years Of Smokehouse Tradition
Some things just get better with age, and a century-old smokehouse recipe is absolutely one of them. North Country Smokehouse has been crafting smoked meats using traditional cure recipes passed down through generations.
That kind of commitment to craft is rare in a world full of shortcuts and mass production.
The process starts with hand-selected natural ingredients and a careful small-batch smoking approach. Nothing here is rushed or automated beyond recognition.
Every product reflects a deep respect for old-world technique, and you can taste that patience in every single bite.
What makes this legacy even more impressive is that the smokehouse has evolved without abandoning its roots. Modern certifications sit comfortably alongside century-old methods.
The result is a product line that feels both timeless and thoughtfully current, which is honestly a hard balance to strike in the food industry today. A hundred years of doing something this well is not a coincidence, it is a calling.
The Bacon That Put Claremont On The Map
Bold claim, but North Country Smokehouse bacon has literally been named America’s Best Bacon by both Men’s Journal and F&W magazine.
Located at 19 Syd Clarke Drive in Claremont, New Hampshire, this smokehouse ships its famous bacon to customers across the entire country who refuse to settle for anything less. That is the kind of reputation that takes decades to build.
The secret is in the smoking process. Hardwood smoke, traditional curing, and zero liquid smoke shortcuts mean the flavor develops naturally and deeply.
Some varieties are smoked over actual corn cobs, which gives the bacon a uniquely sweet and earthy smokiness that is unlike anything you will find at a regular grocery store.
Chefs who have worked in some of the country’s best kitchens praise this bacon for its thickness, viscosity, and layered umami flavor.
One well-known chef reportedly buys it when he is not making his own, which is about the highest compliment a professional cook can give. This is not just breakfast food, it is a culinary statement.
Award-Winning Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon
Winning a sofi Award in 2023 is not something that happens by accident. The Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon from North Country Smokehouse took home the gold in the New Product category, and the food world took notice.
The sofi Awards are basically the Oscars of the specialty food industry, so this is a very big deal.
Uncured means no added nitrates or nitrites, which is a huge win for people who want clean, honest food without sacrificing flavor.
The applewood smoke adds a mellow, fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the natural richness of the pork. Every strip is generously thick, which means it cooks up beautifully without falling apart in the pan.
This particular product represents everything the smokehouse stands for: quality ingredients, thoughtful process, and a final result that speaks for itself. It pairs brilliantly with eggs, stacks like a dream in a sandwich, and honestly holds its own as the star of any plate.
Award-worthy food has a way of making ordinary mornings feel like something worth celebrating.
Certified Humane And Organic Practices Worth Bragging About
Eating well and eating ethically should not be a compromise, and North Country Smokehouse proves that point beautifully.
Many of their products carry Certified Humane Raised and Handled status, USDA Organic certification, Animal Welfare Certified, and Global Animal Partnership approval. That is a lot of letters behind a package of bacon, and every single one matters.
The pork is sourced from farm partners in Ontario and Quebec who are committed to humane livestock practices.
No antibiotics, no added growth hormones, no fillers, no dyes, and no liquid smoke shortcuts. What you get instead is pure, clean pork that has been treated well from start to finish.
Men’s Health recognized the Organic Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon as Best in Breakfast Category in their 2024 Food Awards, which makes perfect sense.
When the ingredients are this clean and the process this transparent, the flavor follows naturally.
Knowing exactly what is in your food and how it was raised is a luxury that North Country makes surprisingly accessible. Clean eating never tasted this indulgent.
Good Food Award-Winning Sugar-Free Organic Bacon
Not everyone wants added sugar in their bacon, and North Country Smokehouse heard that loud and clear. Their sugar-free organic bacon earned a Good Food Award in 2022, which recognizes products that are both delicious and responsibly made.
That combination is harder to achieve than it sounds.
The Good Food Awards are notoriously selective, celebrating food that tastes exceptional while also reflecting strong values around sourcing and production. Winning one is a signal that this product genuinely stands apart from the crowd.
The sugar-free profile means the natural pork flavor and smoke take center stage without any sweetness competing for attention.
For people managing their sugar intake or simply preferring a more savory, straightforward bacon experience, this product is a revelation. It cooks up with a clean, satisfying sizzle and delivers a deep, smoky flavor that feels both classic and refined.
The fact that it is also organic means you are getting all of that bold taste without any of the ingredients you would rather avoid. Bacon this honest deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.
The State-Of-The-Art 65,000-Square-Foot Facility
In October 2018, North Country Smokehouse opened a brand new 65,000-square-foot facility in Claremont, New Hampshire, and the upgrade was a serious statement of intent. This is not a small operation trying to keep up with demand.
This is a smokehouse that invested heavily in its future while staying deeply rooted in its traditions.
The new facility allows for expanded production without cutting corners on quality. Small-batch techniques are preserved even at a larger scale, which is a genuinely impressive feat of production design.
The commitment to craftsmanship did not shrink just because the building got bigger.
Having a modern, purpose-built space also supports the smokehouse’s rigorous quality and safety standards.
Certified Humane and organic operations require precise handling and processing environments, and this facility delivers exactly that.
It also positions North Country to continue growing its national distribution footprint, which means more people across the country can access truly exceptional smoked meats.
Growth that does not compromise quality is something worth celebrating, and this facility is proof it can be done right.
A Sausage Lineup
The bacon gets most of the headlines, but the sausage lineup at North Country Smokehouse is quietly building its own devoted following.
From fennel-forward varieties to kielbasa-style links and bratwurst, every product in the sausage range carries the same commitment to quality that defines the entire brand. Once you try them, the national brands start looking very uninspiring.
What sets these sausages apart is the absence of junk fillers, artificial flavors, and unnecessary preservatives.
The ingredient lists are refreshingly short and honest. The flavor, meanwhile, is anything but simple, with each variety offering a distinct character that pairs well with everything from pasta to grilled vegetables to a simple brioche bun.
Fans have discovered these sausages at retailers like Whole Foods and Wegmans, and the reaction is consistently enthusiastic. The bratwurst in particular has earned serious praise for its clean snap and deeply savory flavor.
Whether you slice them into a pasta dish or throw them on a weekend grill, North Country sausages have a way of turning an ordinary meal into something people ask about. The smokehouse magic extends well beyond breakfast.
Peameal Bacon That Canadians Are Jealous Of
Peameal bacon is a Canadian classic, and North Country Smokehouse has somehow managed to perfect it right here in New England.
Rolled in cornmeal and cured with care, their peameal bacon has developed a cult following among people who grew up with the real thing and others who are discovering it for the very first time.
The texture is lean and tender, with a slightly crispy exterior when pan-fried that makes every bite satisfying in a completely different way from traditional streaky bacon.
It is a versatile cut that works beautifully in breakfast sandwiches, alongside eggs, or even as a standalone protein on a weeknight plate. The cornmeal crust adds a subtle sweetness and crunch that is genuinely addictive.
People have ordered it repeatedly, including customers who could not travel to Canada and found this to be a worthy and even superior substitute.
The smokehouse takes this product seriously, and the result is a peameal bacon that stands confidently on its own merits. If you have never tried peameal bacon before, this is absolutely the place to start your journey.
Where To Find North Country Smokehouse Products Near You
The good news is that you do not always need to make the drive to Claremont to get your hands on these products.
North Country Smokehouse has built an impressive national distribution network that puts their smoked meats within reach of food lovers across the country.
Major retailers like Whole Foods, Wegmans, Target, and Stop and Shop carry their products in select locations.
For those who prefer to shop from home, the smokehouse also offers online ordering through their website at ncsmokehouse.com.
Products arrive properly packaged and chilled, ready to go straight into your fridge or freezer. It is the kind of convenience that makes award-winning bacon a regular part of your weekly routine rather than a special occasion treat.
If you ever do find yourself near Claremont, the facility is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, and a visit is absolutely worth your time. There is something genuinely exciting about getting products directly from the source.
Whether you discover them at a local retailer or order online, one thing is certain: once North Country Smokehouse bacon becomes part of your kitchen, you will wonder how you ever settled for anything else. Are you ready to upgrade your breakfast game for good?