Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set oven safe cooking rack inside. Arrange bacon in single layer on baking sheet.
Top bacon with two tablespoons bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Cook in preheated 400 degree F oven per package instructions for 13 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook low and slow in preheated 300 degree F oven for 50-60 minutes.
Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop candied bacon. Set aside.
To make the brittle:
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, butter and corn syrup and bring to a boil. Cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramel is light brown and reaches 300° F on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. Note that around 250° F the mixture will start to thicken.
Remove from the heat and carefully stir in the remaining tablespoon of bourbon, plus the vanilla and baking soda. Stir in the nuts, then immediately scrape the brittle onto lined baking sheet. Spread the brittle into a thin, even layer. Work fast - it will set quickly. Sprinkle with chopped candied bacon.
After the brittle cools for at least 30 minutes, you can break it into large chunks.