Soak beans overnight; place beans in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.

Add enough cold water to cover the beans.

Cover the pan, let stand at room temperature at least 8 hours or overnight.

Drain and thoroughly rinse the beans.

In a large saucepan, combine the 6 cups water and soaked beans.

Add a 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

Bring to a boil, turn the heat off.

Par-boil for 2 to 3 minutes.

Drain beans, reserving liquid.

Set beans aside.

Preheat oven to 300

In a large bean pot, combine the cooked beans, onion, bacon, maple syrup, molasses or brown sugar, dry mustard powder, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, pepper, ground cloves and bourbon.

Cover with enough reserved bean liquid to cover.

Bake, covered, for 4 to 6 hours or until beans are soft.