Prepare two large baking sheets by covering them in wax paper.

In a large dutch oven or heavy bottom pan, combine the sugar, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt. Place a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan (if you have one). Cook for 5 minutes over moderately high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The mixture should get frothy. Add in pecans, turn heat to medium low, and continue to cook, stirring and scraping the sides of the pan. Stir until the mixture reaches 238 degrees or until a small drop of the mixture forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water. It should take 30-45 minutes to reach this temperature. Stir, stir, stir.

Once temperature has been reached, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and bourbon then spoon out onto prepared baking sheet. Work quickly as you drop the candy mixture by the tablespoon onto wax paper (the pralines harden and crystalize quickly!). Let cool and harden, then store in a tightly covered tin can or tupperware.