1. Everyone In Kentucky Knows All Bourbon Is Whiskey, But Not All Whiskey Is Bourbon
Every Kentuckian knows that the whiskey made in their state is better than whiskey made anywhere else in the world.
Aged in charred oak barrels, this unique whiskey blend must contain at least 51 percent corn and be made in America.
Over time, Kentucky has become known as the bourbon capital of the world, making it no surprise that two of their most famous regional drinks list this spirit as a key component. The mint julep blends bourbon with sugar, water and mint leaves, while the “Kentucky Cocktail” pairs it with a state favorite, Ale-8-One.
2. Kentuckians Really Know How To Stretch “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports”
Every year, Kentucky puts life on hold for a bit to enjoy the derby season. While the Kentucky Derby itself only lasts for a couple minutes, the partying and festivities take off well before race day.
This event attracts everyone, from the fancy folks wearing expensive derby hats in the stands to the party animals in the infield watching tipsy fans race along the roofs of port-a-potties.
3. Folks In Kentucky Know You Don’t Mess With A Wild Turkey
Not the drink, that’s delicious.
Literally, most Kentuckians know they need to watch out for wild turkeys. The animal that Ben Franklin thought should be our national bird loves to call the Bluegrass State home. While this makes the area prime location for hunting and a great place to find Turkey jerky, these huge birds can get a little aggressive at times and have been known to injure unlucky individuals.
4. Only Kentuckians Know To Order The Hot Brown
Often scaring away the out-of-towners, “hot brown” isn’t the most descriptive name. However, every Kentuckian knows that it’s an irreplaceable staple of the state’s cuisine.
An open face sandwich, topped with turkey and bacon, along with Mornay sauce, this dish is native to Louisville’s Brown Hotel, first served in 1926. While some variations have a couple of other ingredients, like cheese, tomatoes, or mushrooms, most people find it’s best to keep it as close to its roots as possible.
5. Folks In Kentucky Understand That No Two Pots Of Burgoo Taste The Same
Burgoo, the spicy stew, is another regional dish that leaves tourists scratching their heads. Usually made with game meats, like venison and squirrel, along with a variety of vegetables and a thickener, it’s the secret blends of spices that make each bowl a little different.
Burgoo originated as a social stew, with the first pots made up of whatever ingredients feasters could find. With an endless number of varieties, head to “Burgoo Capital of the World,” Lawrenceburg, for some of the best.
6. In Kentucky, “Coke” Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Coca-Cola
In Kentucky, every carbonated soft drink is a “coke.” It’s completely normal for the waiter/patron interaction to go down like this: “What would you like to drink?” “Coke.” “What type of coke?” “I’ll take a Sprite.”
In other parts of the country, thirsty people order a soda or simply use the name of the drink that they want the first time around, but with Kentuckians that’s just not the case. The only exception comes with some of the eastern counties in the state, where a few people will order their favorite carbonated beverage with the word “pop.”
7. Every Kentuckian Takes Pride In Their Bluegrass Twang
Inspired by the mountain music of Appalachia, Bluegrass music gets its name from some of the genre’s pioneers, the Blue Grass Boys band. Driven by a fiddle and a banjo, every Kentuckian knows that nothing beats the crunch of the steel strings on a cool summer night.
Kentuckians get plenty of opportunities to slap their knee to the beat, as several festivals like the Old Joe Clark Bluegrass Festival in Renfro and the Festival of the Bluegrass in Lexington happen every year.
8. Folks In Kentucky Laugh At Your Little Yard Sales
For several days at the beginning of every summer, Route 68 becomes one of the country’s longest yard sales.
The 400 Mile Sale stretches along Route 68, one of Kentucky’s most scenic routes, as shoppers pass town after town of gently used treasures waiting to be found.
With over 400 antique shops along the trail and 100s of individual sellers, this event is every Kentucky bargain hunters dream.
9. Kentuckians Understand That The Best Chips Come In A Box
The mere thought of Grippo’s will make any Kentuckian’s mouth start to water. Fully coated in a thick dusty blend, these potato chips are truly one of a kind.
They’re oddly soft, yet somehow still crunchy, a little spicy, but with just enough sweetness. With their addictive nature, it’s no wonder they’re often sold by the box, as Kentuckians forced to leave their beautiful state won’t hesitate to ship an order halfway across the country to get their fix.
10. Folks In Kentucky Put People First
Sharing the title of “commonwealth” with only 3 other states, Kentucky is pretty special. While the term really has no legal meaning, it’s a title built on the idea that the government of Kentucky is “based on the common consent of the people,” putting its citizens needs first.
When it comes down to it, it’s just another little thing that makes Kentucky unique among the states—as if the cuisine, the addiction to college sports, and perfect whiskey didn’t do that already.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user Jason Meredith
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think is unique about Kentucky in the comments below! 
