Kentucky Gift Guide of Locally Made Products
Fast-footed horses aren’t the only thing to brag about in Kentucky. The Bluegrass State is one of the most fertile areas in the region and grows an impressive quantity of crops like corn and soybeans. You can also find small family farms raising organic meat, busy bees making honey and ample artisan makers crafting everything from bourbon to candies. Want to give a unique gift and support local businesses at the same time this holiday season? Look no further than our Kentucky gift guide of one-of-a-kind items crafted in-state.
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1. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
There’s no shortage of bourbon in Kentucky, but the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale from Lexington Brewing Co. is the perfect gift for beer lovers. This Irish red ale is aged for a minimum of six weeks in “freshly decanted bourbon barrels” from some of the finest distilleries in the state. Vanilla, oak and a touch of char are the top flavor notes in this increasingly popular beer.
See more: 8 Kentucky Food and Drink Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss
2. Smoked Meat from Broadbent Hams
There are several hog farms in Kentucky, which is why smoked ham could be a perfect option for your foodie friends this year. Broadbent Hams has been in production since the early 1900s, producing everything from smoked country hams to baked and pork sausage. You can’t go wrong with anything you select from their product list.
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3. Caramels from Bauer’s Candy
Melt in your mouth caramels from Bauer’s Candy would be a phenomenal present or stocking stuffer for the sweet tooth in your life this season. And this particular company is known for their famous Modjeska, which traces its history back to 1889. Originally named a caramel biscuit, they are essentially tasty treats with a homemade marshmallow center dipped into creamy homemade caramel. Who wouldn’t love to munch on that this winter?
4. Bourbon Smoked Pepper from Bourbon Barrel Foods
Kentucky is the land of bourbon, after all. So you can consider a number of liquor-related products if you want to shop local this year. And if you want to go the non-alcoholic route, consider an intriguing alternative like this bourbon smoked pepper. Quarter cracked and slow smoked in bourbon barrels, this addition to the spice cabinet will impart a world of flavor to burgers, steaks and roasted veggies.
5. Woodford Reserve Whiskey
You can’t pass up the opportunity to gift Woodford Reserve to the fine liquor and spirits connoisseurs on your shopping list. Considered by some to be the finest bourbon in the world, this long-standing establishment began in 1812 on what is now dubbed a National Historic Landmark. Your choices range from straight bourbon whiskey to twice-barrel bourbon, malt whiskey and more.
See more: Value-Added Products Boost Kentucky Agriculture
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6. Good Folks Coffee
Know someone who would rather sip on coffee than bourbon? We’ve got just the thing. Louisville-based Good Folks Coffee offers rich and decadent coffee and espresso beans. And they even provide a subscription service for those hooked on their morning cup of joe. Choose from a three-, six- or 12-month subscription and all that’s left to do is sit back and watch your loved ones beam with gratitude.
See more: What’s In Season? Kentucky Produce Calendar
7. Artisan Cheese from Boone Creek Creamery
Local Kentucky handmade artisan cheese? Yes, please. Boone Creek Creamery makes some of the finest cheese around thanks to the all-natural Kentucky milk from cattle who never receive antibiotics or hormones. They use old-world, European techniques to whip up the best-tasting cheeses you’ve ever tried. Choose from creatively-named varieties like Kentucky Derby, Mama Mia, Jerk Cheddar and Abbey Road.
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8. Bean-to-Bar Chocolate from Whelpdale
Chocolate is always a winner in our book, and Whelpdale Chocolates makes small batch, bean-to-bar chocolates using sustainable, fair-trade cacao, soy milk, raw cane sugar and other quality ingredients. In addition to some seriously stellar packaging, you can choose from flavors like raspberry white chocolate, cookies and cream, caffe mocha, and even a trio of bourbon chocolates. Every bar is produced in Louisville and guaranteed to result in a happy gift recipient.
See more: How Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Kentucky Is Elevating Agritourism
9. Weisenberger Mills Stone Ground Grits
Grits are an essential part of Southern cuisine, which is why we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to suggest this incredibly delicious product from Weisenberger Mills. These stone-ground, old-fashioned grits come from locally grown corn that produces a deep, rich and hearty flavor unlike any other. Bundle this up with a good-looking breakfast bowl and spoon set and you’re well on your way to being the gift giver of the year.