KENTUCKY - It's hard to pin down just one "most talked about" thing in a state as rich in culture and passion as Kentucky. The conversation can change dramatically depending on the time of year. In March, it's all about basketball. In May, the entire world is talking about a horse race.
However, if you had to boil it down, Kentucky's identity and conversation are dominated by a "Holy Trinity" of topics: Bourbon, Horses, and Basketball.
Bourbon: The State's Signature Spirit
You can't talk about Kentucky without talking about bourbon. It's not just a drink here; it's a $9 billion industry, a source of cultural pride, and a massive tourism draw.
- Global Dominance: Kentucky produces 95% of the world's bourbon. The state's unique, limestone-filtered water and ideal climate for aging in charred oak barrels are considered essential to the spirit's character.
- The Bourbon Trail: The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has become an international pilgrimage for whiskey lovers. Distilleries, both historic (like Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve) and modern, are top-tier tourist destinations.
- A Daily Topic: People across the state talk about bourbon, whether it's the buzz around a rare Pappy Van Winkle release, a new craft distillery opening, or simply which brand is their personal favorite.
Horses: The Heartbeat of the Bluegrass
If bourbon is Kentucky's spirit, horses are its soul. The state is internationally known as the "Horse Capital of the World," and this identity is most famously on display during the first Saturday in May.
- The Kentucky Derby: The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville is, without question, the state's most famous single event. "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" brings global attention, celebrities, and a massive party atmosphere to the entire commonwealth.
- The Bluegrass Region: The area around Lexington is the heart of the industry. Its rolling, fence-lined hills are home to the world's most elite thoroughbred horse farms and the historic Keeneland race course.
- Beyond the Race: Horses are a year-round passion, from breeding and sales to racing and equestrian events. It's a foundational part of the state's economy and landscape.
College Basketball: The State's True Religion
While bourbon and horses are what the world talks about about Kentucky, college basketball is what Kentuckians themselves talk about all year long. It is a deep, fiery, and all-consuming passion that genuinely divides the state.
- A Fierce Rivalry: The state is split between two of the most storied programs in NCAA history: the University of Kentucky (UK) Wildcats and the University of Louisville (UofL) Cardinals. This rivalry is one of the most intense in all of sports, pitting friends, families, and coworkers against each other.
- Big Blue Nation: The UK fanbase, known as "Big Blue Nation," is one of the largest and most dedicated in the country. From October through (they hope) April, Wildcats basketball is the primary topic of conversation in offices, barbershops, and grocery stores.
- Year-Round Obsession: Unlike the Derby, which is a two-week phenomenon, basketball is a six-month obsession that provides a constant drumbeat of news, debate, and community identity.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, the conversation doesn't stop there. Kentuckians are also proud of:
- KFC: Colonel Sanders is a global icon and an unmistakable symbol of the state.
- Bluegrass Music: The state's official music, with its roots in Bill Monroe and the Grand Ole Opry.
- Mammoth Cave: A stunning natural wonder, the longest known cave system in the world.
So what's the most talked about thing? On Derby Day, it's horses. During March Madness, it's basketball. And on any given evening, it just might be the glass of bourbon in their hand.