What is a Kentucky hug?

A Kentucky hug is a term that refers to the warm sensation you get in your upper body when drinking a glass of bourbon or whiskey. People who are newer to bourbon typically hate this feeling while people who have been in the world for a bit, grow to love it. Bourbons that have more of a "hug" typically are your higher-proof bourbons. I find the sweet spot being 110 proof, where the front of the taste is smooth, but the back end gives you enough bite to enhance the flavor.

If you like this "hug" sensation, I always recommend getting cask-strength or barrel-proof bourbons. A great one to try is Bookers. Bookers proudly state that they are "Bourbon drinkers Bourbon," and I think they achieve this goal. Their taste is powerful, the hug is very warm, and the history behind the distillery is super interesting!

If you are getting into bourbon, I recommend Makers Mark, as it is a bourbon that has enough of a hug to let you know it's there but isn't a main "feature" of the pour. This is a great pour to let you know which side of the aisle you would like to explore more, at least for now. (By the way, there is no right or wrong side of the aisle here. I always see people's tastes change with time anyway, no matter what their preferences are in the beginning)

Do you like a bourbon with a strong hug? Let me know by rating it on the world's best bourbon rating app, NEAT: Whiskey Finder!!