You Might Be Surprised at How Many Brand-Name Products Come from Kentucky

There was a great movie released in 1983 called WarGames, about a subpar high school student with a brain for computers who, through his "online" search for a video game to play, very nearly starts World War III. Brilliant stuff. And although we weren't "online" 42 years ago, I can't think of another way to describe what he was doing. The film was also ahead of its time.

Products Made in Kentucky - Louisville Slugger

In one scene, a general played by Barry Corbin pulls a pinch of tobacco out of a Red Man pouch. Well, Red Man, manufactured by Pinkerton Tobacco, is an Owensboro product now manufactured by Swedish Match.

As a teen, it was cool to see that representation on screen. Today, it still is. But there are many products used worldwide made in Kentucky. The Louisville Slugger is a great example.

Read More: Cream Candy Is a Jewel in the Kentucky Cuisine Crown

Products Made in Kentucky - Ale-8-One and Mentos

Somewhere along the way, Ale-8-One suddenly became more available. Yes, I know the beloved Kentucky-manufactured soda has been a Bluegrass staple for decades. But, until recently, I wasn't seeing in every store I visited that might carry it. But now I do. And I got to thinking about that Mentos trick where you drop a few of them into a big bottle of soda and you create Old Faithful, Junior. If you used Ale-8-One, the entire stunt would be all Kentucky. Yes, Mentos are also manufactured in the Commonwealth.

But what about the rest? (And the "rest" is quite noteworthy). Let's take a look.