5 Kentucky-Made Products with Unique Connections to Water

Kentucky is known for its rich natural resources, including its abundant and high-quality water sources. These resources play a pivotal role in the production of various local products that are enjoyed nationwide. Here’s a look at five Kentucky-made products that have unique connections to water.

Ragu pasta

Ragu Pasta Sauce

  • Manufacturer: Mizkan America
  • Location: Owensboro, Kentucky
  • Connection to Water: Ragu pasta sauce, a staple in kitchens across America, owes its rich flavor and consistency to the high-quality water used in its manufacturing process in Owensboro. This water is essential for ensuring the sauce’s smooth texture and vibrant taste.

New Riff bourbonNew Riff Bourbon

  • Manufacturer: New Riff Distillery
  • Location: Campbell County, Kentucky
  • Connection to Water: Water plays a crucial role in bourbon production, and New Riff Bourbon is no exception. The distillery uses Kentucky’s limestone-filtered water, which is rich in minerals, to craft its high-rye and bottled-in-bond expressions, giving the bourbon its distinctive flavor profile.

AirheadsAirheads

  • Manufacturer: Perfetti Van Melle
  • Location: Kenton County, Kentucky
  • Connection to Water: The production of Airheads, known for their chewy texture and bold flavors, relies on precise water usage during the candy-making process. This ensures the perfect consistency and taste that fans have come to love.

Begelow assorted tea bagsBigelow Tea Bags

  • Manufacturer: Bigelow Tea
  • Location: Louisville, Kentucky
  • Connection to Water: Water is used to steam the tea leaves before they’re packed into bags, preserving their freshness and flavor. This process ensures that each cup brewed from a Bigelow tea bag delivers the high-quality taste that has made the brand a household favorite. Bigelow recently announced a major expansion at their production facility in Jefferson County that will allow them to double their production from one million to two million tea bags annually!

Jif peanut butterJif Peanut Butter

  • Manufacturer: The J.M. Smucker Company
  • Location: Lexington, Kentucky
  • Connection to Water: Before Jif Peanut Butter is made, water is used to clean the peanuts of dirt and debris. Steam is then employed to remove the peanuts from their shells, ensuring the quality and cleanliness of the final product. This crucial step helps maintain the brand’s reputation for smooth, delicious peanut butter.

From bourbon to peanut butter, Kentucky’s high-quality water is an essential ingredient in creating these beloved products. Whether it’s enhancing the flavor, texture, or quality, water is a crucial element that helps these Kentucky-made goods stand out on a national stage.