Did we just write 2025? Welcome to the new year and this week's roundup, designed to make you a more well-rounded Kentucky man.

In case you missed the last round up; give it a read. Now, pour yourself something smooth, kick back, and let's dive into another edition packed with bourbon wisdom, sports thrills, and pure Kentucky gold.

An Ode to 2024: The Kentucky Dude's Guide to Surviving Another Year

2024 flew by faster than a Wildcats March Madness visit with Calipari. Between mastering AI, getting in shape, conquering roundabouts and knots, or spending time hunting or hiking. We had ourselves a year!

Let's be honest about what went down:

• That garage you swore you'd organize after last Christmas? Yeah, it still looks like a tornado hit a yard sale.

• Your "better choices" resolution lasted exactly until someone brought out the Derby pie.

• And that "simple weekend project" you started in spring? Let's call it a "conversation piece" and move on.

But hey, we nailed some things, too. You perfected the art of looking busy while streaming games on your phone. Your smoking game got so strong the neighbors installed security cameras to catch a whiff. And those dad jokes? They're aging better than your bourbon collection.

Now, 2025's rolling up like a new Vita-Mix at the state fair – shiny, full of promise, and about to get real shaken, real quick. But this year? This is our year. We're talking:

• Finally, admitting that "barrel picking" is just an excuse for road trips

• Getting that THC medical card as quickly as humanly possible

• Reading instruction manuals (before the fourth attempt) and an entire book on being a better human - this doesn’t mean you turned on the subtitles while watching that one Netflix Documentary.

• And maybe, just maybe, stretching before we try to prove we can still throw a spiral

Here's to 2025, Kentucky. May your bourbon be smooth, your excuses be creative, and your wife never check the credit card statement after that "quick trip" to Harbor Freight. Let's make it count or at least make it entertaining.

Also, everyone knows that New Year resolutions are about eating better ends when someone mentions pie. Let's not kid ourselves, but if you have resolutions, I hope you keep them until March Madness, a feat few Kentucky Dudes can achieve. 

Mark Pope discusses gratitude. The Kentucky football wide receiver room is undergoing major reconstruction. Chris Rodriguez lowers shoulders in NFL for 6. Louisville men’s basketball narrowly escaped nailbiter against EKU. Louisville football gets a dub at The Sun Bowl 2024. No. 16 Kentucky women’s basketball defeated Western Kentucky 88-70 to stay undefeated at home. Kentucky men’s basketball caps 2024 with a blowout win over Brown on NYE.

Nothing says fall in Kentucky like venison on the grill and the perfect pour to match. Whether it’s beer from a local favorite or a bourbon that screams “home,” these pairings will elevate your meal—and your bragging rights. Here’s how to sip and savor like a pro.

Beer

West Sixth Brewing (Lexington) - Snake Cake Stout is a bold, chocolatey stout complements the smoky and spicy flavors, while the slight sweetness balances the heat.

Flywheel Brewing (Elizabethtown) - EMC Hammered is a Hefeweizen-style wheat beer with notes of clove, offering a refreshing balance to the spiciness of the venison.

Against the Grain Brewery (Louisville) - 35K is a rich milk stout with a smooth, creamy finish that complements the smoky flavors of the steak.

White Squirrel Brewery (Bowling Green) - Nut Brown Ale is a malty, slightly sweet brown ale that pairs well with the venison's robust taste.

Dry Ground Brewing Company (Paducah) - Dreamcatcher (no website as of 12/31/2024) is an American IPA with citrus and pine notes, providing a crisp contrast to the dish's smokiness.

Bourbon

Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon
This bourbon’s smoky sweetness matches the rub on the steak, and the maple notes bring out the buttery finish. Plus, it’s a Kentucky classic, so it’s like pairing steak with the state itself.

Kentucky vs. The Roundabout: A Traffic Tale for the Ages

Reported by WYMT, 30-second video

You've probably seen the video: Morehead, Ky’s new roundabout turning into Kentucky's biggest unintentional comedy show. Cars stopping mid-circle, confused drivers treating it like a four-way stop, and all those people going the wrong damn way. Now, let’s do our part to ensure this never happens again. Here’s a simple guide to mastering the roundabout so you won’t end up a YouTube star.

How to Conquer a Roundabout Without Becoming Internet Famous

Kentucky Dude Original, 1-minute read

Ready to master the fine art of roundabouts and leave the land of endless strip malls, cornfields, and traffic confusion—aka Indiana—in the dust? It’s time for Kentucky drivers to show them how it’s done, one smooth exit at a time.

Click through and learn how to navigate circles like a pro!

Want to make it stick? Pick three tiny learning moments that fit into your normal day. Listen to a relevant podcast during your commute. Watch one tutorial while eating lunch. Spend 10 minutes practicing before your first meeting. This is easy dudes, no excuses.

The secret sauce isn't in massive training sessions—it's in small, consistent hits of improvement. By Friday, you'll have stacked up multiple learning moments without disrupting your workflow.

Take a deep breath. You don't need to become an expert by next week. You just need to be 1% better than you were last Monday. Small steps, big gains. That's how we move forward.

How Not to Croak (or Creak): A Kentucky Dude’s Guide to Staying Healthy (Staying Alive) After 30

Kentucky Dude Original, 2-minute read

Feeling like a creaky door every morning? Don’t worry, this isn’t Indiana—we’re not here to bury you in cornfields or chain gyms. With three simple steps, you can stay active, mobile, and alive without turning into Stephen Bird-level beast mode. Spoiler: It involves less gym time and more living.

Smoky and Spicy Venison Steak Recipe for Wild Flavor

Kentucky Dude Original, 1-minute read

Bagged it yourself or scored it from your buddy who insists he’s the next Daniel Boone? Either way, this venison steak recipe brings the heat, smoke, and spice to your plate. Pair it with bourbon, beer, and a side of Kentucky swagger—because deer camp deserves flavor this bold.

Because you keep circling until you figure out how to exit! 👏

Forward The Kentucky Dude newsletter to 5 other Dudes and get a free Kentucky Dude Sticker Bundle, featuring 4 unique designs to show your Bluegrass State pride!

You currently have 0 referrals, only 5 away from receiving Kentucky Dude Sticker Bundle.

or copy & past your unique referral link:

https://kentucky-dude.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER