By CLIFF DUNN — I wouldn’t exactly say that seeing Aaron Adams incites your “fight or flight” response (granted, there are probably a few other responses that he incites at first glance, but that’s my business).

At first blush, it’s possible to think that the friendly and popular bartender at Hunters Fort Lauderdale nightclub would take your head off as soon as pour you a cold one, but then he flashes you a smile and engages you with his warm personality and charm, and that’s when you know (hope?) that things will turn out all right.

For all that at only 32 years old, the rugged Adams has chalked up an impressive catalog of life experiences. Right out of school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he was trained as an aviation electrician, and stationed in San Diego, California.

“I didn’t really like it that much—the electrician part,” Adams admits. “I loved getting to travel and see different places, which was fun.”

After five years serving his country in the Marines, Adams returned to his native Kentucky to attend the University of Louisville, where he majored in finance.

In 2009, he set his sights on a warmer climate.

“The first time I came to South Florida, I loved everything about it,” Adams says. “The beaches, the weather, the people—I loved it so much I moved down. I had no specific plan, but I found an apartment online, and I moved here.

“It was a pretty risky move,” the Suds Stud acknowledges, “but it has been fantastic. How cool is that?”

Briefly distracted by the sight of biceps (both of them), I stipulate that it is in fact cool.

During a four-year tour slinging drinks at Casablanca Café on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Adams took his mystique and muscles to a public platform, becoming a brand model for South Florida-based Ruff Rider Clothing.

“It was a good fit,” he says without irony.

In the fall, Adams left the beach for the Gayborhood, coming to bartend at Hunters, the former Boom (and sometimes Atomic), working mostly weekends as well other shifts. He enjoys the move, as well as the regular customers and staffers with whom he works.

And when he isn’t at work?

“I love being home, waking up late, and getting up to stretch, then taking a jog. When I get home, I will make some breakfast, do some yard work, or go to the gym, and then later get together with friends.”

Lucky guys (I hate them already).

Five years from now, Adams sees himself enjoying life and his lifestyle.

“I want to enjoy myself, have fun, keep the party going,” he says with a smile that’s just this side of Mortal Sin.

As a drink to impress, Aaron says he recommends “Maker’s Mark on the rocks with a splash of water. A fan of Bourbon, is he?

He laughs. “Well, like me, it’s from Kentucky, it’s also delicious and warms you up on a cold winter night.”

Like the weather we are having now (sort of).

As well as working at Hunters, he manages the Coral Reef Guest House (okay, so he hasn’t entirely left the beach behind), and sees that as a springboard for greater things to come.

“I’d like to use my experience at Coral Reef and elsewhere to get into some corporate, something a little more permanent. I won’t be 32 forever.”

We can always dream, Aaron.