The Bourbon Chase is an annual relay race that takes place in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. The race follows one of the most iconic distilling trails in the nation, taking runners and relay teams on an overnight adventure through the rolling hills of the famous center for American whiskey production.
During the race, teams traverse a unique two-day course of 200 miles between the cities of Lexington and Louisville, the home of famous landmarks such as the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Racetrack and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Each team is made up of between 8 and 12 people total and each takes turns running anywhere from 6 to 15 miles depending on the leg of the journey they are on. Each runner carries a flask of bourbon and together they are seeking out local distilleries and fulfilling certain challenges along the way.
It’s an unprecedented experience showing off the best of Kentucky’s bourbon country and its rich history.
How does Bourbon Chase work?
The Bourbon Chase is an annual 200-mile race, from Louisville to Lexington, KY, held in October each year. This relay race consists of 36 teams of 12 runners each who will traverse the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Each team must complete the entire course – so each runner will be required to run 3 to 8 legs of the course, usually between 10 and 16 miles apiece. The race is divided into 4 legs, each of which is run by 4 runners of the team, starting on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Louisville and concluding in downtown Lexington.
The term “leg” is used to identify the parts of the race. Each of the four legs starts and ends in different towns on the bourbon trail, which are located along the route of the race.
The captains for each team must coordinate who is running which legs and ensure that all of the running legs are provided in time for the team to reach their checkpoint at the end of each leg. Teams may also deploy strategies such as running back-to-back legs to save time.
The race has different time constraints for each leg and there are penalties for teams who miss their cut-off times. At the end of each leg, the transition area is opened for 45 minutes for teams to make any necessary changes before their next runner takes the baton.
The course terrain can vary, but generally consists of rolling countryside and country roads with smooth pavement. Refreshment and rest stations along the course offer water and food, as well as bathrooms and medical assistance should they be needed.
The goal of the Bourbon Chase is to finish each team’s course in 36 hours or less, so runners can expect to cross the finish line in late afternoon or evening. The race is well-stocked with volunteers who attempt to make the course enjoyable and safe for everyone.
Each runner receives a unique t-shirt and patch for completing the race, and teams that finish the race with all 12 runners in 36 hours or less receive their choice of a bourbon-barrel trophy or special-edition bourbon.
Where does the Bourbon Chase start and end?
The Bourbon Chase is an overnight, 200-mile relay race that starts in Lexington and ends in Louisville, Kentucky. The race takes place in late September or early October and is organized by the Bourbon Chase, LLC.
Teams of up to 12 members run the route in a series of legs, and are supported by at least one chase vehicle throughout the journey. Racers can compete in open, corporate, or military divisions, and the course winds through some of the most beautiful and iconic sights of the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky.
The race begins in downtown Lexington, KY at Triangle Park and winds through the horse farms and small cities of the Bluegrass Region, taking teams through Midway, Ohio, and ending in Louisville, KY.
Each team is made up of 12 people, who are divided in to 6 running legs, completing a total of 200 miles in less than 24 hours. Team members are transported to the start of each leg by a chase vehicle, and receive nutrition and hydration support throughout the race.
What is Ragnar?
Ragnar is an annual series of long-distance, multi-day adventure races held in various cities across the world. Ragnar events are typically relay races, where teams of six people come together to run various legs of the course over a period of 24-36 hours.
Teams are required to maintain their own pace and plan their own route while they make their way to the finish line. The races vary in length and difficulty, but commonly include trail running, mountain biking, and even kayaking or road running.
Participants are encouraged to celebrate with a finish-line party and ceremony at the completion of the race. Ragnar races foster a great sense of camaraderie and teamwork among participants, as well as providing a challenging and rewarding experience for all involved.
What are the five rules of bourbon?
The five rules of bourbon are:
1. It must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn.
2. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
3. It must be distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume).
4. It must be entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).
5. It must be bottled at 80 proof or more (40% alcohol by volume).
These five rules have been established by the US Congress as the standard elements that make a spirit a Bourbon Whisky. Bourbon must also comply with all other applicable laws, such as the US Code of Federal Regulations, and state laws.
Although some brands may contain small amounts of added flavoring, these five rules must be adhered to for a spirit to be labeled as Bourbon. Furthermore, Bourbon must be made in the United States, although some international brands create Bourbons that meet the Congress’s requirements.
How many sips of bourbon does it take to get drunk?
The answer to this question is highly individualized. Depending on the person’s body weight, type of bourbon, and current level of intoxication, it could range from just a few sips to several shots. Factors such as body weight, gender, rate of consumption, and the percentage of alcohol in the bourbon will all influence how many sips it takes for a person to get drunk.
Additionally, it’s important to note that consuming alcohol can affect different people differently and it should be consumed responsibly. Ultimately, the amount of sips of bourbon it takes to get drunk is subjective and depends on an individual’s factors.
How many runners are in Bourbon Chase?
The 2021 Bourbon Chase will have a maximum of 1,400 runners that will be spread out over 56 teams. Each team will consist of four to eight members and be selected via a random draw. The 2021 Bourbon Chase is a two-day event starting on September 17, 2021 in Lexington, KY and ending on September 18, 2021 in Bardstown, KY.
Each of the 56 teams will alternate between running and resting according to the staggered start. The teams consisting of the most four members will have each member running ten miles over the two days while the max eight-member teams will have each member running a total of seven miles over the two days.
What does a splash of water do to bourbon?
Adding a splash of water to your bourbon can have a variety of effects, depending on the type of bourbon that you choose. Generally speaking, a splash of water can help to bring out the flavor and aromas of the bourbon, as it can help to open up the spirit and allow you to experience more of its complexities.
Additionally, water can help to reduce the intensity of certain harsher flavors and can make the overall drink more enjoyable to sip. It can also soften the bite of higher proof bourbons and make them more enjoyable for those who might find them a bit too powerful on their own.
Finally, adding a splash of water can help to bring out the sweeter, more subtle flavor notes that are present in some bourbons, making the flavor much more enjoyable.
How do you drink bourbon without burning it?
When drinking bourbon, it’s important to remember that the flavor of the drink comes through over time. You can enjoy your bourbon without burning or overpowering the flavor by trying a couple of different sipping methods.
Firstly, take your time to savor the flavor of the drink as you sip it slowly. Secondly, add a few drops of distilled water to your drink to help release the aromas and facilitate tasting. Adding a few ice cubes can also be beneficial in that it opens up the flavor and mellows out the severity of the alcohol.
Finally, avoid mixing your bourbon with sodas or other sugary drinks, as this can overpower the flavor of the bourbon itself. By following these tips, you can enjoy the full flavor of your bourbon without burning your palate.
How does the Ragnar relay work?
Ragnar Relay is a team running race that involves teams of 8-12 people. Teams of these runners take turns running three legs of varying distance and difficulty while they rotate through 2 vans so they only have to run one time per day.
Each leg of the race is designed to accommodate all levels of running ability, so every team member can contribute.
The race typically starts in the morning and ends late the following day. As the first team member runs, the other team members follow in a vehicle and stop to offer support, restock supplies, or encourage their teammate.
Each person runs three times and one team member runs twice during the race, sometimes called the “ultra leg”. This is an extra challenge for the ultra runner and a great way to keep the race interesting for all members of the team.
Once all three legs are completed a member from either van will meet the runner and proceed to the next exchange station. Here the next team member is given a slap bracelet which is their start and the exchange of the slap bracelet marks the end of the previous leg.
After a few legs the teams will switch vans so that no one is running in their own vehicle for two consecutive legs. As each race progresses the vans will alternate, so no one van lags too far stuck in traffic and the race will remain fair for all teams.
When the final leg of the race is completed and all team members have completed their three legs, the team will cross the finish line together in a relay fashion, often to cheers and music. After the race, all team members will be able to celebrate together, knowing they’ve completed an amazing feat of endurance and teamwork.
What is Bardstown Kentucky known for?
Bardstown, Kentucky is a small town with a big history and rich heritage, making it renowned for a variety of things. Much of the city’s economy is driven by the bourbon industry, as Bardstown is located in the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Home to some of the nation’s most historic distilleries, including Maker’s Mark and Jim Beam, Bardstown is often referred to as the “Bourbon Capital” for the abundance of craft and small-batch distilleries in the city and beyond.
History buffs are also drawn to Bardstown for its unique 19th century architecture and offering of local historical sites. It is the home of Federal Hill, more commonly known as “My Old Kentucky Home,” and one of the state’s most iconic landmarks, My Old Kentucky Dinner Train.
The city is also renowned as a foodie destination, offering numerous local restaurants, cafes, and eateries to explore. From down home comfort food to haute French cuisine, you can find it in Bardstown.
The city also prides itself on its unique arts and culture scene, offering live music, theatrical performances, and various art galleries that showcase local and regional artists. In addition to all of these offerings, Bardstown’s small-town charm is an added bonus.
This quaint community is a great place for visitors of all ages looking to explore the wonderful attractions, or relax and take in the scenery of beautiful Nelson County.
Is bourbon and Rum the same thing?
No, bourbon and rum are not the same thing. They are both spirits, but bourbon is a type of whiskey made from a grain mash (usually a combination of corn, barley, wheat and/or rye) that has been aged in charred new oak barrels.
Rum is a spirit made from either molasses or sugarcane juice that is typically aged in wooden casks. The taste and color of each spirit is determined by the aging process and the type of ingredients used.
Additionally, the proof of each spirit, or the amount of alcohol by volume, can vary greatly between the two.
What’s in bourbon?
Bourbon is an American whiskey made from a mash of at least 51% corn. In addition to corn, the remaining grains in Bourbon mash include rye, wheat, and malted barley. This mash is then combined with water and fermented in barrels, typically ones made of white or red oak.
After fermenting, the liquid is distilled, typically in a continuous still, then aged in new charred oak barrels to give it its characteristic flavor. During the aging process, the whiskey evaporates through the oak, gradually reducing the overall volume in the barrels and concentrating the flavor.
In order for a whiskey to be labeled as a “Bourbon”, it must meet certain legal requirements, including that it be made in America, contain at least 51% corn, and be aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.
It must not contain any artificial flavorings or colorings and must not be bottled at less than 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume).
Why is Jack Daniels not called bourbon?
Jack Daniels is not classified as bourbon, despite being made in the same way. This is because Jack Daniels takes the process of making bourbon whiskey one step further by using a special charcoal-mellowing process before barreling and bottling.
This charcoal-mellowing process, also known as the Lincoln County Process, filters out impurities from the whiskey and creates a smoother, richer flavor which makes it unique from regular bourbons. Therefore, Jack Daniels cannot technically be called bourbon whiskey because it does not meet the federal government’s standards for what qualifies as a bourbon.
The main elements for distilling bourbon are corn, rye, and barley, at least 51 percent of the mash must be corn, and the whiskey must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years. Jack Daniels meets this criteria, but fails short because of the charcoal-mellow process which cannot be used when making real bourbon.
Is Jack Daniels whiskey the same as bourbon?
No, Jack Daniels whiskey is not the same as bourbon. While both are whiskey, Jack Daniels is a Tennessee Whiskey, and is one of several types of whiskey that are recognized by official regulatory bodies.
Tennessee whiskey is similar to bourbon, but requires a few additional steps for production including using charcoal-filtering before bottling. bourbon is produced using a slightly different grain mash bill and is not filtered in the same manner as Tennessee whiskey.
This extra step of charcoal-filtering results in a mellower flavor than bourbon.