Ale 8?

I had never really heard of Ale-8 (formally ale-8-1) growing up in Central Kentucky. Maybe I heard it mentioned here and there, but I never really knew of its cult-like following.

I moved to Lexington, Kentucky to attend college and was instantly made aware of Ale-8. What was this mystery drink? Was it an alcoholic beverage? Was it some strange concoction of potions? I had no idea!

I decided one day to purchase Ale-8 at the Kroger on Euclid Avenue (that Kroger could probably have its own blog post). I learned from several people that you can't drink Ale-8 from cans, you must drink it from the old school long neck bottles.

At this point I was expecting it to taste like butterflies, rainbows, and gold all bottled up! I took my first sip and waited for the magic to happen. Meh. I remember thinking, "is this what people are so obsessed with?" Personally, I just wasn't a fan.

So what is the mystery drink that so many Kentuckians are obsessed with? Ale-8 was formulated and invented in Winchester, Kentucky by G.L. Wainscott in 1926. It is a form of gingerale, but made with more caffeine and less calories. Perhaps the caffeine aspect is why so many people love it?

Ale-8 definitely has a cult-like following in Kentucky, especially around Lexington. I can remember seeing a facebook group as a college Junior that was titled, "Ale-8 PLEASE HOOK TO MY VEINS".

Ale-8 is mixed with one of the several Kentucky Bourbons to make a signature drink, "The Kentucky Cocktail". Perhaps I could get down with that.

So tell me, have you all tried Ale-8? Did you like it?

In Photos: St. James Art Fair

Every year I hear about people going to the St. James Art Fair in Old Louisville. I went a couple of times when I was younger. I remember that it's always around early October and it's definitely a Kentucky event that is reminiscent of fall.
The St. James Art Fair website describes the show as follows:

The St. James Court Art Show ® is a juried fine arts and fine crafts show. Always held the first full weekend of October, it hosts an impressive 750 artists from North America. Held in the heart of historic Old Louisville among the country's largest collection of Victorian homes, the St. James Court Art Show® has for over five decades provided our neighborhood, city and state with a rich cultural and artistic legacy.

This year's fair has already passed, but definitely put it on your "Kentucky Events Calendar" for next year!