LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 10th Annual Derby Burger Challenge has come to a close as Brian Capps is crowned the 2021 Derby Burger Champion. After two rounds of online voting, Capps' recipe for his "Bourbon Blueberry & Brie Bacon Cheeseburger" was selected as the overall winner.


What You Need To Know

  • Brian Capps is crowned the 2021 Derby Burger Champion

  • His "Bourbon Blueberry & Brie Bacon Cheeseburger" was selected as the overall winner

  • The burger features a patty topped with brie, thick-cut bacon, a blueberry bourbon sauce, and arugula

  • Capps' winning recipe will be featured inside Louisville-area Kroger stores from April 21 through Derby weekend

Capps' burger is made with 100% Kentucky Cattlemen's ground beef and features a patty topped with brie, thick-cut bacon, a blueberry bourbon sauce, and arugula on a brioche bun. 

The Louisvillan is no stranger to the annual burger competition-- this is his second time entering. Capps said his specialty is burgers, and this recipe is inspired by a special grilled cheese.

Brian Capps. // COURTESY KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL

“I make my wife a blueberry and brie grilled cheese, which is her favorite thing in the world. She asked me to turn it into a burger and submit it for the challenge. So, I made the burger,” said Capps.

According to a release from the Kentucky Derby Festival, the competition received dozens of submissions. The 2021 competition was held entirely online due to COVID-19 restrictions, but that didn't hinder participation. More than 11,000 beef lovers voted online to pick the top eight semi-finalists and top four finalists for the winning burger.

Want your own bourbon, blueberry, and brie burger? Capps' winning recipe will be featured inside Louisville-area Kroger stores from April 21 through Derby weekend. Recipe cards will also be available, as well as a showcase of ingredients for shoppers to purchase to make their own Derby burgers.

If you don't want to attempt the recipe yourself, 80/20 @ Kaelin's restaurant will feature the burger on its menu from April 21 to May 2. You can make a reservation online or call (502) 200-8020.

As a reward for creating the mouth-watering concoction, Capps will receive a 2021 Kentucky Derby Festival official poster, a $100 gift certificate to Kroger, a grilling package, including a grill, from the Kentucky Beef Council, and a local brewery tour for two. The recipe will also be promoted on Kentucky Derby Festival and Kentucky Beef Council websites and social media channels.

Other finalists included Charli McIlvain of Lexington with the Hall’s Original Beer Cheese “Dirty” Burger, Dallas McGarity of Louisville with the Double Smashburger on Brioche Bun with Tasty Pickles, and Timothy Armistead of Louisville with the Elote (Mexican Corn) Burger.