Commemorative Derby Day bottle for mint julep

For the past 27 years, the Early Times Mint Julep has been served as the “official drink of the Kentucky Derby.”  In celebration of this, Early Times Kentucky Whisky continues its tradition with the release of the 2014 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.

Available from this month, the one-liter pre-mix bottle will be available in limited quantities throughout the US for a RRP of US$15.99.

The artwork on this year’s Kentucky Derby 140 bottle features the work of Louisville artist Ashley Cecil. Ashley’s “Time For the Roses” illustration celebrates the moment when the traditional garland of more than 400 red roses is presented to the Kentucky Derby winner.

The excitement of the Winner’s Circle is captured on the bottle with an image of the winning jockey sitting atop his horse draped in a garland of roses. Beside the horse is a woman presenting a bouquet of roses to the jockey and several other onlookers in the background. 

“We are excited to feature a new artist this year and feel that Ashley’s work perfectly captures the most emotional moment for a winning jockey,” said Therese McGuire, brand manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky. “Not only is the Early Times Mint Julep bottle a work of art, but also a must-have for every Kentucky Derby party to provide a quick and easy mint julep.”

More than 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are likely to be served during this year’s race week. Over the past 27 years, more than 2.5 million Early Times Mint Juleps have been served between Kentucky Oaks and Derby Days at Churchill Downs. This year’s Kentucky Derby will take place Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Early Times Mint Julep, 30%abv, is made at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.

17 March 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor