Posts Tagged 2010 Kentucky Derby

Early Times Mint Julep KY Derby Commemorative Bottle

For the past 23 years, the Early Times Mint Julep has proudly 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 2010 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.

The 2010 Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle holds special significance as the 11th and final in a series of paintings by the inimitable Celeste Susany, whose creations have graced the bottle every year since Kentucky Derby 126. In this year’s masterwork, entitled “A Golden Moment,” Susany adopts a more impressionistic style to capture the essence of this grand race. The scene spotlights the field of contenders galloping along the back stretch while the twin spires stand majestically in the background.

“Celeste’s work captures the true essence and emotion of Derby day and we’ve been so very fortunate to have her as our artist for the past 11 years,” said Joe Murray, Brand Manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky. “The Early Times Mint Julep bottle has truly become a collectible among art, horse racing and whisky fans and is a must-have for Derby parties as the perfect way to serve a delicious mint julep in less than ten seconds.”

With 2010 marking Susany’s final year of doing the artwork for the commemorative bottle, Early Times is giving consumers the opportunity to submit their artwork for the chance to be featured on the 2011 Kentucky Derby bottle. Beginning April 20, consumers can log onto www.earlytimes.com/etmjartistsearch to submit their “What Derby Means to Me” artwork, as well as to see official rules and contest details.  The winner will win a VIP trip for two to the 2011 Kentucky Derby, $5000 in cash, along with having their artwork featured on the 2011 Early Times Mint Julep bottle.

“It has been an honor to have the opportunity to do the artwork for the Early Times Mint Julep bottle for the past 11 years,” added Susany. “It’s time to give another artist the chance to have their work displayed for horse racing fans to collect and enjoy.”

During this year’s Derby week, more than 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be served at Churchill Downs®. Over the past 23 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 1, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Launching in April 2010, the newly labeled one-liter pre-mix bottle will be available in limited quantities throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

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Four Roses to Host Kentucky Derby Events

To kick off the Derby events, Four Roses hosts the 7th Annual Rose Julep Contest.  This event will be held at Sully’s on Fourth Street Live in Louisville on Thursday, April 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Top area bartenders will compete for prizes with their own version of a Mint Julep using Four Roses Bourbon.

Join Four Roses Master Distiller, Jim Rutledge and a well-known panel of judges as they select a truly remarkable Bourbon in honor of the Great Steamboat Race.  The Barrel Selection on the Belle of Louisville will be held on Monday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. The specially selected Single Barrel will be served during The Great Steamboat Race.

For the 5th consecutive year, Four Roses will be a contributing sponsor of the Great Steamboat Race on Wednesday, April 28, a Kentucky Derby Festival event.  A limited number of tickets are being offered to Mellow Moment Club members at a discount price of $65.00 each.  Tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve, basis with a maximum of 2 tickets per person.  Four Roses will have a tasting booth aboard the Belle of Louisville for everyone to enjoy.  Jim and other Four Roses staff will be on board and will be looking forward to spending time with members.

Throughout the day on Wednesday, April 28, Four Roses will be the featured Bourbon at “The Kentucky Bourbon Tent” at Fest-a-Ville.  Stop by the full-service bar, or just to say hello.

For additional Derby Events and details please visit: www.kdf.org

Four Roses news and events visit: www.fourroses.us

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Woodford Reserve 2010 KY Derby Bottle Out Of The Gate

Woodford Reserve is set to release the latest bottle in their Kentucky Derby collection. The year’s bottle will commemorate the 136th running of the KY Derby and feature artwork by Jeaneen Barnhart from Louisville, KY. The limited edition liter-size bottle will be available in early April in 42 US states at a suggested retail price of $42.99. Some folks seem to have gotten their hands on the bottles a bit early this year, as they are already showing up for sale on eBay.

Barnhart’s striking work depicts the vibrancy and intensity of Kentucky Derby racehorses as they charge toward the finish line. The artist’s signature adorns the neck of the bottle, and an attached neck tag bears information about the artist and product.

“As a proud supporter of horse racing, it is fitting that Woodford Reserve has been selected once again as the ‘Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby,’ America’s most prestigious horse race,” said Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager. “We are honored to partner with Jeaneen on this one-of-a-kind bottle that commemorates this historic partnership.”

In addition to purchasing a true collector’s item, consumers can enter into Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Derby Sweepstakes with a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2011 Kentucky Derby. Though no purchase is required for entry, bottle buyers can enter by registering their bottle’s unique number, printed on the neck label, at www.WellCraftedDerby.com. Upon registering they will be given a randomly-generated post position, from 1-20, for the 2010 Kentucky Derby. If the horse that starts from their assigned post position wins, he/she will be entered in the grand prize trip drawing. Full details are available, for purchasers and non-purchasers, at www.WellCraftedDerby.com.

If you would like to get your bottle signed, Woodford Reserve will hold a free Derby bottle signing event on April 21, 2010 from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at the Woodford Reserve Distillery Visitor Center. The Woodford Reserve Derby bottle will be available for purchase in the gift shop.  Both the artist of the bottle and Master Distiller Chris Morris will be on hand to sign your bottle.

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