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Posts Tagged Derby

Maker’s Mark’s “Perfect Mint Julep”

May 2

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Recipes | 1 Comment

It’s time to press your seersucker suit and unpack your fanciest hat because racing around the corner comes the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby! More than just a sporting event, Derby is as much about fashion and sipping mint juleps as it is horse racing. So, what exactly is a mint julep? It sounds simple – ice, bourbon, sugar and mint – but the truth is there’s a lot of prep that goes into making this iconic drink correctly.

Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest bourbons, handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world. Rob Samuels, eighth generation distiller and grandson of Maker’s Mark Founder Bill Samuels Sr., has happily offered up his family’s personal recipe for The Perfect Mint Julep

“The Perfect Mint Julep”

(Serves 14-16)

 

Ingredients:

1 liter Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

Lots of fresh spearmint

Distilled water

Granulated sugar

Powdered sugar

 

  1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl.  Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark.  Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes.  Then, gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky.  Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.  Then set aside.

 

  1. To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot.  Heat to dissolve the sugar.  Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn.  Set aside to cool.

 

  1. To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher.  (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose).  Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.

 

  1. Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture.  Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added.  You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose.  The tendency is to use too much mint.  You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.

 

  1. When you think its right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

 

  1. To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice.  Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup.  Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

 

  1. When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice and serve.

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Woodford Reserve Bourbon Releases 2012 Kentucky Derby Bottle

Mar 26

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, News | 1 Comment

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby® is honoring the country’s favorite horse race with the release of the 2012 Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle. The limited-edition bottle features the artwork of one of America’s most recognized and beloved illustrators, Michael Schwab.

Schwab, who resides in Northern California, has a classic and timeless quality about his work. He creates iconic images that are strong and simple, yet always contemporary. Using black as the foundation for his forms, Schwab builds light and dimension into the picture plane by adding blocks or flat, bold colors. The result is an image that immediately recognized and one that codifies his work as thoughtful, lasting, and sustainable.

“The Kentucky Derby is one of the most anticipated events of the year and I wanted to communicate the excitement through this artwork and to honor ‘The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,'” says Schwab.

On this year’s Derby bottle, Schwab features a strong and simple image of a single thoroughbred with a jockey racing towards the finish line. You can feel the power in the image indicated by the thoroughbred digging in the track, kicking up dirt as he races. The jockey is wearing brightly colored argyle silks with his tack featuring the #1 saddle cloth. A matching argyle neck band seals the top of the commemorative bottle.

“The imagery on this year’s bottle captures the essence of the Derby,” says Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager. “As the ‘Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby’ we are excited to unveil Schwab’s great work and commemorate this historic partnership.”

The limited edition liter-size bottle will be available in early April in 45 US states at a suggested retail price of $42.99.

Woodford Reserve also sponsors a Grade I race, the $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, which is run on Derby Day, May 5, 2012, and has become one of thoroughbred racing’s premier turf events.

About Michael Schwab:
Born in Oklahoma, Michel Schwab now lives and works in Northern California. From his studio in Marin County, he has established a reputation as one of America’s most recognized and best-loved graphic artists.

Having attended school in Texas, New York, and California, Michael has a broad array of visual, cultural, and geographic references to which he regularly turns for ideas. His work is easily recognized by his signature use of large, flat areas of color, dramatic perspectives, and bold, graphic portraits often communicating a message of ecological and historic preservation.

Additionally, his work is in the permanent collection of the Library of Congress and the National Portrait Gallery.

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Woodford Reserve Releases 2011 KY Derby Bottle

Mar 31

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Buzz, News | Comments off

March 31, 2011, Louisville, KY – Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby® is honoring the country’s favorite horse race with the release of the 2011 Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle. The limited-edition bottle features the artwork of award-winning artist and Virginia native Brett Amory.

Amory showcases two horses racing in those final moments towards the finish line with the only splash of color on the bottle. One can feel the intensity of the race shown by the two horses digging into the ground while dirt is tossed up in the air. The two colored horses along with their jockeys are the main feature on the bottle, standing out against a silhouette of muted browns and grays of the historic spires and fans in the background. The bottle also features Amory’s signature prominently at the bottom of the label as well as a neck-tag bearing information about him.

“The build up to the Derby is unlike any other sporting event,” says Amory.  “Louisville is absolutely transformed, and people from all over the world come to join the excitement.  I wanted to capture on canvas that one key moment they all came to see.”

The limited edition liter-size bottle will be available in early April in 42 US states at a suggested retail price of $42.99.

“The horses–what the Derby is all about–grab you on the bottle,” says Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager.  “So it is very fitting as a proud supporter of horseracing and the ‘official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby’ for the past 13 years, that Woodford Reserve is honored to be a part of the greatest two minutes in sports that takes our breath away every year.”

In addition to purchasing a true collector’s item, consumers can enter Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Derby Sweepstakes with a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Consumers can enter by either registering their bottle’s unique number printed on the neck label, or by entering any random five digit code at www.WellCraftedDerby.com. Consumers may also enter by mail.  Upon registering they will be given a randomly-generated post position, from 1-20, for the 2011 Kentucky Derby. If the horse that starts from their assigned post position wins, he/she will be entered in the grand prize trip drawing. Official Rules are available at www.WellCraftedDerby.com.*

* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY – a purchase will not improve your chances of winning. Must be 21 or older to participate. Limit 12 entries per person and email address. Void in CA, VA and where prohibited. Other restrictions may apply.  See Official Rules for details.

Woodford Reserve also sponsors a Grade I race, the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, which is run on Derby Day, May 7, 2011, and has become one of thoroughbred racing’s premier turf events.

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Early Times Mint Julep KY Derby Commemorative Bottle

Apr 23

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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

Mar 26

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Events | 1 Comment

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

Mar 25

Posted by Bourbon Buzz in Events, News | 2 Comments

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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