Popular Derby Cocktail continues tradition with release of commemorative bottle
Louisville, KY,
March 25, 2008 – For the past 21 years, Early Times Mint Julep has proudly served as the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby®.” In celebration of this milestone, Early Times Kentucky Whisky continues its tradition with the release of its 2008 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.
During this year’s Derby week, more than 140,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be served at Churchill Downs®. The ingredients used to make the drinks this year include 280,000 ounces of Early Times Mint Julep mix, 88 tons of shaved ice and 3,286 pounds of Kentucky grown mint.
Over the past 21 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 Derby will take place May 3, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky.
In recognition of its “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby” designation, Early Times commissioned renowned equine artist Celeste Susany to create an original oil painting of an actual scene at Churchill Downs for its 2008 Derby bottle.
“Celeste’s work captures the true essence and emotion of Derby day,” said Joe Murray, brand manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky. “The Early Times Mint Julep bottle has truly become a collectible among art and whisky fans and a must-have for Derby parties as the perfect way to serve a delicious mint julep in less than ten seconds.”
This year’s bottle is the ninth in the series from Celeste Susany. The label features Susany’s “Chasing the Dream” depicting jockeys and Thoroughbreds racing through the first turn at Churchill Downs with the famed Twin Spires in the background and a bed of roses in the foreground.
Launching in April 2008, 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.
The “10-Second Mint Julep”
Pour Early Times Mint Julep pre-mix over crushed ice in a rocks glass or a julep cup. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
About the Artist:
Celeste Susany was born in eastern Ohio in 1952. She spent a large portion of her life around horses in Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del Mar, California. She received her degree from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. Susany received recognition as a top American artist in the book Racing in Art, by John Fairley, published in 1990. She produced artwork in 1989, 1990, and 1996 for the Kentucky Derby.
About Early Times Kentucky Whisky:
Early Times Distillery Company, Kentucky Whisky, 40% Alc. by Volume Louisville, Kentucky ©2008.
Early Times is the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby” made at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Early Times Kentucky Whisky is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Old Forester, Fetzer and Bolla Wines and Korbel California Champagnes. Early Times reminds you to drink responsibly. For more information on Early Times Kentucky Whisky visit www.earlytimes.com.
Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
Contact: Svend Jansen
(502) 774-7825
svend_jansen@b-f.com