The “World’s Largest Mint Julep” will be on display at Churchill Downs® during Kentucky Derby week this year on May 1 and 2. The six-foot tall display will be a giant-sized replica of the glass patrons will receive when ordering an Early Times Mint Julep during Kentucky Derby week. This year, Early Times Mint Julep is celebrating its 22nd year as the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby.” The replica glass will be located in the newly created “Infield Club” area of Churchill Downs.
The acrylic glass features a wrap with the same design Churchill Downs is using for the 2009 Kentucky Derby Mint Julep glass. A sprig of mint on top and an Early Times Mint Julep straw will add to the authenticity of this scaled-up version of the Mint Julep glass. Able to hold approximately 206 gallons of the Early Times Mint Julep cocktail, the glass weighs over one ton when full and would to have the capacity to serve in excess of 5,000 Early Times Mint Juleps.
“The Early Times Mint Julep has been a staple at Churchill Downs during Derby week for over 20 years and is now being brought to patrons in a larger-than-life capacity,” said Joe Murray, Early Times Kentucky Whisky Brand Manager. “With the Kentucky Derby being one of the world’s largest sporting events, it’s a natural to have the World’s Largest Mint Julep be a part of it.”
Since 1934, the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep glass has been used for serving Mint Juleps at Churchill Downs and has become one of the most prized collectibles of the Kentucky Derby. Over the past 22 years, more than 2.5 million Early Times Mint Juleps have been served between Kentucky Oaks® and Derby Days at Churchill Downs. Over 140,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be sold at the track during those two days this year.
Early Times has also released its 2009 Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle which is available nationwide. The bottle features artwork from renowned equine artist Celeste Susany and is filled with the same Early Times Mint Julep cocktail that will be served at Churchill Downs.
About Early Times Kentucky Whisky:
Early Times Kentucky Whisky, 40% ABV, 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 (NYSE:BFB) (NYSE:BFA), 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 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.
The best TIMES are enjoyed responsibly
Early Times Distillery Co., Kentucky Whisky, 40% Alc. by Volume, Louisville, KY
©2009 EARLY TIMES is a registered trademark
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5945235&lang=en
Contacts:
Svend Jansen, 502-774-7825
svend_jansen@b-f.com