The “World’s Largest
Mint Julep” will make its world debut at
Churchill Downs® during Kentucky Derby week
this year on May 2 & 3. The six-foot tall glass will be filled with
Early Times Mint Julep cocktails and will be located in the Paddock area
of Churchill Downs near Gate 17.
The acrylic glass will be fully functional with a sprig of mint on top
and a straw acting as the pouring mechanism for Mint Julep cocktail. It
will be used as the main pouring station for Mint Juleps during Derby
Week at Churchill Downs. Holding approximately 206 gallons of the Early
Times cocktail, the glass weighs over one ton when full and is estimated
to have the capacity to serve in excess of 5,000 Mint Juleps. Churchill
Downs commissioned The Weber Group of New Albany, Ind. to manufacture
the glass which took nearly four weeks to make.
“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 Brand Manager. “With
the Kentucky Derby being the horse racing world’s
largest event, it’s a natural to have the
world’s largest Mint Julep be a part of it.”
Wrapped around the glass is the same design Churchill Downs is using for
the 2008 Derby glass. Since 1934, the Derby glass has been used for mint
juleps at Churchill Downs and has become one of the most prized
collectibles of the Kentucky Derby. The six-foot glass will also be used
for future unveilings of the Derby design.
“Churchill Downs is proud to partner with
Early Times in this truly unique promotion,”
said Dave Tompkins, vice president of marketing for Churchill Downs
Incorporated. “We think Kentucky Derby fans
will love the ‘World’s
Largest Mint Julep’ and the chance to be one
of the thousands who will enjoy a Derby Day libation drawn from such a
creative container. Kudos to the Early Times team for creating what we’re
sure will be one of the more memorable sights –
and tastes – at Kentucky Derby 134.”
This year, Early Times Mint Julep is celebrating its 21st year as the “Official
Drink of the Kentucky Derby.” 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, and more than 140,000 Mint Juleps are expected to be
sold at the track this year.
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.
Brown-Forman
Svend Jansen, 502-774-7825
svend_jansen@b-f.com