Two time honored brands founded in the 1870s are coming together for the first time for the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Old Forester Mint Julep, a ready-to-serve 60 proof cocktail has been named the official drink of the 141st Kentucky Derby. Old Forester is replacing Early Times. Both whisky’s are owned and managed by parent company Brown-Forman. I’ll bet there were lots of lively internal discussions between brand managers on this move.
“Old Forester was a natural fit for the Official Drink status. It’s a bourbon brand with as rich of a history as the Kentucky Derby and has such strong ties to Louisville,” said Old Forester Brand Manager Therese McGuire.
Churchill Downs expects to serve close to 120,000 mint juleps over the Kentucky Oaks and Derby days, the first weekend in May. It’s what comes in the official “Derby glass” with ice and a sprig of mint and, according to Churchill, is the most popular Derby souvenir. Old Forester Mint Julep is also sold at retail markets across the U.S.
