Kentucky Derby ties with Old Forester on official Mint Julep

The historic Kentucky Derby has collaborated with Brown-Forman to make Old Forester Mint Julep its official drink.

The historic Kentucky Derby has collaborated with Brown-Forman to make Old Forester Mint Julep the official drink

The 60% abv ready-to-serve cocktail, made with Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon, will be served to race fans at the derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville on 2 May this year.

Although Old Forester Bourbon was introduced in 1870, and the Kentucky Derby first hosted in 1875, this year marks the very first time the two have officially been linked.

Old Forester brand manager, Therese McGuire, said: “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.”

Churchill Downs expects to serve around 120,000 mint juleps over the course of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

Old Forester Mint Julep is sold in 36 markets across the US in a one litre Derby bottle for an RRP of US$24.99.

Last year Brown-Forman invested US$30 million in building a distillery and Bourbon experience in Louisville to double production of its Old Forester brand.