Early Times Mint Julep Named "Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby®"

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past 25 years, the Early Times Mint Julep has proudly served as the "Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby®."  In celebration of this, Early Times Kentucky Whisky continues its tradition with the release of the 2012 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120418/CL89153 )

The 2012 Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle features the artwork of Celeste Susany from Saratoga Springs, NY. Susany, a former bottle artist, won the second national artist search contest conducted by Early Times to find the artwork featured on the 2012 Kentucky Derby bottle. Her artwork entitled, "Out of the Gate," was selected from hundreds of entries from across the country. She also received $5,000 and a trip for two to the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

"After taking a year off from doing the bottle artwork, I am excited to be back for the 2012 Kentucky Derby," said Susany. "It is such an honor is to have my artwork selected once again to be featured on the Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle, especially being chosen among so many other great artists across the nation."

From now until May 7, 2012, fans can text the keyword ETDERBY to 68405 from their 2-way text messaging capable wireless phone for a chance at winning one of five reproduction prints of the 2012 Early Times Mint Julep Bottle label designed by Susany. Consumers may also enter online by visiting www.earlytimes.com/etderbysweeps.

Early Times is once again giving consumers the opportunity to submit their artwork for the chance to be featured on the 2013 Kentucky Derby bottle. Beginning April 15, consumers can log on to www.earlytimes.com/etmjartistsearch to submit their artwork, as well as to see official rules and contest details.  The winner will win a VIP trip for two to the 2013 Kentucky Derby, $5,000 in cash, along with the chance of having their artwork featured on the 2013 Early Times Mint Julep bottle. All submissions must be received by June 28, 2012 at midnight.

During this year's Derby week, more than 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be served at Churchill Downs®. Over the past 25 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 Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands will take place Saturday, May 5, 2012.

The newly labeled one-liter pre-mix Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle is available now in limited quantities throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

About Early Times Kentucky Whisky:
Early Times Mint Julep, 30% 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, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Woodford Reserve, 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.

About Churchill Downs®:
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012, and its Spring Meet is scheduled for April 28-July 1.  The track has hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships a record eight times.  Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.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 Mint Julep, 30% Alc. by Volume, Louisville, KY
©2012 EARLY TIMES is a registered trademark

SOURCE Early Times Kentucky Whisky