Early Times Mint Julep Releases Commemorative Derby Bottle

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past 27 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 2014 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.

Available beginning in March 2014, the one-liter pre-mix bottle will be available in limited quantities throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $15.99.

The artwork on this year's Kentucky Derby 140® bottle features the work of acclaimed artist and Louisville native, Ashley Cecil. Ashley's stunning work, "Time For the Roses" celebrates the moment when the traditional garland of more than 400 red roses is presented to the Kentucky Derby winner. For more information, please visit www.ashleycecil.com.

The excitement of the Winner's Circle is captured on the bottle with an image of the winning jockey sitting atop his horse draped in a garland of roses. Beside the horse is a woman presenting a bouquet of roses to the jockey and several other onlookers in the background.

"We are excited to feature a new artist this year and feel that Ashley's work perfectly captures the most emotional moment for a winning jockey," said Therese McGuire, brand manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky. "Not only is the Early Times Mint Julep bottle a work of art, but also a must-have for every Kentucky Derby party to provide a quick and easy mint julep."

During this year's Kentucky Derby week, more than 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be served at Churchill Downs®. Over the past 27 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 will take place Saturday, May 3, 2014.

About the Artist:
Ashley Cecil is a Louisville native who began her artistic career by earning her master's in art business at Sotheby's Institute of Art London, where she was influenced by the textile collections found in the surrounding British institutions. Ashley now lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where her current work involves the painting of three-dimensional form fused with two-dimensional pattern.

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 Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Korbel California Champagne, Herradura Tequila, Sonoma-Cutrer Wines, Chambord Liqueur, and Tuaca Liqueur. 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 also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on May 3, 2014 and its 2014 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 26-June 29. 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/VOL (60 PROOF) 1.0L
Prepared and Bottled by Early Times Distillery Company, Louisville, KY.
©2014 EARLY TIMES is a registered trademark

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140312/CL81819

SOURCE Early Times Mint Julep