It’s almost that time of year again! What time you ask? Think women with big hats, men in pastel colored shorts and course, mint juleps. We’re talking about the Kentucky Derby! And this year everyone will be drinking the ready-to-serve Old Forester Mint Julep.

Recently, Old Forester Mint Julep has been named the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. This is the first time the brand has held this honor. It just might have to do with all the recent buzz around Old Forester within the bourbon bubble. Its rising popularity has led to new special edition bottles, several acclamations and a plan in the works to build a distillery in the heart of Louisville — a project that will cost $30 million.

Old Forester Brand Manager Therese McGuire says, “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.” The drink will be sold at Churchhill Downs and in retail in 36 markets across the U.S., including Payless Liquors here in Indianapolis.

So we are all familiar with ready-to-serve cocktails like Margaritas, Daiquiris and Bloody’s Marys, but not too much with a Mint Julep. Old Forester’s blend is a 60-proof premade cocktail that uses Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky. The nose has a superb blend of classic Old Forester bourbon with the traditional fresh garden mint. The taste is a winning combination of both the refreshing mint flavors, sweet sugar and rich bourbon. A smooth finish with lingering crisp mint.

For generations Kentucky Derby goers have enjoyed this classic drink and now it’s available to you in a ready-to-serve form. It’s almost ironic that Old Forester was first introduced in 1870, while the Kentucky Derby marks their first event in 1875. Sounds like these two Kentucky traditions have finally come together, officially that is.

Celebrate the Kentucky Derby the only way with Old Forester Mint Julep. It’s now available for purchase in Payless Liquors stores or you can reservation a bottle here on our website.