This Saturday heralds in the 147th Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held sporting event in America. Watching 20 horses “run for the roses” can be the most exciting two minutes in sports. The Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday of May each year at Churchill Downs and is a must-see!
Horse racing, betting, big bold fashion statements, fancy hats and the Mint Juleps of course, are all part of the Kentucky Derby fanfare. Mint Juleps have been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938 and Woodford’s Reserve has been the official Bourbon since 1999. They craft a different recipe each year and for 2021 it’s “Cherries and Cream.” Take a classic Mint Julep and add a ½ ounce of cherry juice with a half vanilla bean.
Cherries and Cream Mint Julep 2021
2 ounces of Woodford Reserve Bourbon
1/2 ounce of cherry juice
1/2 of a vanilla bean pod cut into small segments
1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
Mint sprig, cherry, and vanilla bean pod for garnish
Serve over crushed ice
Bourbon can be produced anywhere in the United States but over 90% are from Kentucky. A minimum of 51% corn in the mash bill must be used but the average is around 70% with rye and malted barley typically making up the remainder. Another stipulation for Bourbon is it must always be aged a minimum of 2 years in newly charred American white oak barrels. This gives the whiskey an intense richness of amber colour (no colouring is allowed in Bourbon) along with layers of concentrated spices from the caramelization of wood sugars. Bourbon is a big, full-bodied and full-flavoured whiskey with a range of flavours from caramelized orange rind to dark cherries, cocoa, maple and vanilla spice. It’s so decadent and delicious!
Woodford’s Reserve Bourbon - $51.99
Classic style and smooth on the palate from using triple-distillation. Further ageing for 6 years in oak adds extra layers of spice. Decadent flavours of butterscotch, ginger and vanilla with a touch of espresso bean on the finish.
Here are a few other classic Bourbon’s that will work in a pinch as well:
Maker’s Mark Bourbon - $41.99
Maker’s Mark replaced rye with red winter wheat in its mash bill. The wheat offers a light sweetness and contributes a smooth elegance to this Bourbon. Beautifully balanced with notes of honey, dried orchard fruit, bing cherry and vanilla.
Four Roses Bourbon - $41.99
This Bourbon is crafted using 5 yeast strains and 2 mash bills to create 10 different recipes. The recipes are blended and then aged for a minimum of 5 years. The result is a smooth, easy drinking Bourbon loaded with rich toffee and spice.
Wear that big, fancy, and fun hat this Saturday, pick up your favourite Bourbon and place your bets. Essential Quality is favoured to win but I’m placing my money on Midnight Bourbon simply because I love the name!