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

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.

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.

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 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.

Source: Early Times Kentucky Whisky