For the past 24 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 tells BourbonBlog.com that they will continues this tradition with the release of the 2011 commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle.
The 2011 Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle features the artwork of Marita Walizer from Oklahoma City, OK. Walizer won a national artist search contest conducted by Early Times to find the artwork featured on the 2011 Kentucky Derby bottle. Her painting, “Derby Cheers”, was selected from hundreds of entries from across the country. She also received $5,000 and a trip for two to the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
“It’s an incredible honor to have my artwork selected to be on the Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle,” Walizer tells BourbonBlog.com. “I grew up in Louisville and have been around horses my whole life so this really is a dream to have my painting chosen and to attend the Kentucky Derby.”
From now until May 8, 2011, if you’re a fan and want to win, text the keyword ETDERBY to 68405 from their 2-way text messaging capable wireless phone for a chance at winning one of 10 reproduction prints of the 2011 Early Times Mint Julep Bottle label designed by Walizer. Consumers of legal drinking age 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 2012 Kentucky Derby bottle.
Beginning May 2, 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 2012 Kentucky Derby, $5000 in cash, along with having their artwork featured on the 2012 Early Times Mint Julep bottle. All submissions must be received by June 28, 2011 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 24 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 137 will take place Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky.
The newly labeled Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle is available now in limited quantities throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $14.99.
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