That's worth a thousand dollars! :~)
Posted: 5/6/2006 11:16:00 AM Churchill sells out of $1,000 mint juleps
The $1,000 Ultimate Mint Julep sold out in 15 minutes on Kentucky Derby (G1) day on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky-based bourbon maker Woodford Reserve and Chicago-based Levy Restaurants pre-sold half of the 50 available juleps before Saturday with the remaining 25 selling by 8:15 a.m. EDT. Gates opened at 8 a.m.
Dobie Blalock, a sailing enthusiast who is an investor in Woodford Reserve's racing stable, purchased the first drink and received a gold-plated cup marked 1/50 along with her bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice concoction. All proceeds ($50,000) from the sale of the Ultimate Mint Julep will benefit Greener Pastures, a Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation facility located in Cecilton, Maryland.
"Here's to giving back to horses," Blalock said before taking one of 20 sips from the beverage. "They give us so much, and I'm just happy to give back."
Chris Morris, master distiller of Woodford Reserve, and Bob King, director of beverage for Levy Restaurants, made each Ultimate Mint Julep personally.
Mint juleps in the traditional Kentucky Derby glass are available for $9 on Derby day. Morris expects to sell 140,000 of those drinks.—Ed DeRosa
Thanks for the thread. Off to the track.
Brother Derek by daylight.