Saddle Up for Derby Weekend At These Kentucky Distillery Events

The 151st annual Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 3^rd, bringing all of its usual fanfare for the “most exciting two minutes in sports” as the race is famously known, and accompanying traditions of fashionable hats, dresses, and suits, special events, and the ever-present Mint Julep. Those who aren’t heading to Churchill Downs with a golden ticket can still capture the Derby spirit at celebratory events across Kentucky’s distilleries.

The Mint Julep, queen of Derby Day cocktails, is the focus for many distillery events where guests can mix, muddle, and tailor variations of the infamous Derby Day Julep at Bulleit and Angel Envy. Craft distillers such as J. Mattingly and Larrikin Bourbon Co. are hosting casual Derby Day celebrations with specialty food and the spotlight on their exclusive bottlings; no ticket required. Whether for a day of fun or a quick visit, Bourbon Country has plenty to offer.

Bulleit Bourbon: The Frontier Julep Cocktail Experience

April 30^th - May 4th

Beginning today, Bulleit Bourbon is kicking off its annual cocktail class, taking place Wednesday through Sunday at the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville. Over the course of an hour, you can tinker and tailor a perfect Julep to your liking using unique jams, garnishes, syrups, and mint picked from the on-site greenhouse. Dates and times below with tickets available for purchase for $49.50 each here. Dates/Times: Apr 30th - 1:30pm; May 1st - 11:30am; May 2nd - 2:00pm; May 3rd - 11:30am; May 4th - 11:30am.

Jim Beam: Horses and Heritage: A Beam Bourbon Social & Oaked: A Taste of Beam

May 1st

A Beam Bourbon Social & Oaked: A Taste of Beam

Start the weekend early on Thursday, May 1st, with an evening (6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.) at James B. Beam Distilling Co. to enjoy Kentucky-inspired fare and live music by Small Time Napoleon. Tickets are $75 each and include two signature bourbon cocktails and two rare bourbon samplings. Purchase tickets here.

Oaked: A Taste of Beam

May 2nd

Keep the party going on Friday, in celebration of the Kentucky Oaks, the first racing event of the weekend at Churchill Downs, featuring only fillies. At the Beam distillery, a six-stop journey is in store, including opportunities to try limited-release bourbons, cocktails, and culinary activations from in-house restaurant The Kitchen Table. Tickets are $75 each, and guests can begin at their leisure anytime between 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with the event ending at 3:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

Angel’s Envy “Crushed and Crafted”: The Angel’s Envy Peach Mint Julep Cocktail Class

May 2nd

Angel’s Envy is hosting a one-hour cocktail class, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2nd. Here, learn how to make their signature Derby week cocktail: The Peach Mint Julep. Tickets include swag like an ice mallet, Lewis bag, a branded Julep cup, and a branded Derby pin so guests can continue their Julep-making skills at home. Tickets are $60 each and are available for purchase here.

Buffalo Trace: Race Day at the Trace

May 2nd - 4th

Even after substantial flooding earlier this month, Buffalo Trace’s recovery efforts have allowed for a special Derby offering for guests. From 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday, guests can enjoy complimentary access, pending a reservation made online, for a day full of food trucks, specialty tastings, and exclusive bottlings available for purchase. A tour is not included. Reservations can be made here.

Larrikin Aussie Sausage Sizzle Party

May 2nd and May 3rd

Lawrenceburg-based craft distiller Larrikin Bourbon Co. is set to host its annual pre-Derby party from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The distillery takes its name from Australian slang, so it’s fitting that the events entail a classic “Aussie Sausage Sizzle” where grilled or barbecued sausages are served in bread, alongside Juleps made with Larrikin bourbon. While the event is free to attend, any food purchase sales will be donated to those affected by the April flooding in Tyrone County. Patrons can grab a bottle of the label’s new Rosewater bourbon, a whiskey cut down with rosewater tea, which will be a main highlight. No tickets needed.

J. Mattingly “Bourbon and Fillies”

May 2nd

J. Mattingly Distillery in Frankfurt is hosting an Oaks Day event from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., complete with complimentary charcuterie boards, games, Derby-themed cocktails, and viewings of the races. A special bottling of their double-staved bourbon called Bourbon & Fillies will be available for purchase on Oaks Day, and if bottles remain, on Derby Day as well. No tickets required.

Evan Williams Mint Julep Mingle

Although the main Mint Julep Mingle is sold out, Evan Williams has a robust lineup of specialty Derby Day cocktails, such as Blueberry Mint Julep and Chocolate Raspberry Mint Julep, among others, at its in-house bar, On3. Open Monday - Thursday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1- 5 p.m.