Comments on: Stogie Spirits: The Mint Julep

By: Stogie Spirits: El Dorado 12 Year Old Special Reserve Rum

Stogie Spirits: El Dorado 12 Year Old Special Reserve Rum — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 05:53:48 +0000

[...] Actually, since May Patrick S has owned this series with excellent Stogie Spirits pieces on the mint julep, several Sam Adams varieties, and the elusive Johnnie Walker Blue Label [...]

By: Stogie Guys Friday Sampler LXX

Stogie Guys Friday Sampler LXX — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:44:41 +0000

[...] 1) It was recently announced that Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, will ban smoking in the racetrack’s indoor areas starting November 25. A judge recently found that “Churchill Downs’ exemption from Louisville’s smoking ban violates the Kentucky constitution” meaning you can no longer enjoy a cigar with the traditional Kentucky Derby mint julep. [...]

By: George E

George E — Wed, 02 May 2007 15:27:08 +0000

For more on mind julips, take a look at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/02/dining/02jule.h...

By: Cigar Jack

Cigar Jack — Tue, 01 May 2007 16:23:41 +0000

I'm growing some spearmint but unfortunately it isn't big enough to be used it. I was planning on making these and some mojitos.

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:54:35 +0000

To help clear up some of the confusion, at Churchill Downs you can have your Mint Julep prepared with either Early Times or Woodford Reserve (the only two bourbons sold at the Derby).

Where it gets complicated is that you have to visit one of only a few special stands to get a Mint Julep made with Woodford Reserve (and you'll pay a premium price for it). All the other stands mix theirs with Early Times.

That said, while I prefer Woodford Reserve…after the first few Juleps, it hardly makes a difference. The Julep looks and tastes pretty…but it's got some serious sting to it. And as it has been pointed out, despite the sweetness it's a great pairing with a cigar. In fact, on Derby Day you're as likely to see as many cigars in the stands as fancy hats. I prefer a Punch Chateau L Double Maduro or a spicy Avo.

By: Patrick S

Patrick S — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:02:57 +0000

Ha! Well said George

By: Patrick S

Patrick S — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:01:34 +0000

Larry-

Thanks for the comment, but I think you are mistaken about Woodford Reserve.

According to the http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2007/derby_experience/mint_julep.html" rel="nofollow">official Kentucky Derby website Early Times is the official mint julep the Derby, as it has been for "over 18 years."

Still, you're probably better off drinking Woodford Reserve!

By: George E

George E — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:00:32 +0000

At the Kentucky Derby Web site, there's a page on mint julips (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2007/derby_experience/mint_julep.html) — with a recipe, of course — and it notes that "The Early Times Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail has been 'The Official Mint Julep of the Kentucky Derby' for over 18 years."

By: Larry

Larry — Tue, 01 May 2007 10:31:01 +0000

First, let me say I enjoy your website very much – I only recently stumbled across it and so far the articles, tips, etc have been interesting and fun! I need to remark on your mint julep article ONLY because, well, I'm a big bourbon fan! You mention that Early Times is the official bourbon of the Kentuck Derby. Actually, that's not true – unless something's changed in the past year, Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon. Not a bad choice, but for my money, I'd prefer ANY of the various vintages from Pappy Van Winkle, Basil Hayden's or the old standby – Maker's Mark. Thanks for letting me go on a kentucky spirits enfused rant!

Larry