Four Roses Bourbon

Wednesday, April 14th 2010

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 14, 2010) – Kentucky Derby season is in full bloom and crafting the perfect cocktail to cheer on the horses of the 136th Run for the Roses makes any Derby party one to remember.

Derby party hosts can take a tip from Louisville, Ky. mixologist, Rory McCollister of Varanese restaurant, whose mint julep creation won over the judges’ palates during Four Roses Bourbon’s annual Rose Julep Recipe Contest.

Each year, Four Roses invites top bartenders to square off for the Rose Julep title, awarded to the Derby city’s best and most original mint julep. A panel of acclaimed Louisville chefs and restaurant and beverage critics rated each mint julep based on taste, creativity and presentation.

The 2010 edition of the Rose Julep calls for:

· 1 1/2 oz Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
· 1 1/2 oz Dried Cherry Lemon Zest Gastrique
· Fresh Mint
· 2 oz Tamarind Soda
· 2 oz Ginger Ale

To make the Gastrique:

· Boil and reduce
· Dried Cherries
· 2 cups sugar
· 2 cups water
· Juice of 3 lemons
· Zest of 1 lemon

Using a large mixing glass, muddle gastrique and mint. Add bourbon and shake well. Pour into tall highball glass and top with equal parts tamarind soda and ginger ale. Garnish with candied ginger rose, mint sprig and lemon zest.

“It’s amazing the talent our competition attracts and the variety of ingredients the bartenders use for the juleps each year,” said Jim Rutledge, Four Roses Master Distiller. “Whether you can attend the most exciting two minutes in sport or not, everyone can enjoy a Rose Julep and get a taste of Kentucky at its best.”

For more information on Four Roses Bourbon or instructions on how to make other recipes using Four Roses, please visit www.fourroses.us.

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