Bourbon Guides

The Kentucky Derby Drink Is the Mint Julep — But Real Winners Sip Bourbon

The Kentucky Derby is more than a race — it’s a celebration of tradition, speed, and Southern spirit. And every year, as horses thunder toward history, a plethora of glasses across Kentucky are filled with the Derby’s official drink: the Mint Julep.

But for those who truly appreciate the craftsmanship of Kentucky’s finest export, there’s another way to celebrate — one sip at a time, with a premium bourbon in hand.

This weekend, we’re raising our glasses to tradition — and going a step beyond it.

The Mint Julep: A Kentucky Tradition with Southern Charm

Mint Juleps have been a symbol of Kentucky hospitality since the 1800s, long before they became synonymous with the Derby. Today, over 120,000 Mint Juleps are served at Churchill Downs during the big weekend, a testament to the drink’s enduring charm.

Made with crushed ice, fresh mint, sugar, and bourbon, it’s a refreshing antidote to the May heat — especially if you're dressed to the nines in seersucker and silk.

But for the true bourbon enthusiast, mint and sugar are merely the warm-up act. The real showstopper is the bourbon itself — rich, complex, and meant to be savored long after the race is run.

Two Minutes of Racing, a Lifetime of Savoring

The Derby may be “the fastest two minutes in sports,” but a great bourbon demands more than just a moment. It deserves your time, your attention, and maybe even a little reverence.

Whether you're hosting a spirited gathering, attending a Derby party, or simply celebrating with your closest crew, there's no better way to honor the occasion than with a legendary bottle poured neat or over a single cube.

Because real winners know: life’s finest moments — much like a fine bourbon — aren’t meant to be rushed.

Our Picks for the Perfect Derby Sip

Not all bourbons are created equal — and on Derby weekend, your glass deserves something truly exceptional. Whether you’re after a trusted classic, a show-stopping collector’s bottle, or a once-in-a-lifetime pour, we have the perfect bottle to match the occasion.

The Time-Honored Classics

Tradition deserves a traditional pour. These bottles deliver Kentucky character in every sip.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon — Smooth and endlessly drinkable, with notes of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit. A timeless choice to keep the celebration going.
Blanton’s Single Barrel — The world’s original single-barrel bourbon, offering rich caramel, warm spice, and that unmistakable bottle — a true Derby icon.
Eagle Rare 10 Year — A silky, oaky bourbon aged to perfection, perfect for slow sipping well after the race is won.
Weller Antique 107 — Higher-proof wheated bourbon with bold fruit and baking spice; smooth enough for a long afternoon, strong enough to toast the winner.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch — Bottled in Bond brilliance, delivering butterscotch, dried fruit, and a spicy finish with historical pedigree.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style — At 115 proof, this bourbon stands tall with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a robust, lingering warmth.

The Collector’s Pours

Rare, remarkable bottles that will impress even the most seasoned bourbon aficionados.

Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition — A masterclass in blending and barrel selection. Each vintage offers its own stunning complexity of florals, spice, and fruit — a true favorite for collectors.
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength — Bold, luxurious, and slightly decadent; a port-barrel-finished bourbon that’s both powerful and polished.
Blood Oath Pact 9 Kentucky Straight Bourbon — A masterful blend of rare bourbons, rich with notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and baking spice.
Orphan Barrel Rhetoric 25 Year Bourbon — Elegantly aged for a quarter of a century, this rare release offers deep oak, vanilla, and dried fruit richness — a true conversation piece for the Derby and beyond.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C923 — Uncut, unfiltered, and bottled straight from the barrel, this bourbon delivers massive flavor with a rich mix of caramel, oak, and spice — made to be savored slowly, just like a great Derby win.

The Dusty Shelf Legends

The rarest of the rare — bottles built for those who know Derby Day is just the beginning.

Parker’s Heritage Collection 14th Edition — A luxurious, full-bodied bourbon honoring one of Kentucky’s finest whiskey makers.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 15 Year — Elegance bottled: soft caramel, bright oak, and a long, stately finish.
WhistlePig Boss Hog VIII: The LapuLapu’s Pacific — Unique double-finish and big, bold flavor fit for a true champion.
Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Old Bourbon — Two decades of aging produce a bourbon as rare as a Triple Crown winner — rich, layered, unforgettable.
Last Drop Distillers Buffalo Trace Bourbon 1980 — A once-in-a-lifetime pour, showcasing decades of expert maturation in every sip.
Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Bourbon — A legendary bottle that needs no introduction. Rich, oaky, and impossibly smooth, this bourbon is a prized addition to any serious collection — and the ultimate way to celebrate a Derby win.

Because after all, the Derby may be the fastest two minutes in sports — but the best experiences in life are meant to be savored for much, much longer.

If You Must Make a Mint Julep...

High-proof bourbons cut through the sweetness, offering balance, structure, and a little more punch with every sip. Still — we recommend keeping the julep simple: let the bourbon shine.

If you're determined to toast tradition with a julep, reach for a bourbon built to rise above the ice and mint:

WhistlePig PiggyBack Bourbon Single Barrel (Cask Strength) — Single barrel power and flavor, strong enough to shine even over ice and mint.
Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage — Smooth but full-flavored at 86.6 proof, a slightly lighter but elegant choice for juleps.
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon — Toasted oak notes with rich caramel and baking spice, great depth for a julep.
Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength — Wheated bourbon, but high-proof and bursting with flavor — stands up beautifully over ice and mint.

Bring a Winner to Every Party

The Derby might end in a flash, but a good bourbon lingers — much like a great story, a strong finish, or a weekend well spent.

If you’re heading to a party this Saturday, a legendary bottle is your ticket to instant acclaim. If you're staying in with a few trusted friends, make the moment count with a pour that lives up to the occasion.

Because whether it's Derby Day or an ordinary Wednesday, bourbon this good is always worth celebrating.

Find Your Winner — Explore Our Bourbon Collection Today.

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Preview Photo by Brandon Randolph