COMMEMORATIVE BOURBON BOTTLE TO BE RELEASED NEXT MONTH
March 17, 2022. Louisville, KY. – Spring was in the air last night as the Kentucky Derby Festival returned with its first official event of 2022 – “Festival Unveiled,” presented by Four Roses Bourbon and German American Bank. The event, held at the Mellwood Art Center, showcased many elements of the 2022 Derby Festival, including the Official Poster, complete merchandise line and more.
2022 Poster Artist, Kacy Jackson, was on hand at the event to sign copies of his image. The 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival Official Poster, “Together,” features geometrical shapes and a multicolored scheme overlaying the city of Louisville to represent the diversity of people brought together by the Festival and the harmony it creates in the community. The Official Poster sells for $30. There is also a Signed and Numbered Limited-Edition Poster of a Pegasus in bright colors and geometric shapes that sells for $50. They are available online at KDF.org and can also be found in local frame shops.
The Festival’s official merchandise line includes over 100 pieces, including t-shirts, caps and mugs, and is produced by the Derby Festival’s apparel partner, 12/13 Apparel by Synergism. Official Derby Festival merchandise is now available online at KDF.org, as well as Kroger and Taste of Kentucky locations.
As part of the festivities, Four Roses Bourbon held its annual Rose Julep Cocktail Competition in conjunction with Festival Unveiled. This year’s competition featured eight past winners going head-to-head spotlighting their previous winning recipes. Attendees had the opportunity to sample all eight Rose Julep cocktails and vote for the “People’s Choice” Rose Julep. It was a tie for first place with Bill Whitlow of Rich’s Proper Food & Drink in Cincinnati and Colleen McCarthy of Martini Italian Bistro in Louisville both being named winners.
COVERAGE NOTE: Four Roses Bourbon is releasing a commemorative Derby Festival Poster Special Selection Single Barrel Bourbon, featuring the image of the 2022 Derby Festival Official Poster on Thursday, April 21 at Kroger Wine & Spirits, 12501 Shelbyville Road in Middletown. Fans can purchase the bottle and have it signed by Master Distiller, Brent Elliott, as well as the Poster Artist, Kacy Jackson. The bottle release and signing will be from 6 to 8 p.m.
There was also a framing competition featuring local frame shops, which showcased unique ways to frame this year’s poster. The Judges Choice Award went to Taran Parsons with Brownsboro Framing Co. (“Geometric Pegasus”). The winner of the People’s Choice Award was Gail Graham with Bluegrass Frames (“3-D Shadow Box”). The framed pieces of the 2022 Official and Limited-Edition Posters and postcards were included in a silent auction for guests to bid on and take home.
Festival Unveiled featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary gift for guests. Four Roses Bourbon and German American Bank were Presenting Sponsors of the event. Ladyfingers Catering and Kentucky Beef Council were Contributing Sponsors, along with Media Sponsor LEO Weekly.
