EXPERIENCE THE GLORY OF THE KENTUCKY MINT JULEP

Epic Cellars has several U.S. locations, but the Crew is centered in Louisville Kentucky. Here in Louisville, we are now a breath away from DERBY SEASON. The

Kentucky Derby is a race of thoroughbreds first run in 1875, and the 1.25 mile “Run for the Roses” is now anticipated each first-Saturday-in-May by almost a month of local festivities. Growing up In Louisville, we always had Oaks Day, the Friday before Derby, as a school holiday. The Oaks is a race of fillies (girl horses), and truly, no one in Louisville works that day outside of the service industry. We learn to draw jockey silks, and we make our own stick horses to run in our little Kindergarten Derbies. Derby hats, Derby parties, Derby Pie. Folks, it’s a big deal.

What even IS a Mint Julep?

A cocktail from the 1700s, this drink was originally made in the southern states from

brandy or cognac. The Mint Julep is a near-religious requirement in Louisville during

Derby Week, but I must gently inform you that we do not drink them otherwise.

The modern Julep is now firmly based on BOURBON. It’s a BOURBON cocktail, ok? To the form, we begin with a stainless steel or silver Julep cup. Yes, you can use glass. With high-proof bourbon as the star, we add simple syrup and mint leaves (usually spearmint), muddled together (muddled, not macerated—do look it up). The ice is the best supporting actor—it needs to be as crushed or crumbly or pellet-like as possible, because it has the greatest volume in the cocktail, and the speed with which it melts makes the whole drink emerge.

So many bourbons—which makes a Julep?

The standard now for many years is Woodford Reserve. This spirit has many flavor

notes that meld in a lovely way with the mint and sugar. Again, high-proof bourbon

makes the drink, so Old Forester 100-proof or Wild Turkey 101 make good candidates as well. My own recommendation (don’t tell anyone!) is Angel’s Envy

Rye—nontraditional, but the bite is memorable. On May 2, 2026, join us to raise a frosty mint-garnished glass to a Kentucky tradition. Decorate your hat, place your bets, and watch the day’s races!