This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
What started out as a grilling-and-mint-julep-filled gathering at their house with friends, John Young, co-founder and general manager of Longtucky Spirits, is opening up the Kentucky Derby festivities for the first time to the general public in the form of a new annual event: the Longtucky Derby.
Held on Saturday, May 5, 2018, from 4pm to 7pm, the event will feature a hat contest, mint juleps, and a new bourbon release.
"We kinda stashed away a five-gallon barrel of bourbon, a little bit smaller than our normal production run, so that it would age a little bit quicker and we can have it ready specifically for the derby party," Young said. "We're really excited to unleash just a little bit of whiskey into this world."
Attendees to the free event will also be able to watch the Kentucky Derby and participate in a rody relay race, where teams will ride adult-friendly bouncy horses through a course set up at the distillery; winners get a bottle of the new bourbon.
Food truck G-spot Noshery will also be there, making traditional derby day dishes like the hot Brown, an open-face sandwich originally created in Louisville, Kentucky back in 1926.
"It's an excuse to get together, watch the race, and have some fun," said Young.
"We're really excited for this annual tradition to become a part of what we are doing here at the distillery."
