Four Roses Event 1
Over 300 attendees gathered for the fourth annual Rose Julep Lexington Recipe Contest hosted by Four Roses Bourbon at The Grand Reserve. Photo by Theresa Stanley.
Local mixologists competed for prizes and bragging rights to the best julep in the Bluegrass. Eight contenders muddled their way into the hearts of more than 300 attendees Wednesday, April 27th at the fourth annual Lexington Rose Julep Lexington Recipe Contest hosted by Four Roses Bourbon at The Grand Reserve.
Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott_new
Master of ceremonies Brent Elliott, Four Roses Master Distiller. Photo by Theresa Stanley.
Attendees sipped on juleps and voted for a People’s Choice winner. A panel of judges selected a winner based on taste, creativity and presentation. First place prize in each category was $750.00.
"Last night's Rose Julep Lexington event was a great success," said Brent Elliott, Four Roses Bourbon master distiller. "We were thrilled with the crowd turnout, and the bartenders' juleps were outstanding."
Jordan Spence of Bella Notte won People’s Choice. He says, “Rose Julep Lexington Recipe contest is my favorite cocktail competition. Local flavor is the focus and the prize is nice too.” Spence grows heritage mint and strawberries in his own garden.
Rebecca Sanders, who competed as a duo with Natalie White, mentions, “Our bar has held the Judges’ Choice two years in a row. Table Three Ten is a special place with a culture of craftsmanship and teamwork; we love what we do. Everyone who participated this year brought a winning drink that might have won. We are thankful to be a part of the competition, and to have won it is the greatest motivation to continue to be better and refine our bar program.”
Mixologists from Bella Notte, Blue Heron, Distilled, Lockbox, Malone's, Saul Good, Table Three TEN, and The Sage Rabbit were finalists in the competition. Winning recipes are posted encouraging folks to muddle a few this Derby season.
People’s Choice
Jordan Spence, Belle Notte
Julep: Strawberry Rhubarb Superfecta