The Silks of 139

Happy Derby weekend, y'all! I know the sun is shining brightly on my "Old Kentucky Home" this weekend! I wish I could be there but am spending a fabulous weekend in Carillon Beach, Florida for my dear friend's bachelorette party. Make sure you're Derby ready for the weekend and when in doubt, Julep out!

Talk Derby to Me! by ssophisticate featuring a ruched dress


Until next time, may your day be full of roses, juleps and a photo finish!

My Old Kentucky Home via Churchill Downs

Keeneland Recap

Race to the finish!

Since this week seems to be the official Southern Sophisticate recap week, I'll continue with my recap of another recent adventure; Keeneland. Following the Maker's Mark tour, we proceeded to Lexington (Kentucky). AKA GOD'S COUNTRY...no joke. If you've never been, go. It's B-E-A-U-tiful!! Imagine the prettiest rolling hills and horse farms you can and multiply it by 20. Lexington is simply gorgeous and is the epitome of thoroughbred racing. 

E's first Keeneland Experience

I was a little worried when I woke up on Saturday morning because the weather was not in our favor. Nonetheless, we proceeded to the track in our best spring attire. While most would tailgate before entering the track, we didn't really have the option. By the time we got out of the car and snapped a couple of pictures, the drops began to fall. We decided to proceed into the facility and wait it out. All in all, it was a good decision. By the second race, the torrential downpour came to a halt and the thunder and lighting were swept away. God was ready for some horse racing...and racing we did. By the third and fourth races we had got into a groove and had won back everything we spent. I used the rest of the afternoon to show E the premises (rain free) and catch the rest of the races. 

Me, Pucky and MAS in the tunnel

I felt lucky to take in two of my favorite jockeys in action, Kent Desormeaux, best known for riding Real Quiet and Big Brown straight to the winner's circle at the Kentucky Derby. I also saw Julien Leparoux who broke the record at Churchill for riding six winners on a single card. I can HARDLY wait for the Kentucky Derby in two short weeks! 

I told you I have a soft spot for "older people."

We ended up staying at Keeneland tailgating until around 8:00 that night. The weather was wonderful and we couldn't get enough of the fresh, Kentucky air. I cannot wait to make it back to Keeneland in the fall.  If you've never been, consider going, but I warn you. Once you go, you will have to come back every year! It's enchanting!

After a LONG day of racing

Thanks to MAS for being a LOVELY host and to Pucky for being a great travel companion. Love you ladies!

Post-race tailgate. My favorite picture of the day. Typical

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and preparation for the Run for the Roses!

Maker's Mark Tour Recap

I've delayed this post because I didn't have pictures to accompany. Without further ado, I give you photographs and details of my MAKER'S MARK TOUR!

*The tour is free.

*Dipping your own bottle costs anywhere from $6.00 all the way up to $48.00.

*It is a magical experience-soo worth your time!

Entry into the "The Still House."

Outside of the Still House. I believe it has something to do with
 the natural water they use in the distilling process. I won't tell all.
Let's just say it has to do with limestone.

Every building on the premises has these red bottle cut-out shutters..

This barrel was filled in 1954. It is located in the entry area of the Still House.

Mash tub tank.

Inside look at the Mash tank churning away.

12' self-sealing cypress buckets that contain the "sour mash."
Each tub holds 9,300 gallons of sour mash....in which they let you dip your finger into for a taste.
No worries-it hasn't been heated yet.

Copper Kettles/Tanks to help "sanitize" and cook the whiskey/mash.

Labeling line conveyor

Barrel Warehouse. All Maker's Mark barrels are aged for at least six years.

E and me in the Barrel Warehouse.

Our FREE samples of Maker's Mark original and Maker's Mark 46.
My attempt at being artsy.

Sweet Betty, our tour guide.
I have soft spot for tour guides.

E geared up, dipping his bottle like a pro!

Dipping my bottle.
Goggles, apron and gloves are required.
A Maker's Mark employee can dip about 25 bottles a minute.
It took me 15-20 seconds for one!

E and me with our charred oak barrel planks on the "Whiskey Creek" bridge.

Barrel Warehouses hold anywhere from 15,000 -20,000 bottles. They are painted black
to attract heat and assist in the aging process.

Our crew.

Prom 2011! Ha! JOKES! I actually sent the barrel wagon postcard to my sister! 

Genius Maker's Mark logo designed by Bill Samuel's wife.
(You'll have to go on the tour to get the story!)

The sun shines bright on my OLD KENTUCKY HOME!
SIMPLY. LOVELY

Until next time, may your day be filled with magnolias, bourbon and a tour of something GRAND!