Run for the Pappy: Louisville Kroger has 10 rare bottles to sell

To build on the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, a Louisville Kroger store that is a hub of Derby activity — both the Oaks lily and Derby rose garlands are made there — is about to create a bourbon frenzy.

The Middletown store’s wine and spirits shop will offer 10 chances to buy a bottle of rare 12-year-old Van Winkle Special Reserve bourbon for about $60. The store will draw a name a day for 10 days. Customers can enter once a day, beginning at 9 a.m. on April 25. The first winner will be drawn the next day at 9:15 a.m. and will have until 10 p.m. to make the purchase.

The contest will go on until May 6, Kentucky Oaks day. Customers can enter until 10 p.m. each day at the Middletown Kroger Wine and Spirits Shoppe, 12501 Shelbyville Road in Louisville.

The store will have several other special bourbon events, including:

▪  A Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby bottle signing with master distiller Chris Morris from 4 to 5:30 p.m., April 28. Bottles are available for purchase for $43.99.

▪  A bottle signing with Jim Beam master distiller Fred Noe, featuring Basil Hayden’s for $36.99 and Knob Creek for $44.99, from 4 to 7 p.m., April 29.

▪  A bottle signing of Russell’s Reserve 10 Year bourbon, $31.99, with Wild Turkey master distiller Jimmy Russell from 4 to 7 p.m., May 6.

▪  The Derby-week release of the teal blue and bright yellow Maker’s Mark bottle commemorating Triple Crown winner and Breeders’ Cup Classic champion American Pharoah on May 2, with a sampling from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Middletown Kroger also will celebrate Derby week with specially commissioned Derby-themed sand sculpture in the parking lot by Woodford County artist Damon Farmer, May 2 through May 6.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 12:50 PM with the headline "Run for the Pappy: Louisville Kroger has 10 rare bottles to sell."