Louisville, KY (November 6, 2014) – The second of five 2014-15 Kentucky Derby Museum “Legends Series” events will take place December 4th, 5:30 – 7:30 P.M. in the Museum’s intimate setting. This bourbon Legends Series event will feature Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Bourbon Authority Fred Minnick.
Master Distiller James C. Russell, or Jimmy to anyone who has ever shaken his hand, has been making bourbon in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky at the Austin, Nichols Distillery for 54 years. Growing up just five miles from the distillery, Jimmy followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, learning time-honored traditions and techniques uniquely suited to the heart of bourbon country. He trained under Bill Hughes, Wild Turkey® Bourbon's second master distiller, and Ernest W. Ripy, Jr., the son of the original owners. It's a small community of men who have mastered bourbon, and within this brotherhood, Jimmy Russell has gained a reputation as "the master distillers' master distiller." From the first selection of grains through the entire distillation and aging process, he has fused experience and wisdom to create the finest examples of America's spirit.
Minnick and Russell will lead tastings of multiple Wild Turkey Bourbon’s while Minnick interviews Russell, guests will also have the opportunity to ask questions of Russell who is celebrating his 60th anniversary. Attendees will be able to purchase a Limited Edition Wild Turkey Forgiven Bottle with an opportunity to have it signed and personalized by Jimmy Russell.
Tickets for the Legends Series event, which includes tastings, an informative discussion and appetizers, are available on the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Legends Series page or by calling 502-992-5903. Tickets are $50 per person and $45 for Museum Members.
Including the December 4th Russell event the remaining Legends Series will include: Harlen Wheatley, master distiller of Buffalo Trace, Feb. 5, 2015; Bill Samuels, chairman emeritus for Makers Mark, June 4, 2015; and Mike Veach, renowned bourbon historian and author, Aug. 6, 2015.
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About Kentucky Derby Museum The Kentucky Derby Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit museum in Louisville, KY dedicated to sharing the fun of the Kentucky Derby experience. www.derbymuseum.org
