KenDucky Derby
KenDucky Derby
Sport Your Finest Outfit, Your Biggest Hat, and Your Fastest… Duck?
Horse racing is a staple in American culture. Next to hot dogs, golf, fast food, cowboy boots, and baseball, it's a defining hobby of our nation. The Kentucky Derby is the grandest and most supreme form of horse betting, characterized by the out-of-this-world hats and outfits, signature mint julep cocktail, and the sweet southern charm to bring it all together.
Unfortunately for us in Western New York, our best crack at the holiday is watching it on TV, maybe with a DIY at-home julep if you really want to feel the fantasy.
That is, until now, because the third annual “KenDucky Derby” is coming to Ellicottville Distillery on May 3rd. And yes, I do mean ducks. On the day, pre-purchased “horse ducks” (rubber ducks that aren’t ducks because they’re horses so rubber horses?) are poured into the local creek, and of course, the first duck across the finish line is the winner. Since the actual derby will be playing in the distillery’s tasting room, Ellicottville Distillery is a perfect place to celebrate derby day and get in on the fun in a wacky way!
“My wife, kids, and I saw the Downs one year in Louisville and it inspired us. We whipped up the event, got some horse ducks, and floated them down the creek a few times,” said Bryan Scharf, owner and distiller at Ellicottville Distillery.
The Ellicottville Distillery is eight years old and owned by Bryan and his wife, Renee. “It was just a hobby that I had, and then I had a business partner come along around eleven years ago, and we started the project and have been open for a little over eight years now,” explained Bryan.
That hobby is distilling custom award-winning spirits, and Bryan is very skilled at his craft. Their straight bourbon was a gold medal recipient in the 2022 Great American International Spirits Competition. Another signature is their Maple Bourbon Creme. Also notable is their Appleshine and Blueberry Vodka.
Most guests dress up like they’re at Churchill Downs itself, with floral dresses, pastel colors, and the iconic giant sun hats for the ladies. Races will start around 2:00pm, and live music provided by the Hick Ups will go from 3:00-6:00pm. There will also be a food truck on-site. When asked how to get in on the action, Bryan replied, “You need to buy a duck for ten bucks to race.” (I don’t like the idea of buying and selling the majestic rubber horse duck, so let’s say you’re gifted a specimen and you just have to pay a $10 entry fee!) “In previous years, we’ve been able to host around six races,” Bryan added.
Distilling delicious spirits and putting on fun, light-hearted events seem to be the most important parts of Bryan’s job. There are tons more coming up in the summer months. “We love to do different stuff - anything to bring people out to the distillery since it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere,” said Bryan. Upcoming is their Classic Car Show, the Third of July fireworks, and you can catch different musical guests on several Sundays during their Sunday Series.
Right after the KenDucky Derby on May 17th is the distillery’s “Go Topless Jeep Event”. Shirts are required, but Jeep owners are encouraged to show up with the top off their cars to celebrate the nice weather. “In November, we launch pumpkins. Its called the Punkin’ Chunkin’… We bring out a trebuchet and launch them down the hill,” added Bryan. (Seriously, who names these? We love them all!)
If you’re already planning on watching the derby, why not get a little more festive? Do it in good company, in your best clothes, with a delicious cocktail, and get in on the action with a horse (ish) of your own! You can find more event details at ellicottvilledistillery.com, or on Instagram @ellicottvilledistillery.