Westerly’s Weekapaug Inn hosted a Derby Day celebration with Maker’s Mark on May 6, marking the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby. Located on the Rhode Island shoreline overlooking Quonochontaug Pond and the Atlantic Ocean, the venue welcomed guests with Maker’s Mark mint juleps and bourbon-branded photo ops and lawn games, with a festively attired team, guests and friends. The viewing party at the Meeting House saw guests dressed in their “Southern best” and enjoying chef-prepared passed hors d’oeuvres and a buffet, among highlights. Guests were also able to enjoy a photo wall with commemorative packages of mint leaves for planting. Maker’s Mark is a small-batch bourbon whisky produced in Loretto, Kentucky, by Beam Suntory. The brand history dates to the early 1950s and is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
-
- Kentucky’s Maker’s Mark small-batch bourbon whisky was showcased during the Weekapaug Inn’s Derby Day party on May 6.
-
- Weekapaug Inn’s Jonathan Feiler, Sommelier/Departing Group Wine Director; Andrew Brooks, Executive Chef; Gabrielle Clark, Group Food and Beverage Director; Audrey Abrashoff; and Daniel Abrashoff, General Manager.
-
- A classic Derby Day cocktail, a Mint Julep, made with Maker’s Mark bourbon whisky.
-
- A Kentucky Derby run-for-the-roses-inspired display with Maker’s Mark.
-
- Commemorative packages of mint leaves for planting future ingredients for mint juleps.
-
- Kara Tedford, Catering Sales Manager, Weekapaug Inn with a special equine guest.
-
- Guests enjoyed lawn games as part of the festivities.
-
- Mini bourbon pecan pies were among the prepared dishes.
-
- A broad view of Weekapaug Inn’s Meeting House.
Photos by Laura Widness.
