Miss Out on the Maker’s Mark Calipari Bottle? Buy an Empty.

By bbqandbourbon on Apr 6, 2010 in Featured, Kentucky Bourbon

If you missed out on buying the John Calipari Maker’s Mark bourbon collectible bottle, there is still hope.

Maker’s Mark Distillery Inc. will sell 8,000 empty collector’s bottles featuring the likeness of University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari, through the coach’s charitable foundation.

Maker’s Mark sold 24,000 numbered, limited edition bottles through retailers across Kentucky on April 2. They lasted less than an hour before selling out.

Fans who were disappointed, even those outside Kentucky, can buy empty Maker’s Mark bottles, which can be shipped anywhere.

The bottles can be purchased for $49.99 at www.coachcal.com or www.caliparifoundation.org.

The Calipari bottle is the second in a three-bottle series. Last year’s bottle featured now-retired University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks. Since 1997, Maker’s Mark has produced a special charitable commemorative bottle to coincide with the Maker’s Mark Mile, a Grade I stakes horse race run at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.

The Calipari bottle is expected to raise nearly $250,000 for The Calipari Family Foundation, to benefit a music-appreciation program for Kentucky public school students.