When we think of Kentucky’s Bluegrass country, two things spring to mind: fast horses and smooth bourbon. So when we arrived for a VIP Stallion Experience at Taylor Made Farm (2765 Union Mill Rd., Nicholasville, KY; 859-885-3345, taylormadestallions.com) in the rolling hills just outside Lexington, we weren’t surprised that the tour began in Daddy Joe’s Bar & Grill. Bartender Kattie Breeden greeted us with the House Old Fashioned.
The bar is named for family patriarch Joseph Taylor (1924-2003), who was once farm manager of the revered Gainesway Farm. Taylor Made, run by Joseph’s four sons and one of their longtime friends, was established in 1976 to board mares that had come to Kentucky to be bred. As the farm grew from 20 acres to 1,100 acres it also expanded its operations to include horse sales and breeding.
The champion sires are really the heart of the farm and we felt like millionaire thoroughbred breeders as we headed to the Stallion Complex. Comfortable wicker chairs, chilled white wine, and a big charcuterie platter with Kentucky-made cheeses and meats awaited us. When we had settled in, the Parade of Stallions began as trainers brought one gorgeous horse after another out for our inspection.
“We want them to look like bright, new, shiny cars,” guide Carly Moulden explained with a laugh. The star of the group was the big chestnut California Chrome. And he seemed to know it. “He’s the biggest diva I have ever seen,” Moulden said. “He will only eat cookies. No apples, carrots, or peppermints.”
What else would you expect from a horse that earned almost $15 million in his racing career and now commands a $30,000 stud fee? We almost bowed as we approached California Chrome cautiously and extended our hands to make our offerings of cookies.
We also raise our glasses in a toast whenever we sip Taylor Made’s Old Fashioned. Thanks to Kattie for the recipe.
To book a tour, see VisitHorseCountry.com or call 859-963-1004.
TAYLOR MADE HOUSE OLD-FASHIONED
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
4 shakes Angostura bitters
1 1/2 ounces Makers Mark bourbon
1/2 ounce cherry bitters
ice
orange peel and maraschino cherry
In mixer, combine brown sugar and Angostura bitters. Stir. Add bourbon and cherry bitters and stir again. Add ice to glass and pour in mixture. Spritz and twirl the orange peel and add to drink. Top with cherry.