I Tried Graeter’s New Kentucky Derby Bourbon Ice Cream

Graeter’s has a new ice cream flavor. It’s only available for a limited time. And it’s made in celebration of the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports—the Kentucky Derby—which means, of course, bourbon is involved. But is Backstretch Bourbon Cherry any good? I gave it a try to find out. 

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Before we get into the review, let’s just go over a few details. First of all, let’s talk Graeter’s. If you’ve never heard of it, it probably means you don’t live in Ohio or the surrounding states. Graeter’s is an Ohio-based ice creamery specializing in French pot ice cream, which is small batch ice cream that’s super dense and decadent. And pretty much everything Graeter’s makes is, appropriately, great. (We tried and ranked many Graeter’s flavors, so we know.) While Graeter’s is still pretty regional, the brand is starting to show up in more and more stores across the country and you can buy pints online from the Graeter’s website. 

Next, let’s talk about Backstretch Bourbon Cherry. It’s the official licensed ice cream of the Kentucky Derby! It’s made with bourbon, black cherries, and pralines. It launched today (April 13) and you can purchase it online (Graeter’s ships nationwide). Derby goers will also get to sample the flavor from the Graeter’s Ice Cream Truck, which will be appearing at Churchill Downs. 

One more thing before we get to judgements. Graeter’s is giving fans a chance to win free ice cream for a year. You can enter here. If you win, you’ll get a monthly shipment of six pints. Six pints every month! 

Okay, that’s enough. Let’s find out if the newest Graeter’s flavor wins the roses or if it stumbles out of the gate.

New Graeter’s Flavor!

Backstretch Bourbon Cherry

Graeter’s

Pros: Like all Graeter’s ice cream, this new flavor is dense and so creamy. It’s absolutely packed with praline chunks. They’re in every bite. And they’re delicious—so, so crunchy and nutty and sweet. My colleague Gwynedd Stuart announced that they were the best nuts she’d ever had in ice cream in her entire life. And I don’t disagree. The cherries are plump and fruity. Everyone in the Sporked office had a tough time putting the pint down. It’s good! 

Cons: I’m not totally sure why, but the base ice cream tastes like banana. I checked the ingredients. There’s no reason why the bourbon ice cream should taste like banana. But it does! And, when paired with the nuts, it all ends up tasting like banana bread ice cream. Really, really good banana bread ice cream. But not so much bourbon ice cream. There is a boozy quality to it, somewhat, but try as hard as I might I couldn’t get much actual bourbon flavor. 

Verdict: It might not taste like bourbon, but Graeter’s new ice cream flavor is still a hit. Get it for the nuts alone! 

Rating:

8.5/10

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