Two things we all know about Kentuckians: They love their bourbon and the head coach of the men’s basketball program.That’s why it came as no surprise when 24,000 numbered, limited edition charitable Maker’s Mark “Coach Cal” bottles were snatched up early Friday morning in less than an hour. To quench the proverbial thirst for the limited edition bottles, The Calipari Family Foundation for Children and Maker’s Mark has released 8,000 additional bottles, available to the public for $49.99. There is a catch. Although the bottles are identical to the first 24,000 bottles, the latest release will not include a drop of the Maker’s Mark bourbon.”Ellen and I would like to thank Bill Samuels, Maker’s Mark and Keeneland for making this special edition empty bottle to help support our Foundation,” head coach John Calipari said in a news release. “By not including alcohol in the bottles, we are able to ship these keepsakes all across the world and allow the Big Blue Nation to share in the commemoration of our first fabulous year in the Bluegrass.”The bottles went on sale April 3, two days earlier than originally planned because of the high demand. Bottles are still left through the CFFC by going to www.coachcal.com or www.caliparifoundation.org. The proceeds from the original Maker’s Mark-Keeneland collaboration went to a music outreach program where public school students throughout the state will now have the opportunity to see performances from UK student musicians.The latest collaboration between Marker’s Mark and the CFFC could raise nearly $250,000 for the CFFC.The current Maker’s Mark limited edition charitable bottle is the second in a series of three. Last year’s bottle honored former UK football coach Rich Brooks.

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