April 7, 2014

GOV. MALLOY AND GOV. BESHEAR ANNOUNCE FRIENDLY WAGER ON THE MEN'S NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has agreed to a friendly wager with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear on the outcome of tonight's UConn Huskies and Kentucky Wildcats NCAA Men's National Championship game.

Gov. Malloy will bet Connecticut wine, beer and chocolate for a Huskies victory, while Gov. Beshear is wagering a fully-stocked Kentucky bourbon bar that the Wildcats will win.

"The UConn men, led by Coach Kevin Ollie, are in the midst of an amazing season, and our whole state is behind them for the win," Governor Malloy said. "The Wildcats are a formidable team, but I am confident that the Huskies will bring home another championship title."

"The Wildcats are having an unbelievable tournament, with another remarkable win in their Final Four game against Wisconsin Saturday night," Governor Beshear said. "The Wildcats' momentum will continue tonight and carry them past UConn, to UK's ninth NCAA men's basketball championship. Governor Malloy is a terrific governor and friend, but come Tuesday morning, he will be shipping his wager to Bourbon and Wildcat Country!"

The wine Governor Malloy is wagering comes from Jones Family Farms in Shelton, the beer from Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford, and the chocolate is from Munson's, Connecticut's largest retail chocolate manufacturer.

The Kentucky bourbon basket - created from a half-barrel from Maker's Mark - will include some of the state's best premium bourbon brands: Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, Bulleit Bourbon, Four Roses, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Town Branch, Willett, Old Pogue, Michter's and Corsair Bourbon. The barrel also will include barware, glasses, apparel and accessories to conduct a priceless bourbon tasting.

Tip-off for tonight's national championship game is at 9:10 p.m. EDT at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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For Immediate Release: April 7, 2014

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy