Thorntons Sticks to Tradition With Return of Bourbon Ball Donuts

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thorntons Inc. is bringing back its Bourbon Ball Donut in time for Kentucky Derby season. The limited-edition treat first debuted in spring 2015 and is back by popular demand so customers can enjoy the Kentucky tradition.

The convenience store chain collaborated with Chef Matt Jamie of Bourbon Barrel Foods to translate the decadence and excitement of the Kentucky Derby into a pastry, the company said. The Bourbon Ball Donut is a bourbon cream-filled doughnut covered in bourbon-flavored chocolate icing and topped with a pecan.

It is designed to capture the spirit of Kentucky's favorite time of the year, the retailer said.

Bourbon Ball Donuts are available for 99 cents each through the end of May at all of Thorntons' Louisville, southern Indiana and Lexington, Ky. locations. A limited number will also be available at the Taste of Louisville on Tuesday, April 26, and at the Thorntons Derby Festival Great Bed Races tailgate party on Monday, May 2 during the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Thorntons makes doughnuts fresh daily at its local bakery.

Louisville-based Thorntons Inc. operates 181 convenience stores in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Florida.