LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Woodford Reserve has unveiled a unique item that will commemorate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Just 150 bottles are available for purchase and one bottle will be presented to the winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby during the Garland of Roses ceremony at Churchill Downs.
Not only is this Woodford Reserve's rarest whiskey in the brand's 27-year history, but the bourbon will also by presented in a crystal decanter and a stopper made with 24K gold. These luxury details explain the luxury price tag: $15,000.
“This decanter embodies the spirit of Kentucky and the spectacle of Derby,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said.
The triple-barreled whiskey has rested in three different casks – the original bourbon barrel, a cognac cask and a couture barrel whose staves were seasoned in the Kentucky Derby Winner's Circle.
The special bourbon is described as carnelian red with rich floral and red fruit notes, sweetened with honey and textured with hearty oak and brown spices.
Woodford Reserve says the bourbon tastes like brown sugar-caramelized citrus peel, rich toasted oak, caramel, warming spices and dried dark fruit with a big and bold finish.
A limited number of bottles are available now for purchase on Woodford Reserve's website through two pick-up dates at the distillery. Starting March 28, a small number of bottle will also be offered for purchase at the distillery gift shop along with limited in-store availability at fine retailers across Kentucky.
One bottle is being donated by Woodford Reserve to The Backside Learning Center, which helps families who work on the backside of Churchill Downs, caring for thoroughbreds. The center will auction this rare bottle to raise funds for its programs.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.