Woodford Reserve certainly knows how to honor the longest-running American sporting event, the Kentucky Derby on its 150th anniversary. What sets the race apart is that it is only open to 3-year-olds and has 20-horse exclusivity. Secretariat ran the race in the fastest time ever, breaking the Kentucky Derby record in 1973 by covering 31 lengths in 2 minutes and 24 seconds to win the ultimate Triple Crown. That record was established half a century ago and still stands today.
Known as “the fastest two minutes in sports,” this special Derby Day is celebrated with high-profile gifts, including a $15,000 whiskey that distinguishes it from the brand’s other products.
Woodford Reserve, the sponsor of the 150th “Run for the Roses,” released its rarest whiskey to date: Just 150 decanters of triple-barreled American whiskey. It additionally features artwork by Wylie Caudill, a native of Kentucky, who is well known for his vivid, repetitive designs and his trademark flowers. The artist Jaime Corum appeared on WHAS11’s YouTube episode, ‘Woodford Reserve releases bottle honoring Secretariat 50 years after his big win,’ and said, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to to honor Secretariat on his 50th anniversary of winning the Kentucky Derby.”
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“The fastest Derby ever run and still to this day he’s the greatest American race horse. So it was yeah such an honor to be chosen to to depict that on the Woodford reserve commemorative Derby bottle, ” he added. Meanwhile, the French Maison Baccarat created each crystal decanter of the triple-barreled prize, which is displayed in a leather box crafted in Scotland. The cost: An impressive $15,000. Naturally, the release is quite limited.
During the Garland of Roses ceremony, this year’s Derby winner will be presented with a complimentary decanter at Churchill Downs. Technically, the contents are an American whiskey that began as regular Woodford Reserve bourbon. After that, it was put into barrels of XO Cognac. After all, the wine was casked again in two “couture” barrels constructed from American oak staves that had been aged in the winner’s circle at the Kentucky Derby. For those who enjoy whiskey, the flavor is one of a kind!
Details on the limited edition whiskey
With a strong emphasis on red fruit aromas, the American Whiskey has the traditional Woodford Reserve notes of bananas foster, crème brûlée, and dark wood. A little more time in the glass brings out the flavors of apple cider, mulling spices, and hints of dry red wine.
The palate is both more sweetened and bolder than previous Woodford Reserve expressions, just like on the nose; those extra barrels have made their imprint! The lengthy and fruit-forward aftertaste is followed by an oak influence that wanes a little faster than anticipated. The finish is creamy and sweet, with a greater vanilla flavor than tannins. The 150th Kentucky Derby whiskey from Woodford Reserve is remarkable. Beginning on March 28th, bottles will be sold online in Woodford Reserve’s distillery gift shop and at a few particular Kentucky shops.
