The 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs on May 7th. In keeping with tradition, several wine and spirits brands released limited-edition offerings to celebrate the event.
Woodford Reserve 2016 Kentucky Derby Bottle
Brown-Forman Corp. rolled out a commemorative bottle from Woodford Reserve, the official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, in March. The label for the Woodford Reserve 2016 Kentucky Derby commemorative edition ($43.99 a 1-liter bottle) features the painting “Barreling Down” from equine artist Thomas Allen Pauly. The bottle is available nationwide. For more information, visit Woodfordreserve.com.
In addition, Woodford Reserve released the 2016 edition of its $1,000 Mint Julep Cup, designed by menswear brand Hamilton Shirts and produced by Louisville, Kentucky–based jeweler From The Vault. Proceeds benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Woodford Reserve also unveiled its 2016 Kentucky Derby Mint Julep recipe, which was created by New York City–based mixologist Julie Renee Williams. The cocktail blends Woodford Reserve Bourbon, house-made toasted pecan orgeat syrup and fresh mint, all swizzled in a Julep cup. It’s served over crushed ice and garnished with mint, caramelized pecan crumbles and edible copper flakes.
Maker’s Mark American Pharoah Commemorative Bottle
Beam Suntory launched a commemorative bottle from its Maker’s Mark Bourbon brand in honor of American Pharoah, winner of last year’s Kentucky Derby and the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. The Maker’s Mark American Pharoah commemorative bottle ($74.99 a 1-liter bottle) features the blue and yellow silks of American Pharoah and is available in limited quantities nationwide. In addition, the company will make a donation to the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville in partnership with American Pharoah owner Ahmed Zayat. For more information, visit Makersmark.com.
14 Hands Kentucky Derby And Stampede Red Blends
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has added a commemorative label to its 14 Hands range. The 2013 Kentucky Derby red blend marks 14 Hands’ fourth annual partnership with the Kentucky Derby. Available nationwide, the wine ($12 a 750-ml. bottle) is sourced from Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA and made with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The label features imagery of American Pharoah and jockey Victor Espinoza.
Ste. Michelle also debuted a new permanent addition to the 14 Hands lineup. Also sourced from the Columbia Valley, the 2014 Stampede red blend ($12) is made with Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre and Viognier and has flavors of spice, cedar, cola and cherry. For more information, visit 14hands.com.