Woodford Reserve Bourbon's History and Role in the Kentucky Derby Tradition

The History of Woodford Reserve Bourbon and the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby and bourbon go hand in hand. After all, the Kentucky Derby is known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports" and takes place at the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. And Kentucky just happens to be the birthplace of bourbon whiskey in America.

One of the most prestigious and iconic bourbon brands associated with the Kentucky Derby is Woodford Reserve. Woodford Reserve has been the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby for over 15 years and has the privilege of producing the $1000+ commemorative Derby bottle each year. But where did Woodford Reserve come from and how did it get connected to the Kentucky Derby?

The Origins of Woodford Reserve Bourbon

The Woodford Reserve Distillery itself has a long and storied history in Kentucky. It originally opened in 1812 and was called the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery, named after its founder Oscar Pepper. It was one of the first distilleries built in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky and benefited from the limestone filtered water of the area which many believe helps create the smoother, more refined bourbon that Woodford Reserve is known for.

The distillery changed hands a few times over the next century, even shutting down for periods of time around prohibition and during downturns in the bourbon market. In 1993, the distillery was purchased by Brown-Forman Corporation, a large wine and spirits producer that also owns the iconic Jack Daniel's brand. They performed extensive renovations on the distillery before reopening it in 1996 and renaming it the Woodford Reserve Distillery.

The first official bottles of Woodford Reserve Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey started rolling off the line in 1996. It was marketed as a super premium, small batch bourbon made with exacting standards and retailing for about $30 a bottle compared to $15-20 for many mainstream bourbons at the time. Woodford Reserve's commitment to quality and craft distilling practices won over many bourbon aficionados and critics right from the start.

Woodford Reserve's Connection to the Kentucky Derby

As one of Kentucky's newer super premium bourbon brands, Woodford Reserve looked to associate itself with other iconic Kentucky institutions. Naturally, the Kentucky Derby was a perfect fit. Louisville Kentucky is only about 50 miles from the Woodford Reserve distillery in Versailles, Kentucky.

In 1999, Woodford Reserve became the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby. This represents the longest partnership between a bourbon brand and the Derby in the history of the race. As the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve could tap into the lore, prestige, and world-wide interest surrounding the Run for the Roses.

Each year, Woodford Reserve releases a special Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle featuring that year's Kentucky Derby art and theme. These special bottlings help reinforce the connection between Woodford Reserve and thoroughbred racing. Mint juleps served in Woodford Reserve glasses have also become a Derby tradition.

Woodford Reserve Produces the $1000 Gold Medal Bottle

In 2006, Woodford Reserve took its Derby partnership to the next level by producing the first ever $1,000 mint julep served in a gold plated cup. This was sold as part of a package that also included the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Gold Medal bourbon bottle commemorating that year's Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.

Each year since 2006, Woodford Reserve has continued the tradition of releasing a special gold medal bourbon bottle for the Kentucky Derby. Only about 200 of these limited edition bottles are produced each year. The bottles contain Woodford Reserve bourbon personally selected by their Master Distiller for exceptional depth and character. They represent the absolute finest barrels at the Woodford Reserve distillery for that year.

These exclusive bottles are individually numbered and feature extensive gold artwork designed by a famous silversmith and jeweler. Most depict thoroughbred horses in some form. The gold bottles have become highly sought after collectors' items by both bourbon fans and Derby enthusiasts alike.

Woodford Reserve's Bourbon and Distilling Process

Part of the reason Woodford Reserve became such a renowned bourbon brand is the care that goes into their production process. As a small batch bourbon, they are able to focus more on quality and craftsmanship compared to larger production volume bourbons.

Grain Bill and Mashbill

All bourbon by law has to contain at least 51% corn in its grain recipe or "mashbill". Woodford Reserve has a relatively high corn content at 72% which gives it a nice sweetness. The rest of the mashbill consists of 18% rye and 10% malted barley.

The rye provides spice and gives the bourbon a robust flavor profile. The malted barley helps convert starches into fermentable sugars. Woodford Reserve uses limestone filtered water, a Kentucky tradition that removes impurities but keeps in minerals that enrich the flavor.

Triple Distillation for Smoothness

Most bourbon is distilled only twice in copper pot stills. Woodford Reserve takes it a step further and distills their bourbon three times. The third distillation helps remove even more impurities at lower proof levels. The result is an especially smooth bourbon with refined flavors.

Aged longer for Maturity

Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels for at least 2 years to be called straight bourbon. Woodford Reserve gives their bourbon extra maturation by aging it for 5-7 years on average. Their oldest bourbons are aged up to 18 years before being used for special bottlings.

This extended barrel aging allows complex flavors to develop like rich caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, spices, and chocolate. The wood tannins also soften over time making the bourbon extremely mellow and smooth.

Bottled at 90.4 Proof

Woodford Reserve bottles their bourbon at 90.4 proof or 45.2% ABV. This is slightly below the typical bottling proof for bourbon of around 95 proof. The lower proof showcases the refined flavor and smoothness of Woodford Reserve bourbon.

Flavor Profile

On the nose, Woodford Reserve offers aromas of cherry, tobacco, honey, marzipan, and citrus. On the palate, expect notes of roasted nuts, rye, brown sugar, pepper, and fruit. It finishes clean with lingering oak sweetness.

Overall it strikes a wonderful balance between sweetness, spice, and complexity. Truly an outstanding sipping bourbon neat or on the rocks. It also makes a phenomenal Old Fashioned or Manhattan cocktail.

Woodford Reserve's Involvement and Impact on the Kentucky Derby

In the over 15 years that Woodford Reserve has been intimately involved with the Kentucky Derby, it has had a major impact on America's biggest horse race. Here are some of the ways Woodford Reserve has influenced the Derby experience for spectators and fans.

The Gold Standard Mint Julep

Thanks to Woodford Reserve, the mint julep has been elevated to an artform at the Derby. The ritually crafted $1000 gold cup mint julep sets the standard that other juleps aspire to. Fans now expect only the freshest mint, plenty of crushed ice, precise ingredients, and elegant cups when they order a julep at Churchill Downs.

Bourbon Culture at the Derby

Woodford Reserve has helped accentuate and celebrate Kentucky's bourbon culture during the Kentucky Derby season. Bourbon tastings, cocktail receptions, bottle signings, and races named after legendary bourbons are now integral parts of the Derby experience. Attendees can learn about and savor bourbon as much as they enjoy the horse races.

The Bourbon Lifestyle

Woodford Reserve promotes a vision of the bourbon lifestyle that aligns with Derby goers and fans. It conjures up images of southern hospitality, gentlemen on the front porch with tumblers, and good living. It adds to the romanticism and aura of Derby Week in Louisville.

Philanthropy

Woodford Reserve uses their platform as a Derby sponsor to give back to the community. A portion of $1000 Mint Julep sales goes to charity. They also serve as a major sponsor of the annual Fillies and Lilies Party that generates funds for local breast cancer causes.

The Derby Bottle Collector's Culture

Those ultra premium Derby bottles have spawned an entire culture of collectors always on the hunt for past years' releases. People speculate all year long about what the theme will be and start lining up well in advance of the bottle release. It has brought added excitement surrounding the Derby.

How to Enjoy Woodford Reserve Responsibly

When consumed moderately and responsibly, Woodford Reserve can be enjoyed during Derby celebrations and whenever a fine bourbon experience is called for. Here are some tips for enjoying Woodford Reserve properly:

• Sip slowly and appreciate the aroma and taste - don't shoot it
• Stay hydrated by having a glass of water in between bourbons
• Respect the 90.4 proof and don't overindulge
• Savor Woodford Reserve neat or on the rocks to enjoy the nuances
• Make sure you have transportation set up if you are not in your home
• Check the laws and regulations if taking bottles across state lines

Like anything, moderation is the key to enjoying bourbon responsibly. But when appreciated properly, Woodford Reserve is one of life's finer pleasures and a fantastic spirit to celebrate events like the Kentucky Derby with.

FAQs

What makes Woodford Reserve bourbon different or special?

Woodford Reserve is considered a premium small batch bourbon. This means it is made in smaller quantities with extra care and craftsmanship compared to large production bourbons. Woodford Reserve uses a high corn mashbill, triple distillation for smoothness, and ages its bourbon for 5-7 years on average giving it complexity. It is bottled at a lower 90.4 proof to showcase the flavor nuances.

How did Woodford Reserve become the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby?

Woodford Reserve was seen as an ideal sponsor for the Kentucky Derby given its status as a premium bourbon brand from Kentucky. In 1999, it became the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and has been the longest running partner between a bourbon brand and the Derby. Being affiliated with an iconic Kentucky event like the Derby has helped grow the prestige of Woodford Reserve bourbon worldwide.

What is the history behind the $1000 Woodford Reserve Gold Medal Derby Bottle?

In 2006, Woodford Reserve produced the first $1000 mint julep served in a gold plated cup as part of Derby celebrations. This also included a $1000 Gold Medal bourbon bottle. Each year since then, Woodford Reserve has continued the tradition of releasing a limited edition Gold Medal Bottle for the Derby showcasing their finest bourbons. Only around 200 bottles are produced annually making them highly collectible.