Woodford Reserve is the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, and each year the distillery marks the race with a commemorative bottle wrapped in original artwork. This is the Kentucky Derby 146 edition, released for the 2020 running at Churchill Downs, a year unlike any other in the race's long history. The 146th Derby was postponed from its traditional first Saturday in May to September and run without spectators in the grandstands for the first time ever, which makes this bottle a small piece of racing history in its own right. The label carries a watercolor style scene of thoroughbreds and jockeys sweeping past the track's iconic Twin Spires, rendered in soft washes of purple, green and gold, with the artist's signature printed on the cap. The whiskey inside is Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select, the distillery's flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon, produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, a National Historic Landmark on a site where distilling dates back to 1812. It is made in copper pot stills using a traditional triple distillation process that is uncommon in American whiskey, and bottled at 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof). In the glass it is a rich golden amber. The nose opens with dried fruit, vanilla and toasted oak, joined by hints of mint, orange and cocoa. The palate is rounded and full, layering caramel, honey and dark chocolate with cinnamon, nutmeg and a gentle wave of rye spice over a satisfying oak backbone. The finish is long and silky, drying slowly with lingering spice, toasted wood and a touch of tobacco. It is the classic base for a Mint Julep and works equally well neat or over a large cube. This is the 1 Liter size, a third more whiskey than the standard bottle.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
45.2% |
| Proof |
90.4 |
| Size |
1 Liter |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Edition |
Kentucky Derby 146 (2020) |
| Distillery |
Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Brown-Forman |
| Distillation |
Copper pot still, triple distilled |
| Age |
No Age Statement |
| Maturation |
New charred American oak |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich golden amber.
Nose: Dried fruit, vanilla and toasted oak with hints of mint, orange and cocoa.
Palate: Rounded and full, with caramel, honey and dark chocolate over cinnamon, nutmeg and gentle rye spice.
Finish: Long and silky, drying slowly with lingering spice, toasted wood and a touch of tobacco.
FAQ
What is the Kentucky Derby 146 edition?
It is Woodford Reserve's commemorative bottle for the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2020, featuring original artwork created for that year.
What made the 146th Derby unusual?
It was postponed from May to September 2020 and run without spectators in the grandstands for the first time in the race's history.
Is the whiskey different from standard Woodford Reserve?
No. The bourbon inside is Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select at the same 90.4 proof. The Derby edition is distinguished by its commemorative artwork and packaging.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 45.2% ABV, which is 90.4 proof.
Why are these bottles collected?
Each Derby edition is produced for a single year and then retired, so older editions become progressively harder to find.
Where can I buy Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 146 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping
