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 150 edition, released for the 150th running at Churchill Downs in May 2024, making it the milestone bottle in a series collectors have followed for decades. The artwork is unmistakable: a single crimson horse and jockey at full gallop against a dense field of roses in every color, a striking take on the Run for the Roses, with a rose patterned neck wrap and the Derby 150 mark. 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, the Derby's signature drink, and works equally well neat or over a large cube. Each Derby edition is produced for one year only and then retired, and as the 150th anniversary bottle this is the one most sought after in the series. 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 150 (2024, 150th anniversary) |
| 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 150 edition?
It is Woodford Reserve's commemorative bottle for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in May 2024, featuring original artwork created for the anniversary.
Why is Derby 150 more collectible than other years?
It marks the 150th anniversary of the race, a milestone year, which makes it the most sought after bottle in the annual series.
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.
What size is this bottle?
This is the 1 Liter size, a third larger than the standard 750ml bottle.
Where can I buy Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150 online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
