Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 149 is the 2023 commemorative Derby bottle from Woodford Reserve, the official Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, and one of the most collected Derby bottles in the long running annual series that began in 1999. This year's release celebrates the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's legendary 1973 Derby win, a record run of 1:59 2/5 that still stands as the fastest in race history. The label features Kentucky native artist Jaime Corum's painting "Secretariat – Still the Greatest," capturing the chestnut champion in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs draped in the Garland of Roses. Inside the bottle is the classic Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select recipe, bottled at 90.4 proof in a 1 liter format.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Woodford Reserve |
| Distillery |
Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Kentucky (DSP-KY-11) |
| Master Distiller |
Elizabeth McCall |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Series |
Kentucky Derby Commemorative Bottle |
| Edition |
Derby 149 (2023) Secretariat 50th Anniversary |
| Mash Bill |
72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley |
| Maturation |
Heat cycled stone warehouses |
| Released |
March 2023 |
| Artist |
Jaime Corum, "Secretariat – Still the Greatest" |
| ABV |
45.2% |
| Proof |
90.4 |
| Bottle Size |
1L |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Packaging |
Bottle with commemorative label and Secretariat 50th Anniversary neck tag |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber with rich mahogany highlights.
Nose: Toasted oak, vanilla, sweet caramel, dried fruit, mint, orange peel, and a subtle leather undertone.
Palate: Ripe apple and pear, dark chocolate, maple syrup, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted hazelnut spice.
Finish: Long and warm, with lingering oak, baking spice, and dried apricot.
FAQ
Why is this bottle so collectible? Woodford Reserve has released a commemorative Kentucky Derby bottle every year since 1999. The 2023 Derby 149 release marks both the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby and the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's 1973 Triple Crown winning Derby, a record 1:59 2/5 finish that still stands. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall called this "our most collectible Derby bottle yet."
Who is Jaime Corum? A Kentucky native and renowned equine artist whose horse portraits have graced multiple Woodford Reserve Derby bottles. Her painting for this release, "Secretariat – Still the Greatest," depicts Secretariat in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs draped in the famed Garland of Roses.
Is the bourbon inside different from regular Woodford Reserve? The liquid is the standard Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon at 90.4 proof, the same recipe sold year round. The collectibility lies in the 1 liter size, the commemorative label artwork, and the Secretariat 50th anniversary neck tag.
Where can I buy Woodford Reserve Derby 149 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
