Derby Season is upon us here in Louisville! The announcement of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Single Barrel kicks off the busiest time in Louisville.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is celebrating the Kentucky Derby Festival for the ninth consecutive year with the release of a limited edition Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon, dipped in signature pink wax and paired with a 53rd Edition Gold Pegasus Pin—a cherished symbol of the festival.
Beginning Thursday, February 13, this exclusive 2017 vintage bourbon, bottled at 106 proof, will be available for $89.99 at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and select retailers while supplies last. The bottle’s special face label features the Kentucky Derby Festival logo, and each purchase includes an official 2025 Pegasus Pin in an attached envelope.
Tasting Notes & Bourbon Details
The 2016 vintage release boasts:
- Color: Bright copper
- Nose: Black cherry and molasses
- Palate: Cherry and sorghum sweetness
- Finish: Medium to long with notes of cinnamon, barrel char, and green peppercorn spice
Each hand-dipped bottle contains details on the exact day it was barreled. It includes the barrel number and the bottling date. This makes it a collector’s item for both bourbon and Derby Festival enthusiasts.
“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to continue the tradition of celebrating the season with Kentucky Derby Festival,” said Jodie Filiatreau, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller. “These bottles have become collectors’ items for Bourbon and Derby Festival enthusiasts alike for nearly a decade, and we’re honored to provide delicious whiskey to help fans celebrate this special time of year.”
A Tradition of Excellence
This special edition bourbon is aged in Heaven Hill’s rickhouses. Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll carefully monitors it to ensure a consistent flavor profile. This care maintains its premium quality. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage has earned five “Whiskey of the Year” awards and is one of the most critically acclaimed bourbons produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second-largest holder of aging bourbon.
“For more than five decades, the Pegasus Pin has been synonymous with springtime in Louisville and an iconic symbol of the Kentucky Derby Festival,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “We know this special edition bottle dressed in our signature pink color will be popular with pin collectors and Festival fans alike.”
Kentucky Derby Festival: A Celebration of Tradition
Since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown into a world-renowned event. It features over 70 special events leading up to the Kentucky Derby. This year’s festival runs from March 22 – May 2. It unites the community in an exciting celebration of tradition, culture, and entertainment.
Where to Buy
📍 Available from February 13, 2025
🏬 Evan Williams Bourbon Experience & select Louisville-area retailers
💰 Price: $89.99 (while supplies last)
📅 Pegasus Pins available exclusively at the Experience through March 1
About the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® is an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, offering an immersive journey through the history of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller. Visitors can explore the evolution of Kentucky’s native spirit through historical recreations, guided tours, and tastings at its Louisville location.
📍 Learn more at: www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com
About the Kentucky Derby Festival
The Kentucky Derby Festival is a community-driven celebration supported by volunteers, businesses, and civic groups. It is Kentucky’s largest attended event and one of the top community festivals worldwide.
📍 Learn more at: www.kdf.org
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