Cigar Aficionado Celebrates the 150th Running of the Kentucky Derby with Comprehensive Guide to All Things Derby Day
Everyone in Louisville, Kentucky is bracing themselves for the 150th Running of the Kentucky Derby as the weather finally turns warmer and the horses are prepared to hit the track. Over 170,000 people are expected to head to the historic Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The 150th will be a spectacle where the bourbon will be flowing, the Mint Juleps poured, and fine cigar aromas will fill the air. If you’re looking to get in the “Derby spirit” too, grab the latest issue of Cigar Aficionado magazine which is available Tuesday, March 19th. For all the details on this new issue, read on below!
About this Issue of Cigar Aficionado
It’s nearly time for the Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in the world. On May 4th, as many as 170,000 spectators will pour into Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, to view the action and commemorate this momentous day with bright outfits, sweet Mint Juleps and great cigars. Cigar Aficionado’s latest issue, on stands March 19, honors the 150th anniversary of the event that has run every year, nonstop, since 1875.
To commemorate this special occasion and get you in the proper Derby spirit, we created a comprehensive package that covers the event from top to bottom. So, when Derby Day approaches, grab a fine cigar and make sure you have enough Bourbon on hand. Get ready to enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor & Publisher, Cigar Aficionado
Stories Featured in the Issue:
Brown-Forman’s Family Affair: The maker of Woodford Reserve–the official Bourbon of the 150th Kentucky Derby–and Jack Daniel’s has always been family-run, even while undergoing dynamic change.
Where to Smoke: Finding cigar havens outside the track.
A Drink in Mint Condition: More than 120,000 Mint Juleps will be served on May 4 at Churchill Downs, discover why this drink is a race-day icon.
Your Guide to the Derby: Your Derby experience will be decided by where you sit: from the luxurious dining clubs to the infield.
A Knack for the Track: FanDuel TV host Michael Joyce has held every job in the racing game and finds the track to be the last refuge for the cigar smoker.
Against All Odds: Every year, the prerace chatter follows the favorites while some horses inevitably get snubbed. But occasionally, long shots buck the odds and win hefty payoffs for the faithful.
Chasing the Roses: Barbara Banke, chairman of Jackson Family Wines, has another passion: horses. Her Stonestreet Farm has produced champions for the Preakness and the Breeders’ Cup, but she still seeks the ultimate prize.
The Horse That’s the G.O.A.T.: In 1973, Secretariat set the standard by which all Derby entrants are measured.
Also featured in the issue: The Sphere of Sin City; a look into Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie Woods; life after “The Sopranos” with Michael Imperioli; 2023 cigars in review; and the favorite cigars of golfer Dustin Johnson, quarterback Cam Newton, sommelier Aldo Sohm and country-music star Scotty McCreery.
About Cigar Aficionado
Launched in 1992, Cigar Aficionado is the definitive lifestyle magazine for men. Dubbed “The Good Life Magazine for Men”, the print publication and its accompanying website (CigarAficionado.com), focus on luxury lifestyle topics such as golf, travel, alcohol and accessories. Cigar Aficionado also sponsors events such as The Big Smoke, the country’s premier event for cigar smokers. Parent company M. Shanken Communications also publishes Wine Spectator, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, subscribe to our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
If you like cocktails, subscribe to our second podcast, Cocktails with Friends. Cocktails with Friends is hosted by our good friend and partner, Bob Cutler.
Recent Bourbon Lens Coverage
- Four Roses Introduces 2 New Bourbon Mash Bills
- First Head Distiller Named at Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits
- Sazerac Company Cleans Up at San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series Pushes New Boundaries
- Bird Creek American Single Malt Whiskeys Gain New Accolades
- 15 STARS Announces New Vino de Naranja Finished Bourbon
