Woodford Reserve $1000 Mint Julep Is Something To Behold

Posted on by Jake Lewellen

Bourbon Lens Thoughts

Today we got the opportunity to see the unveiling of the 2023 Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep held at the iconic Churchill Downs. During this very quick press event we got to hear from Master Distiller emeritus Chris Morris and from a member of the Secretariat Foundation. It was capped off by the making of the Woodford Reserve $3,500 Mint Julep which features a special chestnut liqueur.

Official press release below for the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep

Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Charity Program

Honors 50th Anniversary of Secretariat’s Kentucky Derby Win

Versailles, KY (April 13, 2023) – The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep™ charity program, one of the Kentucky Derby’s most distinctive annual traditions, this year honors the 50th anniversary of Secretariat winning The Kentucky Derby, a historic moment in thoroughbred history.

A total of 150 cups will be available for purchase starting April 13. Cups must be picked up at Churchill Downs on Derby Day at the $1,000 Mint Julep Experience in the paddock.

This year, all proceeds benefit the Secretariat Foundation. The foundation was created by Mrs. Penny Chenery, who owned Secretariat, to support thoroughbred and equine-related industries. Chenery passed away in 2017, but her children continue operating the charity in her memory.

Handmade by Louisville-based jeweler From the Vault, each cup features a design of Secretariat’s famed blue and white checkered silks in sapphires. One side of the cup features an engraving of 1973, the year Secretariat won The Kentucky Derby, and the other features 2023.

Of the 150 cups available, 100 are silver cups retailing for $1,000, and 50 are gold cups retailing for $3,500. Everyone purchasing the gold cups will have their names engraved on the bottom (purchase must be made before April 26) and they will receive the handwritten autograph of Secretariat Jockey Ron Turcotte. All cups will be nestled in silk artwork of Secretariat in the Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs.

The mint julep recipe features Woodford Reserve Bourbon and handmade chestnut liqueur, which honors Secretariat’s chestnut coat, as well as mint and Virginia bluebell flowers to celebrate the state where Secretariat was born.

“Secretariat is one of the most iconic thoroughbreds in horse racing history, and it’s an honor to celebrate his enduring legacy through our $1,000 Mint Julep program,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. “The money raised from this charity program will help ensure the impact of Secretariat is told for many years to come.”

Secretariat’s Mint Julep

  • 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • 1 oz. chestnut liqueur
  • 1 sprig of mint, for garnish
  • 1 stalk of Virginia bluebells, for garnish

Directions: Mix, then pour over a julep cup filled with crushed ice. Garnish with one sprig of mint and one stalk of Virginia bluebells.

Woodford Reserve® is the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby®. The cups will be available for sale starting April 13 via woodfordreservemintjulep.com.

Woodford Reserve is crafted carefully. Please drink it responsibly.

About Woodford Reserve:

Woodford Reserve® is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, Sonoma-Cutrer and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us www.woodfordreserve.com or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.

Bourbon Lens Coverage of Woodford Reserve

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