Rare, $15,000 Woodford Reserve Baccarat Crystal Decanter Unveiled for Derby 150

Posted on by Scott Dilley

Woodford Reserve Commemorates the 150th Running of the Kentucky Derby with a Rare Decanter of Finished Kentucky Bourbon

The team at Woodford Reserve announced the release at a press conference at Churchill Downs Monday morning inside Matt Winn’s Steakhouse. The project was over a year in the making with the Woodford Reserve and Brown-Forman Cooperage teams crafting a bespoke barrel with oak staves air seasoned in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle. That couture barrel was used to provide a third aging vessel for the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. Only two barrels of this rare whiskey exist in the world, with one used for this special Kentucky Derby 150 release.

The beautiful Baccarat Crystal Decanter is a true “Trophy Bottle” in that it will be awarded to the winning owner of Kentucky Derby 150 on May 4, 2024. Handsomely presented inside a leather carrying case made in Scotland, the special bottling will be limited to only 148 sets for sale to the public. For more details on the release, read the full press release below.

Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris, Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall, & Robert Rixman, Sr. Brand Manager for Woodford Reserve

Fast Facts about Woodford Reserve 150th Derby Baccarat Decanter

  • Style: Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Finish: “Thrice-Barreled American Whiskey”; finished in three unique casks – the original bourbon barrel, a cognac cask and a couture barrel whose staves were seasoned in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle.
  • Packaging Highlights:
    • Baccarat Crystal Decanter
    • Red Crystal Stopper Infused with 24K Gold
    • Genuine Leather Carrying Case
  • Bottle Size : 700ml
  • Proof: 90.4 (45.2% ABV)
  • Price: $15,000 + tax
  • Availability: only 148 bottles available for sale out of 150 produced. Available now for purchase online for Distillery pickup.

Full Details on the Release:

Versailles, KY (March 25, 2024) — Woodford Reserve, the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, commemorates the 150th running of the world’s most famous race with a unique and extraordinary expression of American Whiskey.

A tribute to 150 years of greatness, this is Woodford Reserve’s rarest whiskey in the brand’s 27-year history. This thrice-barreled American whiskey has rested in three unique casks – the original bourbon barrel, a cognac cask and a couture barrel whose staves were seasoned in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle.

Presented in a crystal decanter created by the artisans of renowned French Maison Baccarat, only 150 bottles are available. Each is priced at $15,000 and arrives in a bespoke leather carrying case. To pay homage to the famed Garland of Roses, Baccarat infused the decanter’s crystal stopper with 24K gold to create a striking red color.

This decanter embodies the spirit of Kentucky and the spectacle of Derby.

Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller

The winning owner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby will be presented with a decanter during the Garland of Roses ceremony from Churchill Downs. Additionally, one bottle is being donated by Woodford Reserve to charity – The Backside Learning Center, which assists families who work on the backside of Churchill Downs, caring for the thoroughbreds. The center will auction this rare bottle to raise funds for its programs.

A limited number of bottles are available now for purchase on Woodford Reserve’s website through two pick-up dates at the distillery. Beginning March 28, a small number of bottles will also be offered for purchase at the distillery gift shop along with limited in-store availability at fine retailers in Kentucky.

Tasting Notes

Color:  Carnelian Red

Aroma: Rich floral and red fruit notes sweetened with honey and textured with hearty oak and brown spices.

Taste: Brown sugar-caramelized citrus peel, rich toasted oak, caramel, warming spices and dried dark fruit.

Finish:  Big and bold with a long smoothing fruit and spice presence.

About Woodford Reserve:

Woodford Reserve, “Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby,” 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, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us woodfordreserve.com  or on Facebook at facebook.com/woodfordreserve.

About Baccarat

Founded in 1764, Baccarat, alchemist of joy and creator of enchanting worlds, is the fruit of a group of daring artisans who have transformed the four elements of nature – earth, air, fire and water – into crystal of unparalleled purity. By crafting true masterpieces, Baccarat has never ceased to surprise the world, garnering numerous awards at World Fairs and international exhibitions. This is how the name of a small town in eastern France, Baccarat, has over time become a symbol of the art of celebration and French joie de vivre. From Paris to Moscow, New York, Tokyo, Miami or Hong Kong, the unique experience of Baccarat’s art de vivre can be found within its Houses, boutiques, restaurants, bars, hotels and lounges. Ahead of its 260thanniversary, Baccarat continues its international development, firmly anchored in its roots, and driven by the ambition to always fly higher. Discover the captivating world of Baccarat at www.baccarat.com or  instagram.com/baccarat.

Image Credit: Scott Dilley

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