An annual tradition continues today as Woodford Reserve launches their 2022 commemorative Kentucky Derby bourbon whiskey bottle.
This year’s release features the artwork of Kentucky native Jaime Corum, an equine artist known for her horse portraits. Corum’s painting, titled “Dreams in Bloom,” features three thoroughbreds racing neck-and-neck, surrounded by a spray of spring flowers, including the iconic red roses of the Derby.
“The attention to detail in Jaime’s artwork is remarkable, and so realistic,” says Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris. “This year’s bottle celebrating the 148th Kentucky Derby will make a gorgeous addition to anyone’s bar.
Additionally, Woodford Reserve has partnered with retailer Williams Sonoma to help bring a Derby cocktail to parties nationwide. The Woodford Spire first launched at the track in 2018. As part of Woodford Reserve and Williams-Sonoma’s partnership, the Woodford Spire joins the line of co-branded cocktails mixers for sale nationwide, including the Mint Julep and Whiskey Sour.
Made with cranberry and lemon, the Woodford Spire is an official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby.
“The Woodford Spire is a staple for any Kentucky Derby celebration, and this year, Williams-Sonoma is making it easier than ever to make this delicious cocktail,” says Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall.
The Woodford Spire 16-oz. bottle will soon be available on WilliamsSonoma.com and Williams Sonoma retail stores.
The one-liter Derby bottles of Woodford Reserve Bourbon are on sale across the U.S. and the globe with a retail price of $49.99 per 750-ml. bottle. It is available for pre-sale starting March 1 on ReserveBar.
“As a born horse lover, the Kentucky Derby has always been a time of great anticipation and excitement for me, and a great source of pride in my home state,” says this year’s artist, Corum. “I am honored to help celebrate the 148th running of the Derby with this new artwork for Woodford Reserve.
“For me, Dreams in Bloom symbolizes that greatest moment on the First Saturday in May when the horses are in the final stretch of the race,” Corum adds. “A trio of front-runners have separated from the field, and from these three, one winner will emerge. They strive with every sinew in their being for the lead, giving their all. In this moment, time stands still, colors heighten, the roar of the crowd disappears until, in a flash, the new champion crosses the wire in front. For that fortunate one, the dream of winning the Kentucky Derby comes true.”
Woodford Reserve’s Derby bottle has been an annual collector’s item since 1999.
This follows the recent release of Woodford Reserve Winter 2021 Master’s Collection: Five-Malt Stouted Mash.
Thank you for this blog. Its Really Amazing Knowledge about whiskey.