Daniel Davis
The Unveiling of Woodford Reserve’s Special Edition Kentucky Derby Bottle
Just when you thought the anticipation for the greatest two minutes in sports couldn’t get higher, Woodford Reserve, the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, has lifted the curtain on its annually anticipated limited-edition bottle. The distillery, known for its superb craftsmanship of bourbon, rye, malt, and wheat whiskies, has yet again outdone itself with its 2019 Kentucky Derby bottle, which is an absolute must-have for bourbon aficionados and horse racing fans alike.
An Artful Must-Have Collector’s Bottle
This isn’t just any whiskey bottle. It’s a handcrafted work of art that blends tradition with modernity in the most tasteful manner. Much like the globally celebrated horse race it represents, the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby bottle is a symbol of sophistication and elegance.
The Uniqueness of the Design
Each year, Woodford Reserve meticulously designs a special commemorative bottle for the Kentucky Derby with an emphasis on capturing the spirit and energy of the iconic horse racing event. This year’s bottle design, too, is a stunning embodiment of this alliance. The wrap-around label showcases the dynamism of the racing horses, each stride embodying the power, the competitiveness, and the passion of the Derby.
Created by touted artist Keith Anderson, a Brown-Forman employee who has been with the company for over a decade, the label art on the 2019 Kentucky Derby bottle is both astonishingly detailed and visually seductive. Anderson’s previous work for the Woodford Reserve bottle series has been widely acclaimed, making his contribution to this year’s Kentucky Derby bottle a highly anticipated affair.
A Sneak Peek into the Artwork
The 2019 version showcases Anderson’s immense talent for capturing motion and emotion on a small canvas. The label colorfully illustrates a scene of three thoroughbreds speeding down the racetrack with jockeys jostling for position — a scene that resonates with the intensity and thrill of the Kentucky Derby.
What adds more intrigue is the imitated effect of light streaming over the prints, making the horses and their jockeys appear like they’re blazing through the tracks right at dawn or dusk. The detailed expressions of the horses and the jockeys, the visceral portrayal of their struggle for dominance, truly exemplify the passion and drama connected with the two-minute saga that is the Kentucky Derby.
The Whiskey That Speaks for Itself
Of course, it’s not just the stunning artwork that’ll set pulses racing. It’s also the award-winning Woodford Reserve bourbon within. Woodford Reserve has a rich tradition of producing high-quality bourbon boasting a balanced flavor profile—rich in dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, and beyond. The same reputation-enhancing bourbon fills the limited-edition Kentucky Derby bottle, providing whiskey connoisseurs an opportunity to savor Woodford’s much-loved recipe while toasting to the greatest horseracing event in the world.
A Bottle Meant for the Celebrations
Whether you’re watching the horse races from a corporate box at Churchill Downs or from your couch at home, the 2019 Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby bottle is designed to elevate your experience. It’s a conversation starter, a collector’s item, and a tasting adventure all rolled up in a beautifully crafted package.
A Tradition of Excellence
The release of the Kentucky Derby bottle has become an anticipated tradition over the years. This couture bottle showcases not just the culture of the Kentucky Derby, but the lifestyle synonymous with it—the stylish outfits, the sophisticated drinks, the heart-racing sportsmanship. In a way, it’s a keepsake of one of America’s longest-standing sports traditions.
Woodford Reserve, with its meticulously crafted Kentucky Derby bottle, has once again successfully created a blend of tradition, artistry, and world-class bourbon. It’s a toast to the Derby, the annual celebration of a two-minute experience that thrills like no other. And even after the races are over, the beauty of the bottle will serve as a reminder of the exciting ride.
