Gege ReedLouisville Courier Journal
As we head into the Kentucky Derby season, there are two special Derby-themed bourbon bottles you should get your hands on, one from Evan Williams and one from Woodford Reserve. Plus, Old Forester has released its newest 117 Series.
Here's what is new on the bourbon scene this month:
Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon features Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Pin
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival, has released a special edition bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a Gold Pegasus Pin sealed in wax on the neck.
Dipped in silver wax, the bottle features a special face label with the coordinating Kentucky Derby Festival logo and includes an official 2024 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle.
“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is honored to host the annual bottle dipping of this limited Single Barrel release with the Kentucky Derby Festival," Jodie Filiatreau, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience artisanal distiller, said in a news release. "We're grateful for the [Kentucky Derby Festival's] partnership especially as the Derby city celebrates the 150th running of this iconic race and the amazing events leading up to it."
The bourbon is available at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, 528 W. Main St. for $84.99 and at select area retailers while supplies last. The limited edition 2016 vintage is bottled at 121 proof, commemorating both the 69thKentucky Derby Festival and the 52ndyear of the Pegasus Pin.
Old Forester release 117 Series: High Angels Share
Old Forester releases High Angels’ Share, an expression from its celebrated 117 series. This is the first release for the new Assistant Master Distiller Caleb Trigo.
High Angels’ Share is from The 117 Series, a limited-expression lineup that debuted in Spring 2021. Old Forester releases three different 117 expressions annually. This limited-edition whiskey is bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV) and is full-bodied with dark flavor notes, dried fruits, and herbaceous qualities. It is available online in a two-bottle set for $119.98.
“When walking into our aging warehouses, the aroma of evaporating whiskey is immediately evident,” Trigo said in a news release. “That smell is commonly called Angels’ Share – the angels taking their portion of the bourbon. Barrels with high evaporation concentrate flavors. We are pleased to bring those flavors directly to consumers through this unique bottle.”
Woodford Reserve releases 2024 Kentucky Derby bottle
With two months until the historic150th Kentucky Derby,Woodford Reserve, the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, has released its 2024 commemorative bottle featuring artwork bya Kentucky native.
The unveiling took place Tuesday atChurchill Downswhere "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" will take place this year on Saturday, May 4.
This year's special release celebrates the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby and features the artwork ofWylie Caudill,known for his bold, repetitive patterns, and signature roses. His painting, “Adorned in Roses,” depicts a racing thoroughbred covered with red roses, with a background of multi-colored roses.
“Wylie’s artwork embodies the spirit of Woodford Reserve, the liveliness of Churchill Downs during race day, and the heart of Kentucky,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said. “We’re thrilled to have a Kentuckian’s artwork on our bottle during this monumental year.”
Caudill grew up drawing and painting in Cynthiana, Kentucky. During college, he spent his free time creating chalk drawings, leaving his mark around campus and leading to his title ‘chalk guy' among locals. He expanded his public street art to painting murals in Lexington after college, and many of his murals can be seen across Kentucky today. Caudill also created the Official Art of the Kentucky Derby for Churchill Downs for the 150th Derby, marking the first year that Woodford Reserve and Churchill Downs have used the same artist.
“As a Kentucky native, I am honored to be a part of this milestone celebration,” Caudill said. “I have painted my signature roses many times over the years, but this one is truly special. The colorful roses symbolize the diverse Derby fans from around the world, connecting people beyond the track.”
More: Here's how to order The Courier Journal's '150 Years of the Kentucky Derby' book
Woodford Reserve’s Derby bottle has been an annual collector’s item anticipated by bourbon and racing fans since 1999. The 2024 Woodford Reserve bottle retails for $55.
Features reporter Kirby Adams contributed to this report. Reach features clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
