Woodford Reserve has unveiled the 2015 edition of its beloved $1,000 Mint Julep Cup available at the Kentucky Derby and benefiting the Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program. Now in its 10th year, the 2015 iteration was designed in partnership with fashion designer Billy Reid and mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer, resulting in a Mint Julep that’s distinctly modern.
The signature Mint Julep cups were designed by Billy Reid and handcrafted at Louisville-based jeweler From the Vault. The cups pay tribute to Derbies past, while at the same time looking to the future of this iconic event.
“I was inspired by a book I had found many years ago while researching the Kentucky Derby,” said Billy Reid. “The Derby is an event steeped in heritage and tradition, and I’m honored to have been invited to design something as iconic as the $1,000 Mint Julep Cup for a brand as unparalleled as Woodford Reserve.”
Partnering with acclaimed mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer, this year’s julep represents a new take on the heritage cocktail that is the classic Mint Julep. Using the finest ingredients, the recipe honors the history behind the cocktail while also appealing to contemporary julep drinkers.
Woodford Reserve® 2015 Kentucky Derby® Mint Julep
- 2 oz Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
- .75 oz Coconut Palm Sugar Syrup
- 6-8 Chocolate Mint Sprigs
- Candied Orange and Lemon Slices for garnish
- Powdered Sugar
“As a bourbon, one of the things that makes Woodford Reserve so special is our approach to whiskey production and flavor, and this year’s $1,000 Mint Julep recipe is no exception” says Master Distiller Chris Morris “For us, this program represents a huge part of who we are as a brand. We’re proud that this program has given way to more than $410,000 in charitable donations to equine and humanitarian related causes, and are excited to see what the next 10 years hold.”
Each year, Woodford Reserve has selected a charitable organization to receive the net proceeds from the $1,000 Mint Julep Cup sales. To honor the tenth year of the program, the public was asked to help determine which of two pre-selected organizations would receive the donated net proceeds by voting on the official $1,000 Mint Julep Cup website. Nearly 3,000 votes were recorded during the voting period of March 16-30 with the Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program receiving the majority of votes. Woodford Reserve will contribute a nominal donation to the additional participating organization, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund.
“The Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program is truly appreciative to be receiving the funds raised from the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup program,” said Bridget Kroger, the organization’s founder and president. “It was an honor to have even been invited to participate in this year’s charity voting program and we are grateful to be able to continue helping veterans and rescued horses alike.”
How to Purchase a Cup
Beginning April 13, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. E.T., consumers ages 21 years and older can log on to the Woodford Reserve Mint Julep site to purchase one of the Victory Cups or Winner’s Circle Cups. Each cup is presented in an oak box designed by Nashville woodworker Christian Fecht, and lined with a custom silk fabric designed by Billy Reid. Online sale closes on April 30, 2015, at 12:00 p.m. E.T. Any unsold cups will be available for purchase at Churchill Downs® on Kentucky Derby Day, May 2, 2015.
Victory Cups
90 Victory Cups are available for purchase online for $1,000 on a first come, first buy basis from April 13-April 30. These individually numbered cups feature hand-engraved roses and a gold-plated crest dating back to the early days of horse racing, along with the 2015 Kentucky Derby date and Woodford Reserve logo and is accompanied by a gold-plated sipping straw.
Winner’s Circle Cups
In addition to the 90 $1,000 Victory Cups, there are 10 gold-plated Winner’s Circle Cups available for purchase online for $2,500 on a first come, first buy basis. These individually numbered cups feature hand-engraved roses and a sterling silver-plated crest dating back to the early days of horse racing, along with the 2015 Kentucky Derby date and Woodford Reserve logo and is accompanied by a silver sipping straw.
Happy Derby Time!
