Woodford Reserve creates $1,000 Kentucky Derby julep cups

Woodford Reserve has produced 89 US$1,000 gold-themed julep cups it’s claiming are the “most exclusive in the world”, to celebrate the 2013 Kentucky Derby on 4 May.

A total of 89 cups will be available for sale until 2 May in honour of the 89th year that the Kentucky Derby winner has been awarded a gold trophy, with proceeds going to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Centre.

The US$1,000 cup is made of sterling silver and features a gold-plated garland of roses and a hand-engraved thoroughbred and rider, modeled on the figure standing atop the Kentucky Derby gold trophy.

In addition nine Legendary cups have also been produced by Woodford Reserve for auction only, with a starting price of $2,000. Each Legendary cup features a gold-plated thoroughbred and rider medallion hand-set with cut diamonds.

“We are excited to be able to celebrate our gold standard with our horse racing fans by offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Woodford Reserve brand manager Laura Petry.

“Woodford Reserve is proud to support the Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Centre through this year’s $1,000 Mint Julep Cups.”

Those splashing out on a cup will be presented with their purchase at Derby Day on 4 May, which will be filled with their own gold-themed mint julep made with gold-dusted mint leaves, gold sorghum and ice made from gold-filtered mineral water.

Along with the julep cups, Woodford Reserve is  offering an auction package, which includes the opportunity to present the trophy to the winner of the Derby, as well as a distillery tour.

Woodford Reserve is not the only brand taking advantage of the popular annual race in Kentucky. Earlier this month, Jim Beam released a limited edition Bourbon in anticipation of the Kentucky Derby.

For more information about the Woodford Reserve cups and the Golden Opportunity auction package, visit http://www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com