Woodford creates new $1,000 Mint Julep Cups

Bourbon brand Woodford Reserve has unveiled the 2015 edition of its US$1,000 Mint Julep Cup, the proceeds of which will be donated to charity.

Woodford Reserve will serve its new US$1,000 Mint Julep Cups at the upcoming Kentucky Derby

Created in collaboration with fashion designer Billy Reid and mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer, the new iteration is the 10 edition of Woodford Reserve’s Mint Julep Cup and will be exclusively available at the Kentucky Derby.

The cups were crafted at Louisville-based jeweller From the Vault and will be accompanied by a limited edition fabric designed by Reid.

“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 honoured to have been invited to design something as iconic as the US$1,000 Mint Julep Cup for a brand as unparalleled as Woodford Reserve.”

As the official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve recruited Pamela Wiznitzer to create the Mint Julep serve for the event.

Charitable organisation the Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program will receive the proceeds from sales of the US$1,000 cocktails following a public vote.

“As a Bourbon, one of the things that makes Woodford Reserve so special is our approach to whiskey production and flavour, and this year’s Mint Julep recipe is no exception” said Woodford Reserve 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 US$410,000 in charitable donations to equine and humanitarian related causes, and are excited to see what the next 10 years hold.”

Last month, the brand unveiled a new limited edition bottle featuring work of equine artist Carole Andreen-Harris to mark the 2015 Kentucky Derby – taking place on 1 and 2 May.