Evan Williams unveils Kentucky Derby Bourbon

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience has released a 2009 single barrel vintage Bourbon to mark the 2017 Kentucky Derby Festival.

Evan Williams has released a 2017 Kentucky Derby Festival limited edition Bourbon

The bottle, released by the Heaven Hill-owned brand and official Kentucky Derby sponsor, is dipped in gold wax and features a commemorative pin seated on the cap.

The liquid inside is a limited-edition 2009 vintage bottled at 107 proof (53.5% abv). The Bourbon was matured in natural open-rick warehouses.

Each bottle carries a face label features the Kentucky Derby logo, and a 2017 Pegasus Pin, which allows entry into Derby Festival events, can be found in an envelope attached to each bottle.

Pegasus Pins can also be purchased from the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

The Kentucky Derby Festival was founded in 1956 and today comprises more than 70 events in the run-up to the headline horse race in May. This year, the Festival runs from 20 April to 5 May.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to partner with the Kentucky Derby Festival to share the unique Kentucky spirit that is unmatched elsewhere,” said Evan Williams Bourbon Experience artisanal distiller, Charlie Downs.

“We’re honoured to raise a toast to Kentucky’s heritage and welcome Festival Fans across the globe to join in celebrating the 2017 Kentucky Derby.”

Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival president and CEO, added: “We couldn’t think of a better pairing of two entities. Both the Derby Festival and Evan Williams Bourbon are part of Kentucky’s history and tradition.

“We know this special edition bottle will be very popular with pin collectors and Festival Fans alike.”

The Kentucky Derby Festival bottle is available from the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and other local retailers priced at US$74.99 while stocks last.

Last year, Heaven Hill expanded its operations with the opening of a vast new warehousing complex in Kentucky.