LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodford Reserve today unveils 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 10^th 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."

In addition to the cups themselves, Reid also developed an exclusive, limited edition fabric that will accompany each cup, as well as be featured in a capsule collection. The wearables include a limited quantity of bowties and neckties available for purchase at all Billy Reid^® locations, online at www.billyreid.com, and at the Woodford Reserve Distillery.

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
  
  Combine ingredients and shake with the mint. In the Julep glass, place 3 sprigs of the mint at the bottom and top with crushed ice. Strain over crushed ice into a julep glass, insert metal spoon straw. Top it with a mint sprig and candied orange/lemon slice and 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 www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com 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 the Alabama-based lifestyle brand 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.  Purchase of cup does not include admission to Churchill Downs. Purchased cups must be claimed by buyer or his or her proxy at Churchill Downs on Derby Day. For complete terms and conditions, please visit www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com.

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.

About Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve, the "Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby," is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve distillery in Versailles, Kentucky – the heart of thoroughbred country. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands such as Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, and Tuaca. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., produced and bottled by the Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2015

About Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program
The WWEP raises awareness to the healing powers of horses by supporting equine therapeutic programs and horse rescues around the United States. The WWEP is working to "Give Veterans and Horses A New Lease On Life...one hoof, one boot at a time." For more information, please visit: http://www.hoofsandboots.org.

About Churchill Downs^®
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on May 2, 2015 and its 2015 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 25-June 27. The track has hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships a record eight times. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.ChurchillDowns.com. Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby^® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

About Billy Reid®
Billy Reid is an American luxury fashion company with a deep appreciation for quality construction and craftsmanship and an enthusiasm for U.S. production. In addition to seasonal collections for men and women, the company offers a full range of accessories, shoes and denim, as well as two specialized menswear divisions: MSL and Heirloom, which feature American-made sportswear and tailored clothing. Billy Reid is sold in eleven namesake stores, including a flagship in Florence, Alabama, and two locations in New York City.

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SOURCE Woodford Reserve

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