Woodford Reserve® Unites with Fashion & Mixology's Top Talent to Create 2016 Kentucky Derby® $1,000 Mint Julep Cup

A trifecta of handcrafted artistry benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

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Apr 26, 2016, 03:00 ET

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodford Reserve today unveils its $1,000 Mint Julep Cup available at the Kentucky Derby^® and benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Now in its 11^th year, the 2016 iteration offers an elevated Derby experience curated by Master Distiller Chris Morris, in partnership with acclaimed menswear designer Hamilton Shirts and New York mixologist Julie Renee Williams.

This year's special Mint Julep recipe pays tribute to the traditional southern dessert of pecan pie, featuring a trifecta of fresh, original ingredients and garnishes.

Woodford Reserve unveils its $1,000 Mint Julep Cup available at the Kentucky Derby and benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Now in its 11th year, the 2016 iteration offers an elevated Derby experience curated by Master Distiller Chris Morris, in partnership with acclaimed menswear designer Hamilton Shirts and New York mixologist Julie Renee Williams.

Woodford Reserve^® 2016 Kentucky Derby^®Mint Julep

2oz Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select
.75oz Toasted Pecan Orgeat Syrup
Fresh Mint
Caramelized pecan crumbles for garnish
Edible copper flakes

Rub fresh mint around julep cup. Combine ingredients with crushed ice and swizzle in glass. Add more crushed ice, garnish with mint bunch, caramelized pecan crumbles and edible copper flakes.

To make toasted pecan orgeat, toast pecans, mix or muddle into small pieces and simmer on low heat to create a nut milk. Fine strain or use a nut milk bag to remove nut pieces, and add equal parts sugar to liquid.

"Woodford Reserve prides itself on producing bourbon with a flavor that blends our historic past with our current innovative style, and this year's special Mint Julep recipe does just that," says Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris.

The signature $1,000 Mint Julep Cups were designed by Houston-based men's shirt designer Hamilton Shirts and handcrafted at Louisville-based jeweler From the Vault.

"The $1,000 Mint Julep Cup is representative of our approach to design, with an engraved classic plaid graphic and stitch beading," said David Hamilton, a fourth-generation co-owner of Hamilton Shirts. "As a family-owned company rooted in heritage and tradition, we're honored to be a part of an event as iconic as the Kentucky Derby, and thrilled to work alongside Woodford Reserve."

In addition to the cups themselves, Hamilton also developed an exclusive, limited edition fabric that will accompany each cup in its box's lining.

"Partnering with two talented artists represents our commitment to create an unparalleled experience for Kentucky Derby fans," said Morris. "Woodford Reserve has donated more than $425,000 to equine and humanitarian-related causes through this program, and we are proud to continue to positively impact these communities through this year's $1,000 Mint Julep Cup."

Each year, Woodford Reserve selects a charitable organization to receive the net proceeds from the $1,000 Mint Julep Cup sales. This year's receiving charity is the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which works to provide financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries.

"The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund greatly appreciates being chosen once again by Woodford Reserve to receive the funds raised by their $1,000 Mint Julep Cup program," said Nancy LaSala, the organization's president. "We are grateful for their contribution and help in continuing to aid injured jockeys."

How to Purchase a Cup
Beginning April 26, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. E.T., consumers ages 21 years and older can log on to www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com to purchase one of the Crafter's Cups or Master's 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 Houston-based menswear brand Hamilton Shirts^®. Online sale closes on May 6, 2016 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.

Crafter's Cups
90 Crafter's Cups are available for purchase online for $1,000 on a first come, first buy basis from April 26-May 6. These individually numbered cups feature Hamilton's classic plaid pattern, along with the 2016 Kentucky Derby date and Woodford Reserve logo, and is accompanied by a gold-plated sipping straw.

Master's Cups
In addition to the 90 $1,000 Crafter's Cups, there are 15 gold-plated Master's Cups available for purchase online for $2,500 on a first come, first buy basis. These individually numbered cups feature Hamilton's classic plaid pattern accented with diamonds, along with the 2016 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, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel's, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, Sonoma-Cutrer and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us http://www.woodfordreserve.com/ or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.

About Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund
The PDJF is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Created in 2006 by leaders in the horse racing industry, PDJF has disbursed over $7 million and currently supports 60 permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. The Fund is grateful for the support of our many industry partners who are committed to the welfare of these men and women. For more information, please visit http://www.pdjf.org.

About Churchill Downs Racetrack:
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) offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 142^nd running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2016. The track's 2016 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 30-July 2. The track has hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships eight times. For more information visit www.ChurchillDowns.com

About Hamilton^®As an American institution worn by statesmen, entertainers, and captains of industry, Hamilton Shirts isn't just a brand—it's a legacy. For more than a century, the Hamilton family has worked one-on-one with our clients to customize shirts unique to their size, style, and sensibility. Today, Hamilton continues to marry stylish design and informed craftsmanship with the best possible fit to provide customers with their ideal shirts. For more information, please visit https://hamiltonshirts.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160426/360048

SOURCE Woodford Reserve