It’s been 50 years since Jockey Diane Crump became the first female to ride in The Kentucky Derby and this year’s Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup program celebrates that milestone. Crump rode Fathom in the 1970 Derby and, although the thoroughbred finished 15th, she made history.
A total of 146 julep cups — celebrating Derby 146 — are sale now. They feature etchings of the jockey silks worn in 1970 by Crump, along with the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs, and are nestled in a walnut case with a replica of turquoise and white silks that she wore that historic day. The cups were designed and handcrafted by Louisville’s From the Vault Jewelers and the silks for the walnut containers were made by Bourbon Cousins of Cincinnati. Cups numbered 1-25 are gold-plated ($2,500 each) while cups 26-146 are silver-plated ($1,000 each). Proceeds from the cup sales will be donated in Crump’s honor to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
The cups have special meaning to Woodford Reserve and its parent company, Brown-Forman, which this year is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Fathom was owned by a Brown family member, W.L. Lyons Brown.
In years past, anyone who purchased a julep cup could only pick it up on Derby Day at Churchill Downs. Due to the pandemic, the cups will be sent directly to consumers and Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris will conduct a virtual julep experience on Derby Day, which has been postponed this year to September 5th.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 1 barspoon Blackberry Preserves
- 1 barspoon Simple Syrup
- Mint Bitters
- Fresh Blackberries and Mint Sprigs, for garnish
- Crushed Ice
Instructions:
At the bottom of the julep cup mix 1 barspoon of blackberry preserves and 1 barspoon of simple syrup. Add 2-4 dashes of mint bitters. Fill two-thirds of cup with crushed ice. Add sipping straw and bourbon. Top off cup with more crushed ice (packed in). Top with fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint to garnish. Put the mint near the straw, so the smell enhances each sip.
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