Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon is returning to Churchill Downs once again. The brand recently announced the renewal of their contract for five years, solidifying themselves as the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby.
Woodford Reserve began its partnership with the Derby in 2018, and has been the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby” since 1999. The new agreement extends the partnership through 2027.
“We are proud to renew this partnership, as it unites together two of Kentucky’s greatest attractions, bourbon and thoroughbreds,” said Lawson Whiting, President and CEO of Brown-Forman Corporation, owner of Woodford Reserve.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Woodford Reserve as the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby for the next five years,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “We are pleased to build upon this partnership between two global entities that represent the unique culture and unbridled spirit of Kentucky. Brown-Forman’s brand offerings are the ideal complement to the heritage of this time-honored tradition.”
Looking toward the 150th Derby in 2024, Woodford Reserve celebrated the sponsorship by laying down oak in the Derby Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs. The oak will be used in a barrel for a very rare bourbon that celebrates the milestone event. This oak will be “seasoned” (remain in open air) for almost two months, allowing the wood to mature in preparation for finishing the whiskey.
“We are excited for the next five years, and we are honored to continue our partnership with Churchill Downs by creating this very special bottle for Derby 150,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris. “On the first Saturday in May, no matter where in the world we are, we are all Kentuckians.”
In addition to the special bottle, Woodford Reserve will continue to leverage existing partnerships associated with the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, and the Road to the Kentucky Derby, as well as the NBC tie-in and signage throughout the track.
The Kentucky Derby presenting partnership strengthens long-standing ties between this pair of institutions, each with deep roots in their home state. The extended partnership includes three additional Brown-Forman brands, Old Forester, Finlandia Vodka, and Herradura Tequila.
Old Forester returns as the “Official Mint Julep of the Kentucky Derby” and a sponsor of Thurby (Thursday of Derby week), a day at the races. Finlandia celebrates the Kentucky Oaks (Friday of Derby week) with the much-loved Oaks Lily cocktail. Herradura tequila cocktails will be available at the track throughout Derby week.
The Kentucky Derby has been run without interruption at Churchill Downs since the track’s first race meet in 1875. The 149th running will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
