Two special bourbons will commemorate Kentucky Derby 150, PGA Championship. Where to snag them

Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal
·3 min read
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The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner and to celebrate the 150th running, Woodford Reserve is releasing a rare new American Whiskey, valued at $15,000, in addition to its 2024 commemorative bottle that features the artwork of Wylie Caudill. Mere weeks later, the PGA Championship is returning to Kentucky and Elijah Craig is releasing a special bourbon to honor the occasion.

Looking to commemorate some of the biggest moments in sports with a special bourbon? Here's what to know.

Woodford Reserve releases rare whiskey valued at $15,000 ahead of 150th Kentucky Derby

Woodford Reserve has commemorated the 150th Kentucky Derby with a rare decanter and the "rarest whiskey" in the brand’s 27-year history.
Woodford Reserve has commemorated the 150th Kentucky Derby with a rare decanter and the "rarest whiskey" in the brand’s 27-year history.

In honor of the 150th Kentucky Derby held on May 4, Woodford Reserve has announced limited-release bottles of the "rarest whiskey" in the brand's history.

Woodford Reserve, the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, is commemorating the 150th running of the race "with a unique and extraordinary expression of American whiskey," according to a news release.

The thrice-barreled whiskey has aged in three casks, including the original bourbon barrel, a cognac cask, and a couture barrel with staves seasoned in the Kentucky Derby Winner’s Circle.

The rare resulting liquor is presented in a crystal decanter created by French Maison Baccarat. As a nod to the Garland of Roses, the crystal topper was infused with 24K gold to "create a striking red color."

Woodford Reserve has commemorated the 150th Kentucky Derby with a rare decanter and the "rarest whiskey" in the brand’s 27-year history.
Woodford Reserve has commemorated the 150th Kentucky Derby with a rare decanter and the "rarest whiskey" in the brand’s 27-year history.

Only 150 bottles are available. The bottle, which arrives in a leather carrying case, costs $15,000.

“This decanter embodies the spirit of Kentucky and the spectacle of Derby," Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve's Master Distiller, said in the release.

The winning owner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby will be presented with a decanter during the Garland of Roses ceremony from Churchill Downs. One bottle will be donated to The Backside Learning Center, a charity that assists families who work on the backside of Churchill Downs caring for the thoroughbreds. The charity will auction off the bottle for fundraising.

A limited number of bottles are available on Woodford Reserve’s website, with two pick-up dates at the distillery. Beginning March 28, a small number of bottles will also be offered for purchase at the distillery gift shop along with limited in-store availability at fine retailers in Kentucky.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Carnelian Red

  • Aroma: Rich floral and red fruit notes sweetened with honey and textured with hearty oak and brown spices.

  • Taste: Brown sugar-caramelized citrus peel, rich toasted oak, caramel, warming spices and dried dark fruit.

  • Finish: Big and bold with a long smoothing fruit and spice presence.

Elijah Craig releases special small batch in honor of 2024 PGA Championship

Elijah Craig, the Official Bourbon Supplier, will present the “Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy” on the course for spectators to enjoy and will release a special Commemorative Edition of its Elijah Craig Small Batch in honor of the 2024 PGA Championship.
Elijah Craig, the Official Bourbon Supplier, will present the “Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy” on the course for spectators to enjoy and will release a special Commemorative Edition of its Elijah Craig Small Batch in honor of the 2024 PGA Championship.

Elijah Craig welcomes the 2024 PGA Championship back to Louisville's Valhalla Golf Club on May 16-19 after a decade away from the Bluegrass State. To celebrate the return, Elijah Craig will present the “Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy” on the course for spectators to enjoy and will release a special Commemorative Edition of its Elijah Craig Small Batch in honor of the 2024 PGA Championship.

Elijah Craig will be onsite during the championship at the 14th hole of the course aptly named “On The Rocks,” from May 16-19, and during practice rounds. Spectators can taste the Elijah Craig Small Batch, enjoy hand-crafted signature cocktails, and engage in photo opportunities after signing their name on an interactive signature wall.

Offsite, area consumers will find displays and engagement opportunities at retail and bar locations promoting Elijah Craig’s exclusive sponsorship.

A special-edition commemorative bottle of Elijah Craig Small Batch is available at select retailers across the country to help fans mark the return of the major championship to Elijah Craig’s “backyard." The bottle will be adorned with a neck label featuring the PGA Championship’s Wanamaker Trophy, a gold coin emblazoned cork showing the 2024 PGA Championship logo and a face label prominently showcasing the “Official Bourbon” designation along with the PGA Championship logo.

The barrels for this special release are pulled from Heaven Hill rickhouses P, 1G and A to further its ties to Elijah Craig’s partnership with the PGA Championship.

This one-time offering is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $36.99.

Food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock contributed to this report. Reach features clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: New bourbon releases commemorate Kentucky Derby 150, PGA Championship