You know that feeling when you're standing in a liquor aisle and a bottle literally stops you in your tracks? That’s what happened to me when I first saw the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150 bottle. It isn't just a container for booze. Honestly, it’s a piece of history you can actually hold.
The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby wasn't just another horse race. It was a massive, once-in-a-century milestone for Churchill Downs. Woodford Reserve, being the "Presenting Sponsor," clearly understood they couldn't just slap a generic label on their 2024 release and call it a day.
They went big.
The Artist Behind the Roses
Most people don't realize that the art on these bottles usually changes every year. For the 150th, they tapped a local legend: Wylie Caudill. He’s a Cynthiana, Kentucky native, and if you’ve ever walked around Lexington or Louisville, you’ve probably seen his murals. He does these wild, repetitive floral patterns that somehow feel both old-school and totally modern.
His piece for the bottle is titled "Adorned in Roses." It’s stunning.
It shows a thoroughbred draped in that iconic garland of red roses, but the background is this explosion of multi-colored roses. Caudill said the different colors represent the diversity of fans who show up to the track. I love that. It’s a nice nod to the fact that the Derby isn't just for the high-rollers in the millionaires' row anymore.
What’s Actually Inside the Bottle?
Okay, let’s get real for a second. Is the liquid inside different from the standard Woodford Reserve you buy for forty bucks?
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The short answer: No.
The long answer: It’s the classic Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select bourbon. It’s bottled at 90.4 proof ($45.2%$ ABV), which is their sweet spot. If you’re a regular drinker, you know the drill. It’s got that heavy dried fruit nose—think raisins and maybe a bit of orange peel—with a finish that tastes like tobacco and vanilla.
- Size: 1 Liter (Notice that? Most bourbon is 750ml, but the Derby bottles are usually a full liter).
- Proof: 90.4
- Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley.
It’s a reliable pour. It makes a killer Mint Julep, which is basically mandatory if you’re watching the race. But let's be honest, most people buying the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150 edition aren't cracking it open the second they get home. They’re putting it on a shelf.
The Collector’s Trap: Is It Worth It?
I’ve seen these bottles listed online for anywhere from $49 to $150.
MSRP was officially around $49.99. If you find a store trying to charge you $120 for it in 2026, they’re probably banking on your nostalgia. Because it was the 150th anniversary, the production numbers were higher than some of the older, rarer editions, but the demand was also through the roof.
The "Baccarat Edition" is the real whale here. That one came in a crystal decanter with a stopper infused with 24K gold to make it look red. It cost a small fortune—thousands of dollars—and was finished in XO Cognac barrels. Unless you’ve got a spare wing in your house for a whiskey museum, stick to the standard commemorative 1L bottle.
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How to Spot a "Fake" or Repackaged Bottle
Since this is a collector's item, you’ve gotta be a bit careful. People sometimes try to swap labels or sell "empty" bottles as full ones.
Always check the seal. The 2024 edition has a specific wrap around the neck that should be intact. If the label looks bubbly or off-center, walk away. Woodford’s quality control is usually top-notch, so a crooked label is a massive red flag.
Also, remember the volume. If it’s a 750ml bottle, it’s not the official commemorative Derby release. Those are almost exclusively 1-liter bottles.
Making the Perfect Woodford Spire
If you do decide to open yours, don’t just drink it neat.
The "Woodford Spire" has become the unofficial-official drink of the Derby lately, mainly because it’s way easier to make than a Mint Julep (no muddling involved!).
- Take 1.5 parts of your Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150 bourbon.
- Add 2 parts lemonade.
- Add 1 part cranberry juice.
- Serve it over crushed ice.
It’s dangerously drinkable. It’s tart, sweet, and the bourbon still cuts through.
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Why We Keep Buying These Things
People ask me why I bother collecting these. "It’s just a label," they say.
Maybe.
But for people in Kentucky, or anyone who grew up watching the horses, it’s more about the memory. You look at that bottle on your bar five years from now and you remember where you were when Mystik Dan won by a nose in that insane three-horse photo finish.
The 150th was a moment. The bottle is just the souvenir.
How to Get Your Hands on One Now
Since we’re now well past the 2024 race, your best bet isn't the local grocery store. You’ll need to look at:
- Secondary Market Sites: Places like Caskers or Nestor Liquor often have backstock, though you’ll pay a premium.
- Auction Houses: For the higher-end versions like the Baccarat, check specialized spirits auctions.
- Local "Dusties": Sometimes smaller liquor stores in less-traveled areas still have a bottle or two sitting on the top shelf.
If you find one at the original $50 price point, buy it immediately. Don't think about it. Just buy it.
The next big milestone isn't until the 175th, and I don't think any of us want to wait 25 years for the next "big" bottle.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
Check the bottom of your existing Woodford bottles for the bottling date to see if you have an early-run 150th edition. If you are looking to buy, prioritize retailers that offer "Insured Shipping," as these 1-liter glass bottles are notoriously heavy and prone to breaking if not packed with double-walled cardboard.