Woodford Reserve’s $1,000 Mint Julep Cup

Proceeds from gold-themed cups and experiential auction to benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center

Woodford Reserve®, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby®, adds a golden touch to the classic Kentucky Derby cocktail by unveiling the world’s most exclusive mint julep cup. Celebrating the gold standard that Woodford Reserve has set by winning gold medals at every major spirits competition, the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup will feature 89 gold-highlighted julep cups, exclusive gold-influenced ingredients and a unique Golden Opportunity auction experience that puts the winning bidder in the Winner’s Circle on Kentucky Derby Day. Proceeds will benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center.

web-$1KMJ-2-Cups-Bottle-BoxIn honor of the 89th year that the Kentucky Derby winner has been awarded the gold trophy, there will be a total of 89 cups available for purchase online from April 15-May 2 at www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com. 79 Distinguished Cups available for $1,000 each feature a hand-engraved Thoroughbred and rider from atop the Kentucky Derby gold trophy and a gold-plated garland of roses. Available for auction with starting bids of $2,000, 9 Legendary Cups display a gold-plated Thoroughbred and rider medallion with brilliant cut diamonds. One Legendary Cup is also included in the Golden Opportunity auction experience package with an opening bid of $5,000.

The winning bidder will present the trophy for the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on Kentucky Derby Day and also enjoy a private tour and dinner at Woodford Reserve Distillery plus a private tour of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center with a Hall of Fame jockey.

Owners of the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup will enjoy a mint julep featuring a unique set of gold-inspired ingredients: ice made of gold-filtered mineral water sourced from the easternmost reaches of Nova Scotia; mint leaves dusted with gold and grown in Woodford County, Ky.; Woodford Gold sorghum from Woodford County, Ky.; and gold medal-winning Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select bourbon. The 89 cups will be presented only on Kentucky Derby Day, May 4, 2013.

[pullquote_left]A product made in the heart of horse racing country, Woodford Reserve is the perfect complement to any horseracing event and is proud to support the Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center through this year’s $1,000 Mint Julep Cups and auction package.”[/pullquote_left]

“Woodford Reserve is excited to be able to celebrate our gold standard with our horse racing fans by offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve Brand Manager.

2013 marks the eighth year of the program with more than $354,000 raised for equine and humanitarian causes. Fans are encouraged to follow Woodford Reserve online for exciting Kentucky Derby events and activities via Twitter at @woodfordreserve. Visit www.twitter.com/woodfordreserve for all the details.

“We feel very grateful for the awareness that the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup program brings to our center in support of our retired thoroughbreds,” said Michael Blowen, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center President. “The horses of Old Friends are very lucky to receive the generosity of Woodford Reserve from this year’s cup and auction sales.”