Looking for something special for the Kentucky Derby? Here are bourbon options
.png "Woodford Reserve is offering a very limited number of $5,000 gold mint julep cups and $2,000 pewter mint julep cups, to be picked at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks or Derby day. The proceeds benefit a non-profit that supports American fashion artisans.")
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Buffalo Trace is expected to release its 375mL Blanton’s one day only on Oaks Day.
- Four Roses issued a 2026 Single Barrel Collection of three 100-proof, 7–9 year bottles.
- Woodford Reserve sold a $50 Derby collector one-liter bottle featuring Anna Murphy art.
Kentucky Derby fans looking for a special bottle for the big race day on May 2 have a lot of choices, including one that bourbon lovers line up for every year.
While fans flock to Buffalo Trace in Frankfort every day for limited releases,, the distillery traditionally sees its busiest day of the year on Oaks Day, the Friday before the Kentucky Derby.
In honor of the Run for the Roses, Buffalo Trace is expected to release its coveted 375mL bottle of Blanton’s bourbon, available one day only, with a special sticker. It’s usually about $40, while supplies last. You can check online in advance at buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us/product-availability/ to see what’s offered.
But if you aren’t one of the lucky few, there are still many great Kentucky bourbons, including ones readily available at most stores.
Four Roses Single Barrel Collection
It’s not specifically Kentucky Derby related, but with a name like Four Roses, this bourbon will fit with any racing themed bar.
The new 2026 Single Barrel Collection features three unique recipes from the Kentucky distillery, OESQ, OESF and OBSK. They each have different flavors, created by combining mashbills and yeast strains. This is the second installment in the Single Barrel Collection from Four Roses, dubbed the makers of the World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon in 2024.
Each bottle is aged 7 to 9 years, is 100 proof and has a suggested price of $49.99.
The OESQ single barrel has a nose of red berries, honey, caramel and lightoak. On the palate, it’s floral and vanilla, with a soft and lasting finish, according to the tasting notes.
The OESF is candied fruit, clove, oak and creamy vanilla on the nose. On the palate, it’s light mint and soft grains, with a rich and mellow finish, according to the tasting notes.
The OBSK is allspice, cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon on the nose. On the palate, it’s rye spice and caramel, with a bright and rich finish.
Woodford Reserve’s annual Kentucky Derby bourbon bottle
Woodford Reserve, which sponsors the Kentucky Derby, also releases a specialty bottle every year with a label created by an artist for the signature premium bourbon just in time for the race.
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This year’s version features original artwork by Anna Murphy, a Chicago artist known for her blue-and-white porcelain-inspired style, according to a news release. Her piece, “Dress to Impress, 152,” is a nod to Derby fashion with iconic red roses and symbolic florals — fine art meets bourbon culture, the distillery said.
The one-liter collector’s bottle is $50 and available is stores everywhere Woodford Reserve is sold. Woodford Reserve’s Derby bottle has been an annual collector’s item anticipated by bourbon and racing fans since 1999.
Woodford Reserve $5,000 Mint Julep Cup
If you’re looking for something special, Woodford Reserve also offers its $5,000 mint julep cup. Only 152 hand-crafted cups were made, including 76 gold-plated ones for $5,000 and 76 polished pewter cups for $2,000.
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This year’s version honors the 250th anniversary of the U.S., with a sculpted Thoroughbred horse surrounded by 13 stars, paying tribute to the 13 original colonies.
Both editions feature a sterling silver horse and stars application adorned with 13 lab-created white sapphires, offered in polished pewter and gold-plated sterling silver.
“This year’s julep charity program marries two historic events — the birth of the U.S. and the most iconic American race, run every year at Churchill Downs since 1875,” Woodford Reserve master distiller Elizabeth McCall said.
Proceeds from sales of the cups will benefit Closely Crafted, a nonprofit founded by New York Milliner Gigi Burris O’Hara, dedicated to preserving and advancing artisan craftsmanship in the American fashion industry.
Order online at shop.woodfordreserve.com/woodford-reserve-2k-and-5k-mint-julep-cup/, and you can pick it up at Churchill Downs on Oaks or Derby Day, where you will receive a hand-made special mint julep. This year’s version added sugar maple syrup slightly spiced with Thomas Jefferson’s favorite spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, for extra flavor.
Maker’s Mark Northern Dancer bottle
This year’s edition of the Greats of the Gate line honors Hall of Fame stallion Northern Dancer, who won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in 1964 before becoming an influential Thoroughbred sire.
This bottle is hand-dipped in teal wax with a yellow ribbon, representing the racing silks of Windfields Farm. As the third installment in a 10-year series, this release supports a mission to raise $4 million for Kentucky nonprofits.
Evan Williams Single Barrel 2026 Kentucky Derby festival edition
The Evan Williams Single Barrel Limited Edition Kentucky Derby Festival Bourbon bottle comes dipped in yellow wax this year, with a gold Pegasus Pin on the neck of each bottle.
The bottles are available at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, 528 W. Main St., while supplies last, for $110. This year’s edition is 10 years old, 108 proof.
