Woodford Reserve releases Kentucky Derby bottle

Woodford Reserve Distillery has released the 2016 commemorative bottle for its premium bourbon, which is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.

The bourbon will be on the shelves in March for a suggested price of $43.99.

This year’s limited edition label features artwork by award-winning equine artist Thomas Allen Pauly. His label features two Thoroughbreds dueling neck and neck and is called Barreling Down. Pauly is the official artist of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

“Woodford Reserve is honored to collaborate with an artist of such high caliber for this year’s commemorative Derby bottle,” said Jason Kempf, Woodford Reserve brand director. “His years of experience, esteemed skill set in painting and passion for the equine industry correlate perfectly with the Kentucky Derby.”

The 142nd Kentucky Derby is May 7 at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Woodford Reserve, which also sponsors the $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on Derby Day, also will release the annual $1,000 commemorative mint julep cups later this spring.

This story was originally published March 10, 2016 at 3:21 PM with the headline "Woodford Reserve releases Kentucky Derby bottle."