Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup

This year, the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep™ charity program, one of Kentucky Derby’s most distinctive annual traditions, honors the connections between Kentucky and France.

Handmade by Louisville-based jeweler From the Vault, the cups feature red rubies in a horseshoe shape.

One side of the cup is engraved with a thoroughbred, representing Versailles, Kentucky, where Woodford Reserve Distillery is located and where many of the world’s best thoroughbreds are bred and raised. The other side includes a nod to Versailles, France.

The cups come in a custom box and are nestled in French toile silk.

“The French connections to Kentucky are significant – from Versailles, the home of our distillery – to Louisville, KY, the city where the Derby is run and which was named after King Louis XVI,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris. “Cheers – or as the French would say “Sante” – to Derby 148.”

A total of 148 cups, honoring Derby 148, are available for purchase. Cups must be picked up at Churchill Downs on Derby Day at the $1,000 Mint Julep Experience near the paddock.

Of the 148 cups, 18 are gold and retailing for $2,500 and 130 Silver and retailing for $1,000.

This charity

Proceeds from all cup sales will benefit Old Friends Farm, where famous thoroughbreds, including past Derby winners, are sent to retire peacefully. The charity was started by Mike Blowen, a retired journalist from The Boston Globe. Old Friends is located near the Woodford Reserve Distillery in central Kentucky.