Woodford Reserve Unveils New $5,000 Mint Julep Cup Program for Kentucky Derby 151

Versailles, KY (April 8, 2025) –  Today, Woodford Reserve announces a time-honored tradition with an unparalleled offering for the 151st Kentucky Derby: the $5,000 Mint Julep Charity Cup program. 

A total of 151 hand-crafted julep cups, 51 fine polished pewter and 100 sterling silver with heavy 24 karat gold plate, are available for purchase.

This year honors the legendary fillies that have conquered the Derby's illustrious course – Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988). 

"As we anticipate the 151st Run for the Roses, we celebrate the exceptional fillies who have etched their names in Derby history," said Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve. "Perhaps this year we will witness the crowning of another champion filly."

Net proceeds from the sale of this year’s julep cups benefit Our Mims Retirement Haven. Founded by Jeanne Mirabito, this sanctuary outside of Paris, Kentucky, is a retirement farm for fillies and broodmares, and is named after the 1977 Eclipse Champion 3-Year-Old Filly, Our Mims.

“We are honored that the Woodford Reserve team selected us as the philanthropic partner of their mint julep charity cup program this year,” said Pete Mirabito, President of Our Mims. “Fillies and mares are the backbone of the industry. This partnership will allow us to further rescue, revitalize and care for these retired thoroughbred racehorses and broodmares.”

The $1,000 Mint Julep Cup is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, meticulously fashioned from polished pewter. The $5,000 Cup showcases an even more opulent design, featuring 24k heavy gold plating over sterling silver. Crafted by Louisville jeweler From the Vault, and designed by Josh Merideth of Makers Agency, both cups are adorned with sterling silver accents, including the iconic Derby trophy, and embellished with lab-grown white and pink sapphires.

Cups can be pre-purchased and must be picked up at Churchill Downs at the $5,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience during The Kentucky Oaks (Friday, May 2) or The Kentucky Derby (Friday, May 3). 

This year’s mint julep recipe features three mint varieties to honor the three winning fillies:

The Filly Mint Julep     

• 2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  
• One barspoon of hand-crafted simple syrup
  
• 1 sprig of Chocolate Mint
  
• 1 spring of Peppermint
  
• 1 spring of Spearmint
  

Directions: Mix bourbon and simple syrup in the bottom of a julep cup, then fill with crushed ice. Garnish with three springs of mint.

Woodford Reserve® is the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby®. 

Woodford Reserve is crafted carefully. Please drink it responsibly.

About Woodford Reserve:

Woodford Reserve® is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us woodfordreserve.com or check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/woodfordreserve. 

Please drink responsibly.

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY. Woodford Reserve is a registered trademark. ©2025 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.