Bourbon with Horse on Top: The Kentucky Derby's Long-Standing Love Affair

The Kentucky Derby, known as the 'most exciting two minutes in sports,' has been a staple of American culture since its inception in 1875. And at the heart of this beloved event is bourbon, a spirit that has been deeply intertwined with horse racing for nearly a century. In fact, it's hard to think of one without the other, as the two have become synonymous with each other.

As early as the 1930s, Kentucky bourbon distillers were aggressively marketing their products during the Derby, recognizing the event's potential to reach a large and affluent audience. Brown-Forman's Old Forester, Paul Jones' Four Roses, and National Distillers all vied for attention with their respective ads in the Derby program. This was a time when horse racing, baseball, and boxing were the top sports in the United States, and bourbon distillers saw an opportunity to capitalize on this popularity.

Fast forward to 2018, when Churchill Downs and Brown-Forman announced a five-year agreement making Woodford Reserve the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby. This partnership marked a significant milestone in the history of the event, cementing the bond between bourbon and horse racing that had been building for generations.

Today, Woodford Reserve is one of the most popular bourbons in the state of Kentucky, with its reputation as the 'official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby' helping to drive sales. In fact, anecdotally, store managers and owners have told me that Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, and Buffalo Trace are consistently among the top-selling bourbons in Kentucky liquor stores.

So why does this partnership work so well? For starters, horse racing and bourbon both have a rich history in Kentucky, making them natural bedfellows. Additionally, the two share similar values such as tradition, heritage, and community, which resonate with fans of both sports and spirits. And let's not forget the sheer excitement of the Derby, which is matched only by the thrill of sipping on a fine bourbon.

In conclusion, the Kentucky Derby and bourbon are a match made in heaven, with Woodford Reserve serving as the perfect example of this symbiotic relationship. Whether you're a horse racing enthusiast or simply appreciate a good whiskey, the partnership between these two Kentucky icons is something to be celebrated. So grab a glass of Woodford Reserve, don your best Derby hat, and get ready to experience one of America's most beloved events in style!

Bourbon with horse on top