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Woodford Reserve's $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Not Just Any Bourbon Sippy Cup

The Brown-Forman Kentucky Derby push for all things bourbon connected continued today with word from Brown-Forman whiskey label Woodford Reserve of the 10th running of its $1,000 Mint Julep Cup. Seriously, I think this is a cool cup and all, but is any other whiskey maker besides Brown-Forman involved with this horse race?

The Woodford Reserve 2015 edition of the $1,000 Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Cup is, as the name implies, a limited edition, one thousand dollar collector’s cup that’s broken up into two different offerings (one actually prices higher). Here’s what your money will get you, according to Woodford Reserve:

Victory Cups
90 Victory Cups are available for purchase online for $1,000 on a first come, first buy basis from April 13-April 30. These individually numbered cups feature hand-engraved roses and a gold-plated crest dating back to the early days of horse racing, along with the 2015 Kentucky Derby date and Woodford Reserve logo and is accompanied by a gold-plated sipping straw. 

Winner’s Circle Cups
In addition to the 90 $1,000 Victory Cups, there are 10 gold-plated Winner’s Circle Cups available for purchase online for $2,500 on a first come, first buy basis. These individually numbered cups feature hand-engraved roses and a sterling silver-plated crest dating back to the early days of horse racing, along with the 2015 Kentucky Derby date and Woodford Reserve logo and is accompanied by a silver sipping straw
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The cups were designed in partnership with fashion designer Billy Reid and mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer, reportedly “resulting in a Mint Julep that’s distinctly modern.” In other words, they “pay tribute to Derbies past, while at the same time looking to the future of this iconic event.”

Woodford Reserve Mint Julep cups

Now should you think this is just a pure play for extra revenue on the part of Woodford Reserve, it was noted that net proceeds from these sales will benefit the Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program, which aims to raise “awareness to the healing powers of horses by supporting equine therapeutic programs and horse rescues around the United States.” It was chosen as the charity for this year’s Cup, in part based upon the votes of the public.

“For us,” said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris in a statement, “this program represents a huge part of who we are as a brand. We’re proud that this program has given way to more than $410,000 in charitable donations to equine and humanitarian related causes, and are excited to see what the next 10 years hold.”

If all of this has you convinced of wanting to buy a cup, you can do so through a special website. Each one purchased comes in “an oak box designed by Nashville woodworker Christian Fecht, and lined with a custom silk fabric designed by the Alabama-based lifestyle brand Billy Reid.” Once purchased you’ll need to make your way to Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day (May 2nd) to pick it up, or have someone you know do it for you.

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