Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and it’s pulling out all the stops with special bottle releases throughout the year.
For this latest release, Woodford Reserve, the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, has partnered with renowned Thoroughbred trainer Cherie DeVaux who has now won two of the three Triple Crown races with wins in the 2026 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes with Golden Tempo.
Introducing ‘Cherie DeVaux Derby Gold’ Double Oaked Bourbon
Days after her historic win as the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby DeVaux visited the Woodford Reserve Distillery and together with Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall picked out not just one but three barrels of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon. Double Oaked bourbon is made with fully matured Woodford Bourbon and then it is aged for another year in a second new American Oak barrel.
In recognition of DeVaux and Golden Tempo the release is called “Cherie DeVaux Derby Gold.” A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold will directly benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that accredits organizations dedicated to retraining and rehoming Thoroughbreds after their racing careers. Since 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $40.74 million to accredited aftercare organizations and 20,000 Thoroughbreds have been retrained, rehomed, or retired by accredited organizations.
Stay Informed: Sign up here for the Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.
“Cherie and I share a love of The Kentucky Derby, horses and bourbon,” Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said. “So, this special bottle release benefitting retired thoroughbreds is a trifecta.”
Bottles were recently offered for sale at the where bourbon and horse fans had an opportunity to pick up a bottle, meet DeVaux, snap a photo with her and have her sign a bottle. Bottles sold in about two hours.
While at the distillery we had an opportunity to catch up with DeVaux and learn how she and McCall picked the single barrels, what’s next for Golden Tempo and how she likes to drink her bourbon.
Exclusive Interview with Cherie DeVaux, Thoroughbred Horse Trainer, Trainer of Golden Tempo, Winner of the 152nd Kentucky Derby
DistilleryTrail – DT: Why are we here today at Woodford Reserve Distillery?
Cherie DeVaux – CD: We’re here at Woodford Reserve Distillery because we had a special collaboration, where they gave us a wonderful tour, and we got to choose a couple (actually three) barrels for special release that was all sold out today.
DT: What was it like doing a single barrel select with Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall?
CD: Doing a special barrel selection with Elizabeth was an amazing and unique experience. We all drink bourbon, but to really have that special, sit down, learn what we’re drinking, and really be guided on the process of what makes a bourbon really great.
DT: What do picking bourbon barrels and picking horses have in common?
CD: I think it’s one of those things where you really have to have a feel for it. As with horses, I’m sure bourbon is the same, where you can start off with a really good product and never know what you’re going to get until a couple years later, and hopefully it comes out you have a champion.
DT: Where will some of the proceeds for these single barrels go?
CD: Woodford has graciously donated some of the proceeds to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. They collect money, and then they donate that to individual programs for retired resources.
DT: What’s next for Golden Tempo?
CD: Next for Golden Tempo, his big goal is the Traverse Stake in Saratoga at the end of August.
DT: And the most important question, ‘How do you like to drink your bourbon?’
CD: I drink my bourbon various ways. one of my favorites is making an Old Fashioned. I put a little bit of Cointreau in there for that citrusy flavor, just a half ounce, and it really elevates the Old Fashioned.
Woodford Reserve, “Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby,” 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, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, and Chambord.
Learn more about Woodford Reserve Distillery.
View all Kentucky Distilleries.
View all U.S. Distilleries.
Please help to support Distillery Trail. Sign up for our Newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
