Spring is almost here, and the Churchill Downs Spring Meet in Louisville, Kentucky, is just around the corner. Churchill Downs will kick off the Spring Meet on Saturday, April 26 just a few days before the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®”. The Kentucky Derby was first run on May 17, 1875 and for the last 26 of those years Woodford Reserve Distillery has partnered with the world famous track as the presenting sponsor in the Run for the Roses. Every one of those years has featured a distinctive piece of art on the Woodford bottle just for the Derby and this year is no exception.
“Carrera Dinamica” Translates to “Dynamic Race”
For the 2025 Woodford Reserve bourbon bottle the distillery has chosen to work with artist Humberto Lahera, known for his photorealistic paintings that blend classical techniques with contemporary influences. His painting, “Carrera Dinamica,” which translates to “Dynamic Race”, captures the energy of the Kentucky Derby with vivid colors, expressive brushstrokes, and fluid motion, reflecting the spirit of the race. A native of Cuba, Lahera now resides in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Humberto’s ability to blend rich colors and movement perfectly captures the excitement and tradition of the Kentucky Derby,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said. “As a Cuban-born artist now calling Kentucky home, his work brings a unique perspective to this celebrated moment.”
2025 Woodford Reserve Bourbon Bottle features the artwork of Cuban born artist Humberto Lahera.
Woodford Reserve is the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby.
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.
Growing up in Holguin, Cuba, Lahera was recognized for his talent from a young age as he was one of only eight students admitted to Cuba’s prestigious El Alba Academy of Fine Arts, where he graduated Cum Laude and later became a professor. Throughout his career, Lahera has worked as an art professor, antiques restorer and interior designer through his own company, Lahera. Since relocating to the United States in 2022, he has gained recognition in Kentucky’s art scene.
“Being selected as the artist for this year’s Derby bottle is an incredible honor,” Lahera said. “My work is deeply influenced by my Cuban heritage and my journey as an artist in Kentucky. For this design, I wanted to capture the exhilarating motion of the race and the elegance of the horses.”
Woodford Reserve’s Derby bottle has been an annual collector’s item anticipated by bourbon and racing fans since 1999. You can see the complete Woodford Reserve Derby bottle collection here. It’s interesting to see how the approach has changed over the years from a simple engraved bottle to today’s exquisite piece of art.
What’s in the Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Bottle?
The bourbon in the bottle is the standard Woodford Reserve bourbon bottled at 90.4 proof (42.5%ABV). This year’s bottle comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the one-liter bottle of $49.99 and is available now for purchase globally and at Woodford Reserve Distillery.
Brown-Forman Corporation has been building exceptional spirits brands for more than 150 years, responsibly upholding our founding promise of “Nothing Better in the Market.” Their premium brands include the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands, Woodford Reserve, Herradura, el Jimador, Korbel, New Mix, Old Forester, The Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Benriach, Diplomático Rum, Chambord, Gin Mare, Fords Gin, Slane, and Coopers’ Craft. Brown-Forman has a team of approximately 5,400 employees worldwide and serves premium beverages in more than 170 countries.
Related Stories
– Woodford Reserve Distillery Releases 2024 ‘Adorned in Roses’ Bourbon Bottle Celebrating the 150th Kentucky Derby [VIDEO]
– Woodford Reserve’s 2023 Kentucky Derby Bottle Celebrates Secretariat’s 50th Anniversary Triple Crown Win [VIDEO]
– Woodford Reserve Unveils the 2022 – 23rd Anniversary Limited-Edition Kentucky Derby Bourbon Bottle
– And They’re Off: Woodford Reserve Releases 2021 Kentucky Derby Bottle – Pairs Well with 2020 Bottle
– Woodford Reserve Distillery Introduces the Woodford Reserve 146th Kentucky Derby Bottle [VIDEO] – 2020
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.
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.
Please help to support Distillery Trail. Sign up for our Newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
