Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, has been the presenting sponsor for the Kentucky Derby for more than a quarter of a century and this year is no different. Woodford and Churchill Downs continue with a time-honored tradition with an unparalleled offering for the 151st Kentucky Derby with the $1,000 Pewter Mint Julep Cup and the $5,000 Silver Mint Julep Cup.
The 2025 Mint Julep Cups Celebrate the Fillies that Won the Kentucky Derby
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. Proceeds from this years cup will honor the legendary fillies that have conquered the Derby’s illustrious course.
- Regret — 1915
- Genuine Risk — 1980
- Winning Colors — 1988
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“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.
Triple the Mint Means Triple the Taste Experience
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 bourbon 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.
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