Woodford Reserve – Kentucky Derby 146 (1L, 45.2%)

This is a Woodford Reserve Kentucky straight bourbon in a 1 litre bottle, bottled at 45.2% ABV. The distillery released it as a limited edition for the 146th Kentucky Derby in 2020, an event it has long supported as a partner. The label was designed by Richard Sullivan, an artist and former baseball player. It shows thoroughbreds racing towards the finish, with the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs behind them. The nose offers vanilla with sweet fruit, pepper, oak and liquorice. The palate is full and strong, with a gentle sweetness and citrus. The finish is fairly long and warming, with delicate spice, old oak, ginger and a hint of tobacco.