Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 152 Edition 1L

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 152 Edition 1L is a limited-edition Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof) in a 1-liter format. As the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve releases a commemorative bottle each year featuring original artwork that celebrates the historic race, making this 152nd edition a sought-after collectible for bourbon and horse racing enthusiasts alike.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45.2% (90.4 Proof)  |  Origin: Woodford County, Kentucky, USA  |  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey  |  Distillery: Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY

Production & Heritage

The Woodford Reserve Distillery sits along Glenn's Creek in Versailles, Kentucky, on a site with distilling roots stretching back to 1812. What distinguishes this bourbon from the majority of Kentucky producers is its use of copper pot stills imported from Scotland — the distillate undergoes triple distillation through three of these pot stills, producing a notably rich and full-bodied spirit. A separate column-still distillate is double distilled, and both components mature independently in new charred American oak barrels before being mingled at bottling. The mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley delivers a grain-forward sweetness balanced by rye spice. The Derby 152 Edition contains the same Distiller's Select liquid presented in a distinctive commemorative bottle at the larger 1-liter size.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens heavy with rich dried fruit, then shifts into fresh mint and orange peel dusted with cocoa. A quieter layer of vanilla and tobacco spice lingers underneath.

Taste: The entry is chewy and rounded, immediately presenting caramel and dark chocolate. At mid-palate, cinnamon and citrus develop alongside toffee, creating a complex interplay of sweet and spice. The texture remains notably rich throughout, with sweet spice building toward the finish.

Finish: Silky and almost creamy at first, then extends into a long, warm tail. Lingering oak and gentle sweetness close the experience with a satisfying sense of completeness.

How to Drink the Derby 152 Edition

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point — the pot-still character reveals layers at room temperature that ice can suppress. That said, this bourbon's bold structure makes it versatile in cocktails. An Old Fashioned highlights the toffee and dried fruit notes against bitters beautifully. A Mint Julep is the natural choice given the Derby connection, and the bourbon's inherent mint-tinged nose harmonizes with fresh spearmint. A Boulevardier plays the cocoa and spice notes against sweet vermouth and Campari for a rich, evening-worthy drink.

Best For

• Collecting annual Kentucky Derby commemorative bourbon releases
• Gifting a bourbon or horse racing enthusiast during Derby season
• Serving Mint Juleps at a Kentucky Derby watch party
• Adding a limited-edition bottle to a whiskey display shelf

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Derby 152 Edition taste like? It delivers rich caramel, dark chocolate, and toffee up front, followed by cinnamon and citrus spice at mid-palate. The finish is long and warm with lingering oak and gentle sweetness.

How does the Derby 152 Edition compare to standard Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select? The liquid inside is the Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select bourbon — same 90.4-proof expression with the same mashbill and production process. The distinction is the commemorative Derby bottle design and the larger 1-liter format versus the standard 750ml.

Is the Derby 152 Edition good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the triple-distilled, pot-still-influenced bourbon has enough body and complexity to reward slow, undiluted sipping. A few drops of water can further open up the dried fruit and cocoa aromatics.

Where is the Derby 152 Edition made? It is produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Woodford County, Kentucky, a National Historic Landmark site with distilling history dating to 1812.

What foods pair well with the Derby 152 Edition? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and toffee notes. Pecan pie echoes the caramel sweetness. Smoked pork shoulder plays against the oak and spice. Sharp aged cheddar provides a savory contrast, and bread pudding with bourbon sauce mirrors the warm, sweet finish.

What sizes does the Derby 152 Edition come in? This commemorative release is bottled in a 1-liter (1L) format, larger than the standard 750ml Distiller's Select offering.

Is the Derby 152 Edition worth the price? It positions as a moderately premium limited-edition bourbon — you are paying a slight uplift over the standard Distiller's Select for the collectible bottle and the extra 250ml of liquid. For collectors of the annual Derby series, each edition holds sentimental and potential secondary-market value beyond the whiskey itself.

Why the Derby 152 Edition?

The primary draw here is the intersection of two iconic Kentucky traditions — bourbon and the Derby — in a single collectible bottle. Woodford Reserve's pot-still triple distillation remains uncommon among major Kentucky distillers, producing a heavier, more texturally rich bourbon than column-still-dominant competitors. The 1-liter format gives you more liquid than a standard bottle, which matters if you plan to pour Juleps for a crowd on race day. For collectors who acquire a Derby Edition annually, the 152nd running adds another year to a series that has become one of the most recognized commemorative bourbon programs in the industry.