Woodford Reserve 2025 $1,000 Mint Julep

Yesterday, Woodford Reserve presented the 2025 $1,000 and $5,000 mint juleps and the charity partner, Our Mims Retirement Haven, in a press conference at Churchill Downs.

I never miss this press conference; it signifies the start of Derby season for me and I love that this program gives back to the equine community in a significant manner. This year’s charitable recipient, Our Mims, is a farm devoted to the care of thoroughbred mares in their later years. The haven’s motto is “Specializing in restoring health and spirit in aged mares”, which I think is so crucial, when you think about all that female horses have given the equine industry, both in breeding and racing. It was really touching to hear the haven’s President, Pete Mirabito, talk about his late wife Jeanne, who founded the haven. Jeanne’s deep connection with the prize-winning filly Our Mims, whom she rescued in 1997, led to the haven’s establishment.

This year’s charity mint julep program honors the three fillies who have won the Kentucky Derby — Regret, Genuine Risk, and Winning Colors — by combining three kinds of mint in the drink. A total of 151 hand-crafted julep cups, 51 fine polished pewter and 100 sterling silver with a heavy 24 karat gold plate, are available for purchase. Net proceeds from the sale of this year’s julep cups benefit Our Mims Retirement Haven. You can learn more about the $1,000 and $5,000 mint julep program here.

Cheers, y’all!