To mark the 75th year that the mint julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve - the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby - is offering 75 special (read: pricey!) mint julep cups for sale.

Through noon (EDT) on May 3, you may visit this site to purchase either the $1,000 “Traditional” cup, pictured above, or the $2,000 “Prestige” cup, which is made of sterling silver plated in 24 karat gold and features a horseshoe set with 43 diamonds equaling approximately one carat. Sixty-five Traditional and 10 Prestige cups will be sold.

You must be present at the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 5 to receive your cup, at which time you may enjoy a mint julep prepared with the new Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon; water from Versailles, Kentucky, home of Woodford Reserve, and its namesake city in France; lemon mint from California and Kentucky spearmint; and Bourbon Mint-Julep and Bourbon Vanilla sugars from Louisville’s Bourbon Barrel Foods. 

All proceeds from sales of the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup benefit The Heart of a Horse Foundation, a California-based organization that conducts horse rescues and finds homes for retired sport horses.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

90.4 proof (same as Woodford Reserve)

The first addition to Woodford Reserve’s permanent product line is created by aging the bourbon in two custom-made barrels - the second barrel toasted twice as long as the first and only lightly charred.

Aroma: Cinnamon, vanilla; spicy and a little nutty.

Taste: A lot of spice on the front - cinnamon, nutmeg. The flavor warms and intensifies a bit mid-palate, not unlike a red hot, but it’s balanced with sweet hints of vanilla and caramel. Smooth, dry finish with a lingering taste of oak (duh).

Verdict: Considering the name, the Double Oaked had less of an oak presence than I expected. It’s spicier than Woodford Reserve, but not fiery; like the original recipe, this is a very balanced bourbon. I liked it well enough that I’d order it again at a bar, but I’m not sure I’d purchase a bottle of Double Oaked over a bottle of Woodford, especially considering the price difference ($50 versus around $34).

Bonus fun: Test your Woodford Reserve knowledge with this online quiz. Answer all 10 questions correctly and get a free personalized plate for your bottle of Double Oaked while supplies last.