Woodford Reserve 2010 Kentucky Derby Bottle Limited Edition featuring art of Jeaneen Barnhart

Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, tells BourbonBlog.com, they are again honoring the country’s favorite horse race with a limited-edition Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle. The 2010 bottle features the work of nationally-acclaimed, Louisville-based artist Jeaneen Barnhart.

“When creating this special painting, my intent was to reveal the energy and emulate the figures through loose interpretation of uninhibited line and depth,” Barnhart tells BourbonBlog.com. “It’s the heart, the bones, the muscle and the mind that open my eyes to deeper expression.”

Barnhart’s striking work depicts the vibrancy and intensity of Kentucky Derby racehorses as they charge toward the finish line. The artist’s signature adorns the neck of the bottle, and an attached neck tag bears information about the artist and product. The limited edition liter-size bottle will be available in early April in 42 US states at a suggested retail price of $42.99.

“As a proud supporter of horse racing, it is fitting that Woodford Reserve has been selected once again as the ‘Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby,’ America’s most prestigious horse race,” said Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager. “We are honored to partner with Jeaneen on this one-of-a-kind bottle that commemorates this historic partnership.”

In addition to purchasing a true collector’s item, consumers can enter into Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Derby Sweepstakes with a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2011 Kentucky Derby. Though no purchase is required for entry, bottle buyers can enter by registering their bottle’s unique number, printed on the neck label, at www.WellCraftedDerby.com. Upon registering they will be given a randomly-generated post position, from 1-20, for the 2010 Kentucky Derby. If the horse that starts from their assigned post position wins, he/she will be entered in the grand prize trip drawing. Full details are available, for purchasers and non-purchasers on www.WellCraftedDerby.com.

For the twelfth year in a row Woodford Reserve Bourbon has been selected the “Official Bourbon of Kentucky Derby.” It also sponsors a Grade I race, the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, which is run on Derby Day, May 1, 2010, and has become one of thoroughbred racing’s premier turf events.