VERSAILLES, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 2, 2026--
Woodford Reserve is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States through one of its most cherished Kentucky Derby traditions, the $5,000 Mint Julep Charity Cup program.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260402377234/en/
This year’s luxury julep cup honors the nation’s founding and benefits a charity devoted to American craftsmanship. A total of 152 julep cups are available, commemorating the 152nd Run for the Roses.
Every cup is hand-crafted by Graham Newton of From The Vault and features a sculpted thoroughbred horse surrounded by thirteen stars paying tribute to the original thirteen colonies.
“This year’s julep charity program marries two historic events – the birth of the United States and the most iconic American race, run every year at Churchill Downs since 1875,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said.
The collection includes 76 polished pewter cups ($2,000) and 76 gold-plated cups ($5,000).
Both editions feature a sterling silver horse and stars application adorned with 13 lab-created white sapphires, offered in polished pewter and gold-plated sterling silver.
Cups are available for online purchase beginning April 2 at and must be picked up at the $5,000 Mint Julep Experience at Churchill Downs on Oaks or Derby days, located in the Woodford Reserve Paddock near the main entrance.
Net proceeds from the sale of this year’s Mint Julep Cup program benefit Closely Crafted, a nonprofit founded by New York milliner Gigi Burris O’Hara dedicated to preserving and advancing artisan craftsmanship in the American fashion industry.
The organization works to cultivate the wellbeing of artisans by supporting education, apprenticeship pathways, and industry collaboration that strengthen domestic production and local craft communities across the United States. Burris O’Hara previously collaborated with Woodford Reserve on a limited-edition Derby hat collection for the 151st Kentucky Derby.
“As an artisan, I founded Closely Crafted to build community and ensure that skills like millinery and other specialty trades are passed on to a new generation of artisans,” O’Hara said. “Woodford Reserve shares a deep respect for handcrafted work, integrity, and the people behind it. We are honored that Closely Crafted will benefit from this year’s Mint Julep Cup program as we celebrate the enduring legacy of American craftsmanship.”
The recipe
A classically simple julep honoring the nation's 250th anniversary.
Drop 5-7 mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup. Muddle to release the aromas
Add 2 ounces of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
Add one bar spoon of sweetener – a simple syrup made with sugar maple syrup slightly spiced with Thomas Jefferson’s favorite spices, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Top the julep cup with ice.
Add sipping straw and two sprigs of fresh mint and the garnish – a white and blue Fleur-de-lis and the official flower of both the Kentucky Derby and the USA – the red rose. A red, white, and blue flourish to celebrate USA 250.
About Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve, “Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby,” is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us at www.woodfordreserve.com or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.
About Closely Crafted
Closely Crafted is a New York–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and revitalizing artisan craftsmanship and domestic production in the American fashion industry. Guided by a board of industry leaders and fashion veterans, the organization supports skilled makers through education, collaboration, and apprenticeship pathways that foster the next generation of creators. Closely Crafted works to strengthen local manufacturing networks and help ensure the future of American craft. To learn more: https://www.closelycrafted.org/
Please Drink Responsibly
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol. The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY. Woodford Reserve is a registered trademark. ©2026 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved.
Woodford Reserve Unveils $5,000 Mint Julep Cup Program for Kentucky Derby 152
ROME (AP) — Italy's soccer federation president resigned amid political pressure on Thursday, two days after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Gabriele Gravina's decision will likely lead to the ouster of Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, too.
Italy Sports Minister Andrea Abodi called for a change in the country’s soccer leadership after Gravina oversaw two sets of disappointing World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s evident to everyone that Italian soccer needs to be overhauled,” Abodi said on Wednesday, “and that process needs to start with new leadership at the FIGC (federation).”
Italy’s chances of reaching this year’s tournament in North America ended on Tuesday after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying playoff.
Gravina took charge of the federation in 2018 replacing Carlo Tavecchio, who also stepped down after Italy failed to reach that year’s World Cup.
The defeat to Bosnia added more misery for four-time champion Italy after being eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia, respectively, in the qualifying playoffs for the last two World Cups.
Italy’s World Cup struggles go back all the way to 2010 and 2014 when it failed to advance from its group on both occasions.
The Azzurri’s last World Cup knockout match was in 2006 when they won the title by beating France in the final after a penalty shootout.
Gravina did oversee Italy’s European Championship trophy in 2021.
“Soccer has been in trouble since 2006,” Italian coaches association president Renzo Ulivieri said.
Players’ association president Umberto Calcagno said new regulations promoting the use of more Italian players in Serie A were necessary: “A rapid change needs to be made."
An election was called for June 22 to elect a new FIGC president.
Gravina also announced that he would attend a hearing in Italy’s parliament next Wednesday to discuss “the wellbeing of Italian soccer.”
Gattuso took over from the fired Luciano Spalletti in June with the squad already in crisis mode following a defeat at Norway in its opening qualifier.
The Azzurri then went on a six-match winning streak before losing again to Norway in November to finish second in their group and end up in the playoffs again.
Among those being mentioned to replace Gattuso are Roberto Mancini, Simone Inzaghi, Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri.
Mancini coached Italy to the European Championship title in 2021 then failed to get the Azzurri to the next year’s World Cup before bolting to take over Saudi Arabia’s national team.
Inzaghi coached Inter Milan to the Serie A title in 2024 and now manages Saudi club Al-Hilal.
Conte coached Italy at the 2016 European Championship and is currently at Napoli.
Allegri is at AC Milan.
Gravina is also Aleksander Ceferin’s top vice president at UEFA.
UEFA statutes require that executive committee members are also senior FA officials but Gravina could stay in the UEFA role as a lame duck as long as the FIGC’s new leadership doesn’t demand his removal.
Gravina was re-elected last year by UEFA so he has three more years in his current term.
“Gabriele is my first vice president and is very important to me,” Ceferin said in Thursday’s Gazzetta dello Sport after attending the playoff in Bosnia.
Besides revitalizing the national team, whoever replaces Gravina will be tasked with getting Italy’s dilapidated stadiums ready to host the 2032 European Championship.
Italy is slated to co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey.
“I hope that the infrastructure is ready,” Ceferin said. “Otherwise the tournament won’t be played in Italy.”
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
FILE - A journalist stands at the entrance of the FIGC Italian Soccer Federation, where a logo with four stars (one for each World Cup won) is seen partly in the shade, in Rome, on Nov. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)
Italy players react during a penalty shootout during the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)
A broken soccer ball is pictured on a street in Rome, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma walks off the pitch after losing in a World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse via AP)
Italy's coach Gennaro Gattuso walks off the pitch after losing in a World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse via AP)
Italy players react after losing in a World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse via AP)
