Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby® is honoring the country's favorite horse race with the release of the 2012 Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle. The limited-edition bottle features the artwork of one of America's most recognized and beloved illustrators, Michael Schwab.
Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby® is honoring the country's favorite horse race with the release of the 2012 Kentucky Derby commemorative bottle. The limited-edition bottle features the artwork of one of America's most recognized and beloved illustrators, Michael Schwab.
Schwab, who resides in Northern California, has a classic and timeless quality about his work. He creates iconic images that are strong and simple, yet always contemporary. Using black as the foundation for his forms, Schwab builds light and dimension into the picture plane by adding blocks or flat, bold colors. The result is an image that immediately recognized and one that codifies his work as thoughtful, lasting, and sustainable.
"The Kentucky Derby is one of the most anticipated events of the year and I wanted to communicate the excitement through this artwork and to honor 'The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,'" says Schwab.
On this year's Derby bottle, Schwab features a strong and simple image of a single thoroughbred with a jockey racing towards the finish line. You can feel the power in the image indicated by the thoroughbred digging in the track, kicking up dirt as he races. The jockey is wearing brightly colored argyle silks with his tack featuring the #1 saddle cloth. A matching argyle neck band seals the top of the commemorative bottle.
"The imagery on this year's bottle captures the essence of the Derby," says Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager. "As the 'Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby' we are excited to unveil Schwab's great work and commemorate this historic partnership."
The limited edition liter-size bottle will be available in early April in 45 US states at a suggested retail price of $42.99.
Woodford Reserve also sponsors a Grade I race, the $500,000 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, which is run on Derby Day, May 5, 2012, and has become one of thoroughbred racing's premier turf events.
Source: Woodford Reserve