LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
(Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120322/CL75032 )
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.
About Michael Schwab:
Born in Oklahoma,
Michel Schwab now lives and works in
Northern California. From his studio in Marin County, he has established a reputation
as one of America's most recognized and best-loved graphic
artists.
Having attended school in Texas, New
York, and California,
Michael has a broad array of visual, cultural, and geographic
references to which he regularly turns for ideas. His work is
easily recognized by his signature use of large, flat areas of
color, dramatic perspectives, and bold, graphic portraits often
communicating a message of ecological and historic
preservation.
Additionally, his work is in the permanent collection of the
Library of Congress and the National Portrait Gallery.
About Woodford Reserve®
Woodford Reserve, the "Official Bourbon of the Kentucky
Derby," is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in
Versailles, Kentucky - the heart
of thoroughbred country. Woodford Reserve is a product of the
Brown-Forman Corporation, a producer and marketer of fine quality
beverage alcohol brands such as Jack
Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila
Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, and Tuaca. Please enjoy
your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve,
visit www.woodfordreserve.com or visit Facebook at
www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.
About Churchill Downs®:
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has
conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest
race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in
Louisville, the flagship racetrack
of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates
Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast
wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the
138th running of the Kentucky Derby on May
5, 2012, and its Spring Meet is scheduled for April 28-July
1. The track has hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships
a record eight times. Information about Churchill Downs can
be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.
Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and
the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs
Incorporated.
Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford
Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY
©2012.
SOURCE Woodford Reserve