A special edition bourbon is set to grace Louisville’s shelves as the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience maintains its partnership with the Kentucky Derby Festival for the ninth consecutive year.
The limited release features a commemorative Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon bottle accompanied by the official 53rd Edition Gold Pegasus Pin, launching on 13 February. Each bottle, distinguished by its iridescent pink wax seal, showcases the Kentucky Derby Festival logo and comes complete with an attached envelope containing the 2025 Pegasus Pin.
Evan Williams 2017 Single Barrel Bourbon Kentucky Derby Festival 2025
The 2017 vintage bourbon, bottled at a robust 106 proof, offers whiskey enthusiasts a drinking journey beginning with aromatic notes of black cherry and molasses. This flavor profile extends to the palate with cherry and sorghum sweetness, culminating in a medium to long finish characterized by cinnamon, barrel char, and green peppercorn spice.
Jodie Filiatreau, Artisanal Distiller at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, highlighted the significance of the release: “These bottles have become collectors’ items for Bourbon and Derby Festival enthusiasts alike for nearly a decade and we’re honored to provide delicious whiskey to help fans celebrate this special time of year.”
Each bottle bears unique markings indicating its barrel number, barrelling date, and bottling date. The bourbon matured in Heaven Hill‘s rickhouses under Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll’s supervision, ensuring consistency in the flavor profile.
The Kentucky Derby & The Pegasus Pin
Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO, emphasized the cultural significance of the release: “For more than five decades, the Pegasus Pin has been synonymous with springtime in Louisville and an iconic symbol of the Kentucky Derby Festival.”
Buy The Bourbon
The special edition bottles will be available at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience for $89.99, with additional stock distributed to select area retailers while supplies last. The Experience will maintain exclusive rights to Pegasus Pin sales through 1 March.
This release precedes the Kentucky Derby Festival, a cherished community tradition since 1956 that has evolved into a spectacular series of more than 70 events. This year’s festival commences on 22 March and continues through to 2 May, building anticipation for the renowned Kentucky Derby.
The partnership between Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and the Kentucky Derby Festival represents a confluence of two significant Kentucky traditions, combining the state’s renowned bourbon heritage with its most celebrated sporting event.
Read the full article at Evan Williams Announces Annual Kentucky Derby Festival Release
