Woodford Reserve Derby Bottle
Completion: 2004
Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, commissioned this commemorative bottle in honor of the 130th anniversary of the race. Woodford Reserve owns the oldest operating distillery in Kentucky and its founder pioneered many key bourbon processes such as pot still distillation and barrel maturation. The company is known for using these classical older methods to continue to produce high-quality, award-winning spirits today, and the design of the bottle honors the longstanding traditions of both Woodford Reserve and the Kentucky Derby.

The painting depicts the renowned Churchill Downs, an iconic American landmark that is often considered the world’s most legendary racetrack. The track opened in 1875 and has played host to the Kentucky Derby since its inception. The curve of the track draws the viewer’s eye to the historic buildings and small impressions of racers rounding the corner, illustrating both its structured architecture and the freeform liveliness of its occupants. The high, distant angle gives the impression of a postcard, subtly portraying Churchill Downs as a destination, a place where people have an experience they are proud to share.

The work is rendered in oil on wood, using a technique of layered veils to emulate early photography. This gives a powerful sense of history to the location, calling back to the early days of the Kentucky Derby. This also links current Woodford Reserve bourbon to its years of historical precedent, highlighting their practice of the same techniques now as they used then. The overlay of light and dark creates strong contrast in the image, reinforcing the impression of a historical photograph while visible brushstrokes define the work as a painting. The interaction of historical accuracy with artistic impression defines Woodford Reserve as a company of both tradition and creativity, technique and emotion, history and innovation.