LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — Woodford Reserve released its commemorative bottle design for the 150th Kentucky Derby. The design came from a painting titled “Adorned in Roses,” created by an artist from right here in Kentucky.
Interest in art goes a long way back for Wylie Caudill. In college at Eastern Kentucky University, students knew Caudill as the “Chalk Guy” because he drew chalk pieces all across campus. After college, Caudill began painting murals. A native of Cynthiana, he credited the town for giving him a chance to grow his skills.
“They love the arts,” Caudill said. “They are constantly asking for new murals, and they were kind enough to let me experiment with murals when I was just starting out. They're such a wonderful ambassador to the arts.”
In one of the first murals he created, Caudill crafted his first rose. The rose design became a staple of his artwork that eventually caught the eye of Woodford Reserve master distiller Elizabeth McCall.
“I was blown away with it,” McCall said. “Honestly, just looking at the detail of the artwork, it’s not just a typical painting where you're kind of trying to follow the natural lines. I mean, incorporating the roses is something that is really unique.”
In designing this piece, Caudill made history, becoming the first artist to design both the Derby bottle and the Derby art for Churchill Downs.
At the historic racetrack, which means so much to Kentuckians, Woodford Reserve is proud that a Kentuckian made this bottle design for the 150th derby.
McCall said, “Having somebody from Kentucky is such an honor. We typically say on Derby Day that we like to celebrate the best of Kentucky on Kentucky's best day, and he is definitely representing Kentucky well, so really proud to have him.”
Caudill, who lives in Lexington, said, “I mean I've never felt more like a Kentuckian than I do today. It's so exciting to be able to represent Kentucky through art.”
The bottle went on sale today at Woodford Reserve Distillery, retailing at $55 per bottle. It is available for purchase as part of a special presale on ReserveBar.
