Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey

During Derby week, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Brown-Forman suite at Churchill Downs for a day of bourbon and horse racing. Seriously, who could turn down that combo? 

The Woodford Reserve Suite at Churchill Downs. Shop the Draper James Throw here.

The tasting event was held on the Wednesday before Derby, a day which I hope never gains a nickname as "cute" as Thurby, and which still retains the charm of a locals' day at the track. As Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris and Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall poured cups for tasting, we learned that a group of bourbon media professionals had been assembled for the first tasting of Woodford's new Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, a product which will be available for purchase in some markets as early as next month.

If you ever have the chance to attend a Woodford Reserve whiskey tasting, you owe it to yourself to participate. The Woodford team puts so much care into the details -- whether they're doing the signature flavor wheel food pairing exercise or a comparative whiskey tasting, as we experienced on this occasion. Mr. Morris took care to explain that all four expressions in the brand's whiskey  portfolio -- Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Woodford Reserve Rye, and Woodford Reserve Malt -- were comprised of the same three grains: corn, rye, and malted barley and are bottled at 90.4 proof. Of course, the percentage of grains in the individual mash bills as well as the special finishing process in the case of Double Oaked are what produce such distinct flavors in the different distillates.

We started with the original WR expression, the bourbon as a baseline spirit for tasting. We followed with my favorite expression in Woodford's portfolio, Double Oaked. The Double Oaked is traditional Woodford juice that, upon maturation has been finished in a second charred oak barrel. This produces more of the sweet caramel notes for which the brand is famous. I love this one as a sipping whiskey or as an after-dinner "dessert" drink, as it has prominent brown sugar notes; it's sweet without ever becoming cloying.

Next on the tasting menu was Woodford Reserve Rye. This one is Bob's go-to cocktail whiskey; it makes a fine Manhattan, sour, or Old-Fashioned. It's peppery and earthy, but doesn't enter into the high-rye herbaceous "bite" that so many ryes often display.  We consider it the "house whiskey" of HerKentucky Headquarters; I love the idea that this rye whiskey is made from Brown-Forman's pre-Prohibition recipe.

Elizabeth McCall leads a tasting of Woodford Reserve whiskeys

Then it was time for a sip of the new malt product. This one was fascinating, y'all. It had a lot of the characteristics of traditional Woodford bourbon, but was somehow lighter. The nose was strong with notes of cherry and almond. The mouthfeel was quite different from any of the other whiskeys we tasted that day; I felt a strong evaporation on the front of my tongue, somewhere between the sweet and salty tasting zones. I think that the Straight Malt expression will make a really interesting whiskey for mixologists; it will create some unique cocktails!

Mr. Morris made the very important distinction that this whiskey is not to be considered in the class of single malt Scotch whiskeys, but rather it is an experimental expression of American whiskey. Elizabeth led us through the tasting notes, as you can see in the video below.

Elizabeth and I also had a chance to chat about some of our favorite Draper James pieces. She was featured on the brand's Love, Reese blog as part of the Real Women, Real Clothes series, and partnered with Draper James on her Derby Week looks. How perfect is that partnership? We posed for  a #draperjamesgirl photo as the event wrapped up.

Draper James Girls at the track. Shop Elizabeth's dress and my dress. (My fascinator is c/o Off Broadway Shoes and my necklace is from Elva Fields.)

Thanks so much to Woodford Reserve for an amazingly relaxing and educational Derby Week event! Cheers, y'all!

Vineyard Vines Run for the Roses Scarf

Linen Popover: Ralph Lauren (old)/ similar here.  Run for the Roses Scarf c/o Vineyard Vines

We all see A LOT of Derby attire this time of year. Some is cute, some not so much. And then there's some that has  special meaning. Vineyard Vines sent me a couple of pieces from their Kentucky Derby 144 line that I'm so excited to share with y'all today because they're extremely special. You can find these pieces online, of course, but I especially love shopping the selection at the Lexington Vineyard Vines store  at The Summit at Fritz Farm! It's so fun to actually see and try on your Derby week pieces before you buy them! 

Linen Popover: Ralph Lauren (old)/ similar here.  Run for the Roses Scarf c/o Vineyard Vines

The Run for the Roses Scarf is probably my favorite Derby-themed piece I've seen this year. 30% of the proceeds from this scarf will benefit the Norton Cancer Institute through Derby Divas, an organization that helps fund breast health screening services for women who otherwise lack access to these services.

Here's a story that nobody really knows other than Bob: Last year,  I had my annual mammogram and a small inconsistency showed up on the image. Let me tell y'all, that's a frightening call to get. My doctor works in the Norton system, and I was referred on to the diagnostic imaging center at Norton Women & Children's Hospital, which bears the Derby Divas logo. The few days between my clinical mammogram and the diagnostic testing were terrifying, and I am fortunate enough to have health insurance, access to excellent health care, and medical professional friends who can answer any question I may think up. I can't imagine how scary it would feel if I found a lump or irregularity and didn't have the means for a screening or anywhere to turn for care and support. In 11 years, Derby Divas has raised $1.5 million to help provide screenings for women who can't afford them. That's not just a logo or a vague commitment to disease awareness; that's directly impacting women's lives.

Last week, I actually had a follow-up annual screening. The radiologist is certain that spot they found is nothing more than a calcification -an irregularity no bigger than a grain of salt that was easily identified through sophisticated imaging. I was once again reminded how fortunate I am to live in a city that has excellent healthcare access, and that there are avenues for less fortunate folks to also gain access to quality healthcare. Louisville is known for its horses and its bourbon, but the Derby City does an amazing job of giving back to members of its community that need it most. 

Vineyard Vines has  been the official style outfitter of the Kentucky Derby for 8 years now. They've done a wonderful job of creating some meaningful products in this year's Derby Line specifically focused on charitable giving. In addition to the rose-print scarf, there are also Oaks Lily neck ties (in pink and blue) and bow ties (pink and blue). These are the perfect pairing, as $1 for every Oaks Lily cocktail sold on Kentucky Oaks Day also benefits the Breast Health Program at  Norton Cancer Institute!

I plan to wear my Run for the Roses scarf as often as possible this Derby season to help spread the word about Vineyard Vines' partnership with Norton Cancer Institute! Head over to the Vineyard Vines store in Lexington this weekend -- they're having a special anniversary party on Saturday, featuring giveaways and the whale mascot! -- to pick up these pieces that share your Derby weekend spirit while providing crucial health services. That's one guaranteed Derby win!! 

Check out what other Bluegrass bloggers have to offer this Kentucky Derby season!

• Where to Celebrate the Derby in Lexington / Lex Eats
• Plus Size Derby & Oaks Style / Authentically Emmie
• The History of the Kentucky Derby + Kentucky Derby Facts / Fabulous in Fayette
• Oaks & Derby Looks from Amazon / Munchkins and the Military
• How to Throw the Best Derby Party / The Bliss Between
• Affordable Places to Experience Derby / Loud Girl Big World
• Derby Party Cocktail / Space, Place & Southern Grace
• Horse Cupcakes with Bourbon Icing / Kentucky Girl Ramblings
• Derby Cocktail / House Three Thirty Six
• Beers for Bourbon Lovers / Love Me Brew
• Advice to Survive Derby Week from a Multiple Derby Attendee / Dog Lady Horse Crazy
• Derby Party Appetizers / Fashion, Frappes & Felines
• Derby Recipe / Bourbon & Lipstick
• How to Dress for the Derby / Styled in Blue
• Affordable Derby Outfit / Same McKenna

Kentucky Derby Hats at Off Broadway Shoes!

{This post is sponsored by Off Broadway Shoes; all opinions are my own.}

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Off Broadway Shoes Derby Hat Trunk Show, along with my fellow bloggers Danielle and Charlie. I love going to this event, because it's such a fun opportunity to see how Louisvillians pick out their Derby hats and fascinators. 

I had a blast trying on this C.K. Nobles Millinery hat. Isn't it gorgeous?

I also loved playing around with the fascinators. I always gravitate toward pink -- and I love the one I'm trying on here -- but Danielle suggested that I try the navy to pull out the blue shades from my dress. I loved the navy so much that I wound up getting it for upcoming Derby week events!

I also love that Off Broadway has so many great pieces at great price points.  I picked up this white fascinator for only $20; it's a perfect topper for the Derby week events that pop up at the very last minute!

Here are a few more of my favorite pieces currently available at Off Broadway for your last-minute Derby week needs!

How amazing is this fascinator? I feel like it could work with so many different styles!

This hat and shoe combo is so fun! 

And these nude wedges are perfect for navigating Derby parties or a day at the track!

Off Broadway has so many great styles for your Derby week fun; head out to the Shelbyville Road Plaza store for all your last-minute shopping!

10 Can't-Miss Kentucky Events Week of April 9th

There is so much pre-Derby goodness going on in the Bluegrass State this week, y'all. Here are 10 events you don't want to miss!

Tuesday April 10

Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve

Draper James Mint Julep Event (Click here for ticket) 6-8 pm, Draper James Lexington. I'm so excited to attend this one. So many of my favorite things -- Draper James, mint juleps, and my awesome friend Elizabeth McCall, the Assistant Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve.  Learn how to properly make a mint julep for your Derby soirees, meet Elizabeth (who leads the absolute best bourbon tastings I've ever attended!), and shop for your favorite race-day attire from Draper James. This dress is so perfect for Keeneland and this one is on my shopping wish list.

Thursday April 12

Stoneware & Co Starting Gate Social (Click here to RSVP) 6-8 pm, Stoneware & Co Studio. A shopping event benefiting Backside Learning Center, which provides education and community for the track workers at Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Derby Festival BourbonVille 6-9 pm, Louisville Palace Theatre (Click here for tickets) Signature drinks and tastings from Kentucky’s Bourbon distilleries, such as Bulleit, Evan Williams, Flat Boat, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Jeptha Creed and more.

Bourbon and Boweties Trunk Show at Sweet Mash, Lawrenceburg. Check out the selection of Derby and Kentucky-themed bracelets from the popular brand! I'm obsessed with Sweet Mash's exclusive bourbon B&B bangle, and I can't wait to pick up this year's Derby bangle!

Saturday April 14

Off Broadway Shoes Derby Hat Trunk Show 11 am - 2 pm; Off Broadway Shoes, Shelbyville Rd Plaza Louisville. Join Danielle from Lou What Wear,  the Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses, and me for a Kentucky Derby Hat Trunk Show. 

Elva Fields Trunk Show (Click here for more information) 10 am - 5 pm; Von Maur in Oxmoor Center, Louisville. I LOVE Elva Fields jewelry, and I simply adore Emily Maynard, the line's owner and designer. Y'all, this lady is the real deal. She's as smart and thoughtful and funny and creative a person as I've ever met. I've legitimately never gotten more compliments on any piece of clothing or accessory than I do when I wear my Elva necklace. Head out to Von Maur for equestrian-inspired pieces for your Derby season.

Maker's Mark Handcraft Festival 10 am-4 pm; Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto. Music, food trucks, and select local vendors.  (Click here for Heritage Tasting tickets) (Click here for Mint Julep Class tickets)

Hats By Katie Trunk Show Draper James, Lexington. Join milliner Katie for an array of ready-to-wear hats to match your favorite DJ dress; she's also taking custom orders in-store!

The Fillies Derby Ball 6:30 pm - 12 am, Galt House East Grand Ballroom, Louisville. (Click here for tickets) The old-school gala that kicks off Derby Season. The presentation of the Derby Festival Princesses and Coronation of the Derby Festival Queen. Cocktails and dancing and pageantry. Click here to read Grace of A Southern Drawl's account of her year as a Derby Festival Princess.

KMAC Couture Fashion Show 7 pm - midnight, 700 Block of Main Street, Louisville. (Click here for tickets)  Art Walks the Runway in this conceptual couture fashion show. White attire is requested; champagne toasts are appreciated. 

What are y'all doing this week?

Get Derby-Ready with Off Broadway Shoes!

Off Broadway Shoes Derby Hat Trunk Show

{This post is sponsored by Off Broadway Shoes. All opinions are my own.}

Here's a little secret that Louisville women know about Kentucky Derby season: this time of year, you need as many fun accessories as possible. Yes, Derby is one weekend (okay, it's a week...), but fun events pop up all the time. You need to have an arsenal of hats, shoes, and handbags at your disposal to successfully navigate Derby Season. I've even attended Derby-week barre classes where hats and fascinators were encouraged! Off Broadway Shoes can help you find the hat you need for any Derby-week occasion!

This Saturday, April 14, Off Broadway Shoes in Shelbyville Road Plaza (4600 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 201) is hosting a Derby-themed trunk show from 11 am until 2 pm. The show will feature hats from C.K. Noble Millinery. The Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses will be there from 11 until noon for photo opportunities, and customers will enjoy 20% off their entire purchase as well as Buy One, Get One 50% on select merchandise! 

I'll be there to meet y'all and help you select the perfect hat for your Derby-week needs! I've attended this event a couple of times in the past, and it is so much fun to watch shoppers find just the right hats to flatter them and coordinate with their Derby ensembles!

With those great deals, you'll have money left over to pick up one of these adorable Derby-week hats, too! This made me laugh so hard when I saw it at Off Broadway. I mean, it's funny because it's true! 

Fascinator c/o Off-Broadway Shoes | Draper James Magnolia Dress

I hope to see y'all at Off Broadway Shoes next Saturday for an afternoon of shopping fun! Happy Derby Season, y'all!

Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby 144 Tee Shirt Collection

Can y'all believe that Derby is just around the corner?  The 144th running of the Kentucky Derby is less than six weeks away! While I'm in disbelief that 2018 is rolling by so quickly, I never miss an opportunity to talk about the Derby!

Vineyard Vines has, once again, rolled out an awesome line of Derby-themed accessories to help get you in the mood for race day. Here are a few of my favorites! 

{This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky LLC receives a small compensation when you click product links!)

Men's Tees

These are fabulous for the guy in your life, and I actually LOVE the fit of VV men's long-sleeve tees for myself. The Boater Whale tee is my very, very favorite! 

Shop Men's Tees: 1 | 2| 3| 4| 5 | 6| 7| 8| 9

Women's Tees and Accessories

Shop Women's: 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10

The women's line is so cute, too. I especially love the seersucker cap with a bow! 

Happy Derby Season, y'all!

Thortons Kentucky Derby Bourbon Ball Donut

Bourbon balls are one of my very favorite Kentucky traditions. They remind me of holidays with my family; my great-aunt Marie always made bourbon balls using the exact same recipe that I use to this day. I always think of bourbon balls as a Christmas treat, or something to savor at the end of a bourbon distillery tour. I only recently learned that a lot of people make bourbon balls as a Derby treat as well.  This morning, I picked up a bourbon ball donut from Thorntons' new #ThorntonsBourbonKitchen line, and it was fabulous! 

If you're in the mood for a bourbon ball, my recipe is below, or you can just pick up one of those donuts at Thortons for 99 cents. It's the same flavor with a lot less effort! And let me know -- do y'all think of bourbon balls as a Derby time treat?

• 1 to 2 cups good bourbon whiskey 
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 to 1 cup whole pecan halves (optional) 
• 1 two-pound bag of powdered sugar
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 2 bags Ghirardelli semisweet chocolate chips
• paraffin wax

1. Place 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped pecans in shallow bowl. Pour bourbon over nuts, immersing completely. Cover and let soak 12 hours to overnight. 
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place pecan halves in shallow pan and toast lightly for about ten minutes. 
3. Cream butter in stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Combine bourbon-pecan mixture with powdered sugar to form a stiff ball. Refrigerate to let stiffen slightly. 
4. Roll dough into small balls. 
5. In double-boiler (or a sauce pan placed over a cooker full of boiling water), add a third to a half a bag of semisweet chocolate chips and a small shaving of paraffin wax (no more than 1/4 cup). Heat until just smooth. Dip dough balls into the chocolate mixture. The key is to coat them quickly and make small, frequent batches of melted chocolate. 
6. Place bourbon balls on wax paper to cool. Top each with a toasted pecan half, if desired. Results are better if you leave them to cool at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator.

Yields between six and seven dozen bourbon balls.