Woodford Reserve is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States through one of its most cherished Kentucky Derby traditions, the $5,000 Mint Julep Charity Cup program.

This year’s luxury julep cup honors the nation’s founding and benefits a charity devoted to American craftsmanship. A total of 152 julep cups are available, commemorating the 152nd Run for the Roses.

Every cup is hand-crafted by Graham Newton of From The Vault and features a sculpted thoroughbred horse surrounded by 13 stars paying tribute to the original 13 colonies.

“This year’s julep charity program marries two historic events ― the birth of the United States and the most iconic American race, run every year at Churchill Downs since 1875,” Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall said in a statement.

The collection includes 76 polished pewter cups ($2,000) and 76 gold-plated cups ($5,000).

Both editions feature a sterling silver horse and stars application adorned with 13 lab-created white sapphires, offered in polished pewter and gold-plated sterling silver.

Cups are available for online purchase beginning April 2 at and must be picked up at the $5,000 Mint Julep Experience at Churchill Downs on Oaks or Derby days, located in the Woodford Reserve Paddock near the main entrance.

Net proceeds from the sale of this year’s Mint Julep Cup program benefit Closely Crafted, a nonprofit founded by New York milliner Gigi Burris O’Hara dedicated to preserving and advancing artisan craftsmanship in the American fashion industry.

The organization works to cultivate the wellbeing of artisans by supporting education, apprenticeship pathways, and industry collaboration that strengthen domestic production and local craft communities across the United States. Burris O’Hara previously collaborated with Woodford Reserve on a limited-edition Derby hat collection for the 151st Kentucky Derby.

“As an artisan, I founded Closely Crafted to build community and ensure that skills like millinery and other specialty trades are passed on to a new generation of artisans,” O’Hara said. “Woodford Reserve shares a deep respect for handcrafted work, integrity, and the people behind it. We are honored that Closely Crafted will benefit from this year’s Mint Julep Cup program as we celebrate the enduring legacy of American craftsmanship.”