Bourbon & Horse Racing Betting

Bourbon is a type of alcohol that just seems to be associated with horse racing. This is especially true in the United States. Maybe this is because the official drink of the Kentucky Derby is made with bourbon. It is also true that some bourbon brands have sponsored big races. Here is a closer look at bourbon and horse racing betting or jump straight to reading how to Make a Mint Julep (the official drink of the Kentucky Derby).

Kentucky – Home of Whiskey and Horse Racing

Kentucky is home to several famous horse racing tracks. These include Churchill Downs and Keeneland. The state is also home to the world famous Kentucky Derby which is ran each year on the first Saturday in May.

Kentucky is also a state that is home to many bourbon distilleries. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made mostly from corn. It is often stored and aged in special barrels. The rarest bourbon whiskey can sell for thousands of dollars.

The presence of both horse racing and bourbon in Kentucky makes their union sensible. Both are large industries for the state, bringing in revenue for the local economy. They have also sought to benefit one another through partnerships.

Kentucky is a major bourbon-producing state, but a production-share statistic needs a dated industry source and definition. Bourbon can be produced elsewhere in the United States; its identity is not established merely by a Kentucky address. There are very specific guidelines which govern the production of bourbon. It must be made in a certain way, and the process by which it is bottled and stored is also regulated.

Why Do People Like to Drink and Bet Horses?

If you were to attend any race track in the United States you would likely encounter multiple bars on the premises. Horse racing fans as well as bettors like to enjoy a beverage while they make wagers. This is also true for some people who like to watch and wager on horses at home with an online horse betting site.

Horse racing is not the only type of betting that is often accompanied by drinking. Gambling in general pairs with alcohol, and not often in a good way. Anyone that is considering making bets on horse racing or at a casino should realize that drinking often leads to poor judgment. That is a bad thing to have at the horse racing track or at the casino.

Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail and the Racing Circuit: A Natural Pairing

For visitors to Kentucky during the racing season, combining the bourbon trail with the racing circuit creates one of the most authentically Kentuckian experiences available anywhere. The state’s major distilleries — from the historic Maker’s Mark in Loretto to Buffalo Trace in Frankfort and Woodford Reserve in Versailles — are all within comfortable driving distance of Keeneland and Churchill Downs, but their locations do not guarantee a workable same-day itinerary. Check travel times, reserved tour slots and the actual race schedule, and arrange transport independently of any tasting. A quieter plan with fewer stops can leave more time for each experience.

The connection between bourbon and racing goes beyond geography. Both industries are deeply rooted in Kentucky’s agricultural heritage — the corn, rye, and limestone water that make Kentucky bourbon distinctive are products of the same land that produces the bluegrass pastures that nurture thoroughbred racehorses. Both have evolved from local traditions into globally recognised luxury products that attract visitors and investment from around the world while retaining their distinctive Kentucky character. For racing fans who appreciate fine bourbon, the combination of a Keeneland April meet with visits to nearby distilleries is arguably the definitive Kentucky experience. For more on the lifestyle culture around horse racing, our article on cigars and horse racing covers another classic pairing. And our guide to how to make a Mint Julep brings the bourbon and racing connection full circle.

5 Bourbon Brands Every Horse Racing Fan Should Try

If you want to really get in the spirit of horse racing and bourbon, there are a few specific brands that you should try. Here are five bourbon whiskeys that EZ Horse Betting recommends.

Early Times was for many years the official bourbon used to make Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby. It was first introduced in 1860. The interesting thing about Early Times is that the standard Early Times Kentucky Whisky should not be confused with separately labeled bourbon expressions. Read the exact bottle label rather than applying one product’s classification to the entire brand.

Maker’s Mark is younger than some of the other bourbon whiskey brands on this list. It was not manufactured until 1958 in the US. The Maker’s Mark Mile is a Keeneland spring-meet race; the 2026 running was April 10, rather than Kentucky Derby day, and it is also used to make Mint Juleps.

Blanton’s began production of its single-barrel bourbon in 1984. It is a boutique brand that has gained popularity in Kentucky, and it also stresses bourbon’s connection with the horse racing industry. Blanton’s is more expensive than some of the other bourbon on this list, but price and scarcity do not establish that every drinker will prefer it. Compare the particular expression, proof and your own budget rather than treating the brand as a universal quality ranking.

Woodford Reserve is what is known as a small-batch bourbon. This means it is produced in smaller quantities. “Small batch” alone does not establish a specific batch size or a higher price. Check the actual expression and retail quote. Woodford Reserve has also joined Maker’s Mark in sponsoring some Kentucky Derby races.

Buffalo Trace is actually the youngest bourbon on this list. It was first introduced in 1999 but the distillery that makes it appeared in1792, and the company claims to be the longest-running distillery in the United States. It is an affordable bourbon selection for those who are new to the drink.

As we mentioned above, you can enjoy bourbon in your own home while you make bets at an online racebook. Amwager is a good choice if you are located in the US. You can also explore our other options for players locates in other countries like Australia, UK, Canada, USA or HongKong Online racebooks allow you to bet the races with your computer or tablet from home.

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