Derby 152 is here, and BourbonBlog.com’s Tom Fischer has been covering Derby Week from Louisville — from the events and bourbon moments to the people, photos, and energy all over town. Watch it on NBC / Peacock at 6:57 pm ET.
That is what makes Derby Week different. It is not just two minutes on the track. It is the entire city coming alive: Churchill Downs, galas, hospitality suites, cocktails, cigars, bourbon releases, and those unexpected moments that only seem to happen in Louisville this week.
One of those moments included a photo and a quick hang with boubon expert Tom Fischer and Kentucky Derby jockey Edwin Maldonado, a reminder that Derby Week brings the racing world, bourbon world, and Kentucky social scene into the same orbit.
Planning a Derby bet?
Planning to bet Derby 152? You can sign up for FanDuel Racing through our link here for some extra bonuses FanDuel Racing link
A few quick thoughts before you bet: do not just chase the favorite. The Kentucky Derby is famous for traffic, chaos, late runs, and longshots making noise. With The Puma scratched and the field now down to 19 horses, this year feels even more unpredictable.
The latest board makes this feel wide open. Commandment and So Happy are now near the top of the odds, with Renegade, Chief Wallabee, and Further Ado right behind them. That means this is not just a “bet the favorite and forget it” Derby. There are several horses getting real attention.
Keep it fun and smart.
And watch more of Derby week stories on YouTube.com/BourbonBlog
What should you drink — and smoke — for Derby 152?
The Mint Julep will always be the Derby classic, but this year, try making “The Perfecta”, Old Forester’s newly released Derby-season cocktail. Here is that recipe.
The Perfecta:
1.5 oz Old Forester 86
1 oz pineapple juice
3 oz ginger beer
Mint garnish
It is bright, refreshing, and easy to enjoy — a great Derby alternative if you want something beyond the standard julep.
BourbonBlog.com is also spending time inside the Brown-Forman suite during Derby Week, where Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and some of Brown-Forman’s newest Derby-week pours and releases were part of the conversation. More from that experience is coming soon at BourbonBlog.com.
And for the perfect Derby cigar pairing? We recommend reaching for the Cohiba Serie M Reserva Plata 2026 — elegant, celebratory, and right at home with a bourbon cocktail on Derby Day.
The post Kentucky Derby 152 Is Here: How to Bet, What to Sip & BourbonBlog’s Derby Week Coverage from Louisville first appeared on BourbonBlog.
