Maker's Mark Keeneland Breeders' Cup 1999 Limited Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 1L

The Maker's Mark Keeneland Breeders' Cup 1999 Limited Edition is one of the earliest bottles in the long-running Maker's Mark/Keeneland commemorative partnership — a collaboration that began in 1958 when Keeneland became Maker's Mark's very first customer. This 1L bottle was released in 1999 to celebrate the Breeders' Cup World Championships, continuing a tradition of annual limited releases that benefits Kentucky charities and honors the deep connection between two of the Bluegrass State's most iconic institutions.

The liquid is Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky at 90 proof (45% ABV) — the same wheated bourbon in the iconic red wax bottle, presented in a collector's 1-liter format with commemorative Keeneland Breeders' Cup packaging. As one of the earliest releases in the series, the 1999 bottle carries significant collector value; the later editions have steadily climbed in secondary market price as the partnership's history deepened.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Soft wheat, caramel, vanilla, dried fruit — classic Maker's Mark profile
• Palate: Smooth and creamy with notes of honey, caramel, and gentle oak — approachable and balanced
• Finish: Warm and sweet with a soft fade characteristic of wheated bourbon

Product Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 1999 Keeneland Breeders' Cup bottle special?

It's one of the earliest releases in the Maker's Mark/Keeneland annual commemorative series, which began in 1997. The 1999 bottle predates the series becoming a major annual collector event — making it rarer and more historically significant than the later, higher-profile releases. The 1L format also distinguishes it from the standard 750ml commemorative bottles.

Is the whiskey inside different from standard Maker's Mark?

No — the liquid is standard Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon at 90 proof. The collectible value is in the commemorative packaging, the 1L format, and its place in the history of a 25+ year partnership between two of Kentucky's most iconic brands.

How does the 1999 edition compare in value to later Keeneland releases?

Earlier editions like 1997–1999 command significantly higher secondary market prices than the annual 750ml releases from the 2010s onward, precisely because they were produced before the series became widely recognized as collectible. The 1L format adds further rarity.