THE APEX TIMES
WKYT reports the Lexington connection runs through Chase Deppen, who now lives in Texas and makes Verdadero Tequila.
Verdadero Tequila was announced as the official tequila for the Breeders’ Cup races, according to a report from WKYT published October 29, 2026. The announcement highlights the brand’s Kentucky ties through its maker, Lexington native Chase Deppen.
WKYT said Deppen, who is now based in Texas, produces Verdadero Tequila. The report ties the brand’s naming to Deppen’s background, including his upbringing in Lexington before he relocated to Texas.
The Breeders’ Cup is a major racing event and, as an official designation, the “official tequila” label places Verdadero Tequila among the categories of alcohol partners tied to the event. WKYT’s story focuses on the announcement itself and the Kentucky connection to the maker’s origin.
Beyond the branding aspect of the designation, the official partner role generally involves an on-the-record relationship between the event and the company behind the product. In this case, WKYT’s reporting centers on how the Verdadero Tequila announcement connects an out-of-state maker to Kentucky roots.
The WKYT report does not provide additional details in the excerpt about distribution plans, on-site activation, or any contractual terms tied to the designation. It also does not specify how long the agreement runs or whether there are additional products included under the partnership.
Deppen’s connection to Lexington is the centerpiece of the local angle, with WKYT describing him as the Lexington native behind the tequila brand. The report’s framing links the official Breeders’ Cup role to the personal and geographic journey of the maker.
As with other official sponsorship and partner announcements, the next step for the public is watching for additional information from Breeders’ Cup and Verdadero Tequila about how the partnership will be reflected around event week.
WKYT’s announcement, published as the Breeders’ Cup races approach, positions Verdadero Tequila as part of the event’s official business lineup, with Deppen’s Lexington background providing the Kentucky relevance emphasized in the local coverage.
