Juniper
Justin Tay from Cabinet 8 KL presents Wildwood Old Fashioned, featuring wild mango black syrup, torch ginger, and mesoyi wood bitters, tied together by Woodford Reserve Bourbon
The Wonderful Race 2025 by Woodford Reserve has revealed its Top 10 finalists, spotlighting unique creations from Malaysia’s most-talented bartenders. This year’s competition, themed ‘All-Star Old Fashioned’, attracted a remarkable number of entries, each vying for the coveted title of The Wonderful Race 2025 Malaysia Champion.
The winner will also receive an exclusive trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky and the honour of representing Woodford Reserve at regional events.
THE TOP 10 ALL-STAR SHORTLIST
This year’s top 10 finalists were chosen for their creativity, unique drink concepts, and the compelling stories told through their creations. Drawing inspiration from a variety of personal and regional factors, including their backgrounds, cultures, and loved ones, they utilised these diverse experiences to incorporate flavours and techniques – inspired by countries like China, Japan, and Vietnam, to craft their perfectly unique spins on the Old Fashioned.
“The Wonderful Race is our way of spotlighting local talent and pushing cocktail culture forward,” said Colton Payne, APAC Marketing Director, Brown-Forman. “Each finalist has met the challenge of reinventing an iconic cocktail in their own special way and we can’t wait to witness their craftsmanship.”
Ngie Kok Kiong (KK) from Frank’s Bar KL, Justin Tay from Cabinet 8 KL and Tan Zheng Wei from Coley
craftsmanship
ALL-STAR OLD FASHIONED: JUDGING CRITERIA
In its third edition, The Wonderful Race 2025 challenges bartenders to elevate a timeless classic. This year’s competition calls on mixologists to showcase their flair and creativity, with only those bold enough to outshine the original earning the ultimate recognition: the title of ‘All-Star’.
The evaluation is based on:
● Drinks concept and storyline: The compelling narrative and inspiration behind the cocktail
● Creativity: The unique winning edge of the cocktail and how it stands out from the rest.
● Presentation: Creative presentation and aesthetics of the cocktail.
● Entrant and outlet participation + advocacy efforts during Old Fashioned Month: The advocating for the brand and drinks through social media and in-outlet touchpoints.
BATTLE OF THE ALL-STARS
On 30 November, the 10 finalists will present their innovative All-Star Old Fashioned cocktails to a distinguished panel of judges comprising of the champion of The Wonderful Race Asia 2025, Kelvin Saquilayan, Brown Forman APAC Marketing Director Colton Payne, and Scott Lee from NOBLE Malaysia. They will compete for the coveted title of national champion, an exclusive trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky and an opportunity to represent Woodford Reserve in regional events.
To commemorate Old Fashioned Month, Woodford Reserve hosted a regional guest shift at Origin, one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 on 12 November 2025. The event welcomed 2 bartenders from Backdoor Bodega, Penang’s acclaimed cocktail bar that recently clinched the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award 2025 at the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025. Koh Yung Shen, Winner of The Wonderful Race Malaysia 2023, and Janice Lok, 1st Runner-Up of The Wonderful Race Malaysia 2024, helmed the bar for the evening, bringing their creative flair and award-winning Old Fashioned cocktail creations to guests.
CELEBRATE OLD FASHIONED MONTH WITH THE TOP 10 FINALISTS
As Woodford Reserve celebrates Old Fashioned month in October and November, cocktail aficionados are invited to visit the esteemed bars and restaurants their finalists are from, to experience the unique Old Fashioned creations crafted exclusively for The Wonderful Race.
THE WONDERFUL RACE 2025: MALAYSIA EDITION
In conjunction with Old Fashioned Month, Woodford Reserve has once again launched The Wonderful Race in Malaysia. Building on the success of previous years, the competition opened for bartenders’ entries on October 1, 2025, and will run until the end of the month. Finalists were announced on November 14, 2025.
Stay tuned for an exciting Old Fashioned Month as Woodford Reserve takes the lead with The Wonderful Race and more exciting upcoming activations. Follow @woodfordreserve_sea for the latest updates.
