Woodford Reserve Announces Top 10 Finalists for The Wonderful Race 2025

Woodford Reserve has revealed the top 10 finalists for The Wonderful Race 2025, showcasing innovative interpretations of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail by Malaysia’s leading bartenders. The third edition of the competition, themed “All-Star Old Fashioned,” drew a substantial number of entries from mixologists across the country.

Old Fashioned Month, celebrated in October and November, began as Old Fashioned Week in Paris in 2015 before expanding into a month-long global celebration. The cocktail, traditionally made with bourbon, sugar, and bitters, shares its roots with Woodford Reserve in Kentucky. Cocktail historians generally agree the drink’s name was first used at the Pendennis Club in Louisville and was popularised by Col. James E. Pepper in 1881 when introduced at the Waldorf Astoria New York.

The final showdown will take place in Kuala Lumpur on 30 November 2025, where finalists will compete for the title of Malaysia Champion, an exclusive trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky, and the opportunity to represent the brand at regional events.

The top 10 bartenders were selected based on their creativity, unique drink concepts, and the narratives behind their creations. Finalists drew inspiration from diverse sources, including their cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and regional influences from countries such as China, Japan, and Vietnam.

“The Wonderful Race is our way of spotlighting local talent and pushing cocktail culture forward. 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.”
Colton Payne, APAC Marketing Director, Brown-Forman

The finalists and their cocktails are:

Choo Kean Kee (Nomad) – Golden Legacy
Lee Ai Cxing (The Nest) – Mist and Tides
Gary Aw (GOOD FRIENDS CLUB) – Legacy in Bloom
Lok Chia Wen (Janice) (Backdoor Bodega) – The Kentucky Flame
Ngie Kok Kiong (KK) (Frank’s Bar KL) – Ulam Reserve
Justin Tay (Cabinet 8 KL) – Wildwood Old Fashioned
Justin Chong (CONTI’) – Don’t Leave (莫离)
Queenie Locke (PS150 KL) – Kentucky Meets Malaysia
Tan Zheng Wei (Coley) – End of the Tunnel
Naik Hiong Du (Haiiro Usagi) – Home Style Reserve

The competition challenges bartenders to elevate the timeless Old Fashioned classic with their own creative interpretations. Entries are evaluated based on four criteria: drinks concept and storyline, creativity and uniqueness, presentation and aesthetics, and advocacy efforts during Old Fashioned Month through social media and in-outlet promotion.

The 30 November finals will see contestants present their cocktails to a distinguished judging panel comprising Kelvin Saquilayan, champion of The Wonderful Race Asia 2025, Colton Payne from Brown Forman, and Scott Lee from NOBLE Malaysia.

Cocktail enthusiasts can visit the bars and restaurants represented by the finalists to experience their unique Old Fashioned creations throughout the celebration period.