Ngie Kok Kiong from Frank’s Bar KL has been named the All-Star Champion of The Wonderful Race (Malaysia) 2025, following a month-long bartending competition that tested Malaysia’s finest mixologists on creativity, technique, and innovation.

His winning cocktail, “The Spice That Remembered,” impressed an esteemed panel of judges with its distinctive character and masterful craftsmanship, securing him the prestigious title in this year’s showcase of bartending excellence.

The competition, held as part of Old Fashioned Month—a global celebration of one of the world’s most iconic cocktails—featured judging from industry luminaries Evgeny Yashkovich, Brown Forman’s Regional Advocacy Manager; Kiki Moka, Indonesia’s top bartender from The Cocktail Club; and Scott Lee, Features and Digital Editor of Noble 名人.

The competition format challenged the Top 10 finalists to craft unique interpretations of the Old Fashioned under the theme “All-Star,” with each creation reflecting the bartenders’ personal stories and inspirations.

The Top 5 advanced to an intense second round featuring a surprise challenge curated by Chef Isadora Chai of Bistro à Table. Bartenders were required to pair mystery ingredients—including Malaysian Figs, Belinjo Nut Crackers, Freshly Shucked Oysters, Smoked Trout, and Gingerbread Cookies—with brand-new Woodford Reserve cocktails created on the spot. The challenge was designed to honor Woodford Reserve’s position as the Official American Whiskey Sponsor of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Given only one hour to conceptualize and execute their creations, the finalists demonstrated exceptional composure and agility. The competition culminated with Tan Zheng Wei from Coley taking Second Runner-Up, Justin Tay from Cabinet 8 KL as First Runner-Up, and Ngie Kok Kiong claiming the Championship Title.

Ngie’s winning cocktail drew inspiration from childhood memories of December kitchens filled with the scent of ginger, warm spices, burnt sugar, and the anticipation of Christmas. When presented with Gingerbread Cookies as his mystery ingredient, he crafted a cocktail combining Woodford Rye, tuak brine, and a tropical blend of passion fruit and cassis.

Staying true to the Old Fashioned’s subtle character, Ngie selected lower-sugar elements to allow the cocktail’s classic essence to shine, with sweet basil adding a bright note. Paired with gingerbread, the drink became what he describes as a story of contrasts: warm spice and cool herb, deep oak and playful fruit, tradition and imagination.

As champion, Ngie will travel to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, for an immersive experience in bourbon artistry and craftsmanship. He will also represent Malaysia at The Woodford Reserve Wonderful Race Asia Final competition in 2026, competing against regional champions across Asia.

“What impressed me most was how each bartender approached the Old Fashioned with both innovation and precision. They understood the heritage behind the cocktail, yet weren’t afraid to explore new expressions through flavours and techniques, a true reflection of the spirit behind The Wonderful Race,”

Evgeny Yashkovich

The introduction of the Chef Isadora Chai Challenge marked a new dimension for the competition, blurring the boundaries between culinary artistry and mixology. Chef Chai, Head Chef at the award-winning French Malaysian restaurant Bistro à Table, hand-picked ingredients that challenged bartenders to think beyond traditional cocktail components.

“This competition is a reminder of how flavour can connect creativity, relevance and sensory impact across the kitchen and bar. It was inspiring to see how each bartender approached the mystery ingredients, drawing out flavour in unexpected ways while still honouring the Old Fashioned’s timeless character.”

Chef Isadora Chai

The collaboration underscored Woodford Reserve’s versatility while strengthening its partnership with the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, showcasing shared values of craftsmanship, dedication, and pursuit of excellence.

Now in its third edition, The Wonderful Race continues to honour bartending mastery, calling on Malaysia’s finest to reinterpret the timeless Old Fashioned through creativity, storytelling, and innovation—transforming a three-ingredient classic into artistry.

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Photos courtesy of Woodford’s Reserve SEA