Woodford Reserve The Wonderful Race: Reimagining Old Fashioned Cocktail
Woodford Reserve, the globally renowned super-premium American whiskey, brings back its much-anticipated competition, The Wonderful Race, happening across Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. This year’s edition, taking place during Old Fashioned Month, challenges modern hospitality professionals to reimagine the iconic Old Fashioned cocktail. With the theme ‘The New-Age Old Fashioned,’ this competition promises a showcase of creativity, artistry, and bold innovation.
Whether you’re a mixology expert or a cocktail enthusiast, this competition highlights the limitless possibilities of crafting a cocktail that is as timeless as it is contemporary. Let’s delve into what makes this event a celebration of both tradition and innovation.
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| Old Fashioned Cocktail Reimagined at The Wonderful Race by Woodford Reserve |
Woodford Reserve The Wonderful Race
The Wonderful Race Asia
Old Fashioned Month is a time for cocktail lovers to raise a glass to one of the most enduring classics in mixology—the Old Fashioned. For Woodford Reserve, this is the perfect occasion to host The Wonderful Race, a competition that pushes boundaries while honouring tradition.
This year, the theme ‘The New-Age Old Fashioned’ calls on participants to incorporate innovative techniques, in-season ingredients, and their own unique interpretation of what a modern Old Fashioned can be.
Woodford Reserve stands out not just for its rich history and premium quality but for its commitment to celebrating creativity. The annual competition is a call to arms for those passionate about their craft, inviting them to explore the depths of flavour and to narrate a story through their creations. The challenge: to take the well-loved Old Fashioned and introduce a twist that makes it unmistakably contemporary.
To stand out, each concoction must be a testament to originality, captivating storytelling, and exceptional presentation. The reward for crafting the winning New-Age Old Fashioned extends beyond national acclaim; it includes a visit to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky. Here, you'll walk through the hallowed halls where each drop of bourbon is a whisper from the past, telling tales of heritage and craft.
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| Woodford Reserve The Wonderful Race returns with the theme ‘The New-Age Old Fashioned’, challenging participants to craft modern twists using innovative techniques, seasonal ingredients, and their unique creativity. |
Entry Criteria
Participants in The Wonderful Race will be evaluated on four key criteria:
Drinks Concept and Storyline (40%)
- What inspired your cocktail creation?
- How does your drink evoke specific emotions or fit into special occasions?
Creativity (30%)
- Highlight unique elements that make your cocktail stand out.
- Showcase how your creation aligns with ‘The New-Age Old Fashioned’ theme.
Presentation (20%)
Deliver visually stunning cocktails that captivate the senses.
Advocacy Efforts (10%)
Share your journey and cocktail creation on social media to engage a wider audience.
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| Besides receiving exclusive Woodford Reserve whiskey, the winner earns an exclusive trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky, while the first and second runners-up from each country will proudly represent Woodford Reserve at regional events. |
Winner of The Wonderful Race 2024
Creativity and competition collided in the 2024 edition of Woodford Reserve’s The Wonderful Race, where ten bartenders showcased their artistry with "New-Age" Old Fashioned cocktails infused with personal stories and inventive flair.
Among the top contenders, Kelvin Wong from Good Friends Club emerged victorious with his signature creations, Tropical Spice Harmony and Terra Old Fashioned. The competition reached new heights when the top five finalists were tasked with crafting a cocktail on the spot, inspired by a surprise theme. Kelvin’s interpretation of Umami Wildwood stood out as he skillfully incorporated Gula Melaka, pandan leaves, orange, and black tea into a rich and savoury Terra Old Fashioned.
Judged by industry heavyweights Joni Na, Bannie Kang, and Michael Cheang, the panel lauded Kelvin’s ability to innovate while staying true to the essence of an Old Fashioned. The winning cocktail showcased exceptional creativity, blending pandan-infused Penang wild honey, ginger, soy sauce, and local herbs with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, finished with a pandan leaf garnish.
Janice Lok from No Bar Here earned first runner-up with her Oriental Amber, and Ngie Kok Kiong from Frank’s Bar secured third place with Marie-Antoinette: Let Them Eat Cake. Special mentions also went to Justin Tay and Anna Koh for their remarkable contributions, solidifying the competition as a true celebration of bartending mastery.
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| Kelvin Wong from Good Friends Club took centre stage at the 2024 Woodford Reserve’s The Wonderful Race. His bold interpretation of the ‘Umami Wildwood’ theme showcased creativity and skill, earning him the championship title. |
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| From Gula Melaka to pandan-infused honey, the top five finalists pushed the boundaries of bartending in a thrilling surprise round. Kelvin Wong emerged victorious, while Janice Lok and Ngie Kok Kiong claimed the runner-up spots with their exceptional creations. |
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This elixir, a harmony of over 200 flavors, invites your palate to a grand exploration—from the boldness of grain and wood laced with sweet whispers of aromatics to the daring spices and delicate fruit and floral undercurrents. Visual allure comes in a hue of clean, brilliant honey amber, promising a feast for the senses.
As you draw closer, a bouquet of rich dried fruits, mingled with mint and oranges beneath a veil of cocoa, vanilla, and tobacco spice, beckons. The first sip reveals a landscape of flavors: rich, chewy, and smoothly rounded, where citrus dances with cinnamon and cocoa; where toffee, caramel, chocolate, and spices weave a narrative of sophistication and warmth. The final note is a silky, almost creamy embrace, leaving behind a long, satisfying warmth.
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| Craft your own Old Fashioned masterpiece with Woodford Reserve at home, or visit one of the participating bars in KL or PJ to enjoy a gourmet cocktail expertly crafted by renowned bartenders. |
Create the ‘New-Age Old Fashioned’ at Home
Woodford Reserve is more than just a whiskey; it’s an experience. With over 200 detectable flavour notes, from bold grain to toasted oak, this bourbon provides the perfect canvas for innovation. Its rich complexity makes it ideal for mixologists and whiskey enthusiasts looking to elevate their creations.
For those who aren’t competing, Old Fashioned Month is still a wonderful time to experiment. Here’s how you can create your version of a ‘New-Age Old Fashioned’:
- Experiment with Flavour: Infuse your bourbon with in-season fruits or spices.
- Use Creative Garnishes: Consider edible flowers, smoked citrus, or artistic ice cubes.
- Add a Twist: Try unconventional sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or even herbal syrups.
As we toast to Old Fashioned Month, The Wonderful Race invites everyone to appreciate the artistry behind the world’s most beloved cocktails. It’s not just about creating a drink - it’s about telling a story, evoking emotions, and leaving a lasting impression.
The Wonderful Race champions the spirit of creation at the intersection of the past and the future. It's more than a competition; it's a platform for mixologists to push boundaries, explore new territories of taste, and share their love for the craft. As we toast to the upcoming Old Fashioned Month, we celebrate not only Woodford Reserve's legacy but the innovative spirit that drives the bartending community forward.
To our dear readers who appreciate the finer things in life, consider this your invite to the world of high-stakes mixology. Here's to discovering your next favourite cocktail, crafted with both reverence for tradition and a bold vision for the future. Cheers to adventure, creativity, and the timeless appeal of a perfectly mixed Old Fashioned.
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