Old Fashioned Cocktail Reimagined at Woodford Reserve The Wonderful Race

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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Table of Content

1. The Wonderful Race Asia
2. Entry Criteria
3. Winner of The Wonderful Race 2023
4. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
5. Create the ‘New-Age Old Fashioned’ at Home

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.

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.

Winner of The Wonderful Race 2023

Last year's winner, Koh Yung Shen, set a high bar with "Winter Woodford-land". His cocktail, a blend of Woodford Reserve bourbon with winter melon sugar, captured the essence of winter with every sip, striking a perfect balance that impressed both the judges and competitors. It's this level of creativity and understanding of flavour that the competition celebrates.

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.

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’:

1. Experiment with Flavour: Infuse your bourbon with in-season fruits or spices.
2. Use Creative Garnishes: Consider edible flowers, smoked citrus, or artistic ice cubes.
3. 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.