ROLLING GRACE

After a month of intense competition and creative expression, Ngie Kok Kiong of Frank’s Bar KL has emerged as the All-Star Champion of Woodford Reserve The Wonderful Race Asia, Malaysia’s premier bartending showcase celebrating the enduring legacy of the Old Fashioned.

His winning cocktail, The Spice That Remembered, stood out for its balance of craftsmanship, restraint, and storytelling. In a competition where technical excellence was a given, Ngie’s creation resonated for something quieter yet more lasting. A sense of memory, place, and intention that lingered well beyond the final sip.

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A Competition Rooted in Craft and Character

Now in its third edition, The Wonderful Race is held in conjunction with Old Fashioned Month, a global celebration of one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. Organised by Woodford Reserve, the competition invites Malaysia’s leading bartenders to reinterpret the Old Fashioned through personal narratives, cultural references, and inventive techniques, without losing sight of the cocktail’s classical foundation.

The 2025 theme, The All-Star Old Fashioned, challenged participants to push creative boundaries while staying true to the drink’s understated structure. It was less about reinvention for spectacle, and more about how each bartender expressed mastery through nuance.

Judged by Industry Leaders

Selecting a winner was no easy task. The judging panel comprised respected voices in the regional hospitality and spirits scene: Evgeny Yashkovich, Brown Forman’s Regional Advocacy Manager; Kiki Moka, Indonesia’s leading bartender from The Cocktail Club; and Scott Lee, Features and Digital Editor of Noble 名人.

Each finalist demonstrated exceptional technical ability, but the final decision came down to harmony. Flavour integration, clarity of concept, and how convincingly each cocktail reflected the spirit of Woodford Reserve all played a role in determining the All-Star Champion.

Inside The Wonderful Race 2025 Format

The competition unfolded over two demanding rounds.

In the first round, the Top 10 finalists were tasked with creating their own interpretation of the Old Fashioned under the All-Star theme. Each cocktail reflected personal inspiration, from heritage and travel to technique and memory. Judges assessed flavour balance, presentation, and how successfully the drink honoured the classic while introducing something distinctive.

The Top 5 finalists then advanced to a high pressure second round featuring a surprise culinary twist curated by Chef Isadora Chai, Head Chef of Bistro à Table. In this challenge, bartenders drew one mystery ingredient and were given just an hour to conceptualise and execute a brand new Woodford Reserve cocktail pairing.

The ingredients ranged from Malaysian figs and belinjo nut crackers to freshly shucked oysters, smoked trout, and gingerbread cookies. The challenge reflected Woodford Reserve’s role as the Official American Whiskey Sponsor of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, blurring the lines between kitchen and bar.

Rising to the Final Moment

Despite the time constraint, all five finalists demonstrated composure and clarity under pressure. Each drink revealed a thoughtful approach to pairing, texture, and balance.

At the end of the round, the judges named the Top 3. Tan Zheng Wei of Coley claimed Second Runner-Up with Sunset at Sea, while Justin Tay of Cabinet 8 KL took First Runner-Up with Roots of Sweetness. The championship title, however, belonged to Ngie Kok Kiong.

The All-Star Champion Cocktail: The Spice That Remembered

Assigned gingerbread cookies as his mystery ingredient, Ngie drew inspiration from a familiar December scene. A kitchen filled with warm spice, burnt sugar, and quiet anticipation. Rather than leaning into sweetness, he chose restraint.

The Spice That Remembered is built on Woodford Rye, layered with the savoury depth of tuak brine and a tropical interpretation of “PX” using passion fruit and cassis. Lower sugar elements allowed the Old Fashioned’s character to remain intact, while sweet basil introduced a gentle freshness, softening the richness of spice and oak.

Paired with a bite of gingerbread, the drink unfolded as a series of contrasts. Warm and cool, familiar and unexpected, classic structure with imaginative detail. It was this balance that ultimately secured Ngie the All-Star title.

As champion, Ngie Kok Kiong will embark on an exclusive journey to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, where he will experience the heritage, craftsmanship, and artistry behind one of the world’s most respected American whiskeys.

He will also go on to represent Malaysia at The Woodford Reserve Wonderful Race Asia Final 2026, competing against regional champions from across Asia for the continental title.

Bridging the Worlds of Bar and Kitchen

The introduction of the Chef Isadora Chai Challenge elevated The Wonderful Race 2025 beyond a traditional bartending competition. By introducing culinary elements into the mixology process, the finale highlighted the shared language of flavour across disciplines.

Chef Isadora Chai reflected on the experience, noting how flavour can connect creativity and relevance across kitchen and bar. The challenge reinforced Woodford Reserve’s reputation as a whiskey of depth and versatility, capable of standing confidently alongside diverse ingredients and interpretations.

With The Spice That Remembered, Ngie Kok Kiong demonstrated that the most compelling stories are often told quietly. Through balance, memory, and respect for craft, he earned his place as Malaysia’s All-Star Champion.