American Whiskey Woodford Reserve (pic) is celebrating Old Fashioned Month with the third edition of “The Wonderful Race”.
Brown-Forman Asia is calling on the most talented hospitality professionals in Malaysia to reimagine the timeless classic and craft the ultimate All-Star edition, with the theme of shaping the future of cocktail culture.
For Woodford Reserve, the All-Star Old Fashioned will showcase the whiskey’s rich character, redefine creativity in a classic cocktail, and capture its place as a modern staple on menus around Malaysia.
“The Old Fashioned has stood the test of time, but we believe the next great version is waiting to be discovered,” said Brown-Forman Asia-Pacific marketing director Colton Payne.
“This competition celebrates the craft and innovation of bartenders who have the power to shape what becomes iconic in our industry.
“We’re excited to see which creation will rise as the All-Star Old Fashioned.”
Shortlist criteria include drinks concept and storyline (40%), creativity (30%), presentation (20%) and entrant and outlet participation as well as advocacy efforts during Old Fashioned Month (10%).
The official campaign website accepts open call submissions until Oct 31, with 10 cocktails shortlisted for the national title.
The national champion will win a trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in the US, while the first and second runners-up will represent Woodford Reserve at regional events.
Last year, Kelvin Wong from Good Friends Club in Penang won the local competition under the theme “Umami Wildwood”.
He was challenged to create a savoury, earthy cocktail highlighting the bourbon’s deep woody richness, using at least one of four ingredients – gula melaka, pandan leaves, orange and black tea.
Within an hour, he crafted the Terra Old Fashioned, infusing pandan leaves with Penang wild honey, ginger and soy sauce.
He enhanced the drink with his pre-prepared local herbs and spices bitters, blended it with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and finished with a pandan leaf as garnish.
Meanwhile, consumers can also look out for the Old Fashioned menus across partner bars.
