In conjunction with Old Fashioned Month, Woodford Reserve presents the ten finalists of The Wonderful Race 2024 and their innovative takes on the classic cocktail
In celebration of Old Fashioned Month, Woodford Reserve returns with The Wonderful Race 2.0, a competition highlighting the creativity and artistry of Singapore’s leading bartenders as they reimagine the iconic Old Fashioned cocktail. From over 20 entries, ten finalists have been selected for their ingenious twists on the bourbon-based classic, each offering a unique blend of technique, flavour, and narrative.
Running throughout October and November, The Wonderful Race 2024 offers cocktail enthusiasts the opportunity to explore new-age Old Fashioned cocktails crafted by these talented individuals. Each finalist has created a distinctive interpretation, infusing their concoctions with cultural references, locally sourced ingredients, and cutting-edge mixology techniques.
Among the standout creations is Iddu by Antonino Donato of East 47, which draws on Sicilian and Singaporean influences. With Woodford Reserve infused with thyme, lychee water, and ricotta, paired with a black squid ink taco, this bold creation is a tribute to both Mediterranean and local flavours. At SushiSamba, Daniel Fong’s The Melo Wood blends Japanese melon, plum umeshu reduction, and samba spices, offering a vibrant fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian elements.
Another remarkable finalist is Vyna Danny of Analogue Initiative, whose Rice Old Fashioned reflects her Malaysian heritage, featuring toasted rice, coconut, and pandan, inspired by the mythological figure Huminodun. Equally noteworthy is Ron Tan of Madame Fan Bar, who presents Nothing Gold Can Stay, a refined blend of osmanthus oolong tea and bourbon, garnished with a handmade rice wine-fermented glutinous rice ball—a tribute to traditional Chinese culture.
These ten finalists will face off in the grand finale on 3 November 2024, where one will be crowned national champion. The winner will not only receive an exclusive trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky but will also represent the brand at prestigious regional events.
cocktail historians generally agree the cocktail’s name was first used at the
Pendennis Club in Louisville. Photo by Woodford Reserve
With Old Fashioned Month in full swing, now is the time to sample these inventive drinks ahead of the final showdown–all ten bars are running promotions on their respective innovative handcrafted concoctions. Woodford Reserve continues to mark the occasion with exciting activations, including an international global bartender exchange between Singapore’s Origin Bar and The Cambridge Public House of France on 1 November 2024.
