After a month of competition, Ngie Kok Kiong from Frank’s Bar KL has emerged triumphant as the All-Star Champion of The Wonderful Race 2025. His winning creation,“The Spice That Remembered” captivated judges with its creativity, craftsmanship, and distinctive character — securing the ultimate title in this year’s prestigious showcase of bartending excellence.
Judged by an esteemed panel of industry luminaries — Evgeny Yashkovich (Brown Forman’s Regional Advocacy Manager), Kiki Moka (Indonesia’s top bartender from The Cocktail Club), and Scott Lee (Features and Digital Editor of Noble 名人) — the selection of this year’s winner was no easy feat. Each finalist displayed outstanding technique and innovation, but it was the remarkable harmony of taste, creativity, and storytelling, all while embodying the true essence of Woodford Reserve, that ultimately revealed our All-Star Champion.
THE COMPETITION FORMAT
In the first round, the Top 10 finalists were tasked to craft their unique interpretation of the Old Fashioned — one of the world’s most iconic cocktails — under the theme ‘All-Star’. Each creation reflected the bartenders’ personal stories, inspirations, and flair, impressing the judges with both flavour and presentation.
The Top 5 then advanced to an intense yet exhilarating second round, where they faced a surprise challenge curated by Chef Isadora Chai of Bistro à Table — to pair their mystery ingredient to a brand-new Woodford Reserve cocktail that they are required to craft on the spot. This challenge was specially curated as Woodford Reserve is the Official American Whiskey Sponsor of the World’s 50 Best Restaurant.
The 5 ingredients given were Malaysian Figs, Belinjo Nut Crackers, Freshly Shucked Oysters, Smoked Trout, and Gingerbread Cookies.
The finalists were given only an hour to brainstorm on their concept, presentation, and come up with the best pairing of their mystery ingredient with the Old Fashioned. Despite the short amount of time, the top 5 finalists demonstrated exceptional creativity, composure, and craftsmanship, rising to the occasion with agility and mastery as they integrated the unexpected ingredient into their creations. After a thrilling round that kept the audience captivated, the Top 3 emerged:
Tan Zheng Wei from Coley as Second Runner-Up, Justin Tay from Cabinet 8 KL as First Runner-Up, and ultimately, Ngie Kok Kiong from Frank’s Bar KL, who claimed the coveted Championship Title.
THE 2025 ALL-STAR CHAMPION
Our winner, Ngie Kok Kiong, was presented with Gingerbread Cookies as his mystery ingredient. His cocktail, “The Spice That Remembered”, was inspired by a familiar December memory, a kitchen filled with the scent of ginger, warm spice, burnt sugar, and the quiet promise of Christmas.
His creation combined the soul of Woodford Rye, the comforting depth of tuak brine, and a tropical “PX” of passion fruit and cassis – a nod to holiday sweetness, reimagined in his own way. Staying true to the Old Fashioned’s subtle character, Ngie selected lower-sugar elements to let the cocktail’s classic essence shine. A bright note of sweet basil added a gentle lift, like a fresh wreath softening a winter room. Paired with a piece of gingerbread, the drink became a story of contrasts: warm spice and cool herb, deep oak and playful fruit, tradition and imagination. A little bite, a little sip, and Christmas returns in flavour.
As the champion, Ngie Kok Kiong will embark on an exclusive journey to the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, for an immersive experience in bourbon artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage — a fitting reward for this year’s most exceptional talent. He will also represent Malaysia in The Woodford Reserve Wonderful Race Asia Final competition 2026, where he would compete with regional champions across Asia as they vie for the coveted Asia Championship.
Evgeny Yashkovich, one of the judges and Brown Forman’s Regional Advocacy Manager, shared his thoughts. “What impressed me most was how each bartender approached the Old Fashioned with both innovation and precision. They understood the heritage behind the cocktail, yet weren’t afraid to explore new expressions through flavours and techniques, a true reflection of the spirit behind The Wonderful Race.”
THE ALL-STAR OLD FASHIONED: REIMAGINING A TIMELESS CLASSIC
Now in its third edition, The Wonderful Race continues to honour bartending mastery as part of Old Fashioned Month, a global celebration of one of the world’s most iconic cocktails.
This year’s theme, the “All-Star Old Fashioned”, called on Malaysia’s finest bartenders to reinterpret the timeless drink through creativity, storytelling, and innovation, transforming traditions into their unique version of an All-Star Old Fashioned.
Each cocktail holds a special story, from cultural inspirations to personal journeys, showcasing how techniques, emotions, and imagination can elevate a three-ingredient classic into artistry.
CHEF ISADORA CHAI OF BISTRO À TABLE RAISED THE STAKES WITH A FLAVOUR CHALLENGE
Taking this year’s The Wonderful Race to a whole new level, the 2025 finale introduced a surprise twist — the Chef Isadora Chai Challenge, where the boundaries between culinary artistry and mixology blurred in the most flavourful way.
In the second round, the Top 5 finalists faced a blind draw of five mystery ingredients hand-picked by Chef Isadora Chai, Head Chef at Bistro à Table, an award winning French Malaysian restaurant. Each bartender was tasked to create an original Woodford Reserve cocktail pairing that complemented or elevated their chosen ingredient — ranging from Malaysian Figs, Belinjo Nut Crackers, Freshly Shucked Oysters, Smoked Trout, and Gingerbread Cookies.
“This competition is a reminder of how flavour can connect creativity, relevance and sensory impact across the kitchen and bar. It was inspiring to see how each bartender approached the mystery ingredients, drawing out flavour in unexpected ways while still honouring the Old Fashioned’s timeless character.” Said Chef Isadora Chai.
This one-of-a-kind collaboration underscored Woodford Reserve’s position as a whiskey of remarkable depth and versatility, while strengthening its partnership with the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Aligned with the brand’s identity of complexity, quality, and craftsmanship, the challenge brought together the worlds of gastronomy and mixology to engage and connect with a global audience of culinary enthusiasts. It also showcased the shared values that connect Woodford Reserve and Bistro à Table, such as focus, dedication, passion, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence as both champion fine craftsmanship, diverse flavours, and exceptional, elevated experiences.