After a month of spirited competition, Ngie Kok Kiong of Frank’s Bar KL emerged as the All-Star Champion of The Wonderful Race 2025. His winning creation, “The Spice That Remembered,” captivated the judges with its creativity, craftsmanship, and distinctive character, securing the year’s top honour in this showcase of bartending excellence.
Judged by an esteemed trio of industry figures – 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 decision did not come easily. Each finalist displayed impressive technique and originality, yet it was the balance of taste, imagination, and storytelling, combined with a clear expression of Woodford Reserve’s essence, that propelled Ngie to victory.
THE COMPETITION FORMAT
In the opening round, the Top 10 finalists were challenged to craft their own interpretation of the Old Fashioned under the theme of “All-Star.” Each drink carried personal narratives, inspirations, and individual flair, impressing the judges in both expression and presentation.
From there, the Top 5 advanced to a fast-paced second round featuring a surprise twist curated by Chef Isadora Chai of Bistro à Table. Woodford Reserve is the Official American Whiskey Sponsor of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and in that spirit, Chef Isadora crafted a culinary-inspired challenge requiring finalists to pair a mystery ingredient with a brand-new Woodford Reserve cocktail created on the spot.
The mystery ingredients were Malaysian figs, belinjo nut crackers, freshly shucked oysters, smoked trout, and gingerbread cookies.
The finalists and their signature drinks were:
• Ngie Kok Kiong, Frank’s Bar KL, “The Spice That Remembered”
• Justin Tay, Cabinet 8 KL, “Roots of Sweetness”
• Tan Zheng Wei, Coley, “Sunset at Sea”
With only one hour to develop their concept, presentation, and pairing, all five finalists showcased remarkable composure and skill. The audience followed every moment as they shaped these unexpected ingredients into refined creations. After a gripping round, the Top 3 emerged: Tan Zheng Wei of Coley as Second Runner-Up, Justin Tay of Cabinet 8 KL as First Runner-Up, and Ngie Kok Kiong of Frank’s Bar KL as the ultimate All-Star Champion.
THE 2025 ALL-STAR CHAMPION
Ngie’s mystery ingredient was gingerbread cookies. His cocktail, “The Spice That Remembered,” drew from a familiar December memory: a kitchen warmed by the aroma of ginger, gentle spice, burnt sugar, and the quiet promise of Christmas. His drink wove together the character of Woodford Rye, the comforting depth of tuak brine, and a tropical “PX” crafted with passion fruit and cassis, creating a reimagined holiday sweetness.
Keeping the Old Fashioned’s subtle nature at the forefront, Ngie opted for lower-sugar components to allow the drink’s classic profile to remain intact. A touch of sweet basil added a bright lift, like a wreath refreshing a winter scene. Paired with a piece of gingerbread, the cocktail became a small story of contrast: warm spice with cool herb, oak depth with playful fruit, and tradition with imagination. Sip, nibble, and suddenly Christmas returns in flavour.
As the All-Star Champion, Ngie Kok Kiong will embark on an exclusive experience at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, where he will explore bourbon artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage. He will also represent Malaysia in The Woodford Reserve Wonderful Race Asia Final 2026, competing among regional champions for the coveted Asia title.
Reflecting on the competition, judge Evgeny Yashkovich shared, “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 recognised cocktails. This year’s theme invited Malaysia’s top bartenders to reinterpret the Old Fashioned through creativity, storytelling, and innovation, shaping it into their own All-Star expression.
Each cocktail told a story. From cultural touches to personal memories, the creations demonstrated how emotion, technique, and imagination can elevate a three-ingredient classic into a form of artistry.
CHEF ISADORA CHAI OF BISTRO À TABLE RAISED THE STAKES WITH A FLAVOUR CHALLENGE
To elevate this year’s finale, the competition introduced a new surprise element: the Chef Isadora Chai Challenge. In the second round, the Top 5 finalists drew blind for their mystery ingredients, each hand-selected by Chef Isadora Chai, Head Chef of the award-winning French Malaysian restaurant Bistro à Table.
Their task was to craft an original Woodford Reserve cocktail that either complemented or elevated their ingredient, which ranged from Malaysian figs and belinjo nut crackers to 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 collaboration reinforced Woodford Reserve’s reputation as a whiskey with remarkable depth and versatility, while strengthening its ties with the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Reflecting shared values such as focus, dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to quality, the challenge highlighted the common ground between gastronomy and mixology. Together, they champion craftsmanship, diverse flavours, and elevated experiences for audiences around the world.
