AdminWoodford Reserve, the iconic bourbon brand, recently concluded its highly anticipated competition, “The Wonderful Race,” showcasing the ingenuity and skill of Malaysia’s bartending elite. Out of a pool of eight talented finalists, Koh Yung Shen of Backdoor Bodega in Penang emerged triumphant, capturing the coveted title with his extraordinary cocktail creation, “Winter Woodford-land.”
The panel of judges, comprised of Nicholas Ng, a distinguished Restaurant Critic and Food & Beverage Expert, Bannie Kang, the 2021 winner of the Mancino Bartenders’ Bartender Award, and Evgeny Yashkovich, Marketing Manager at Brown Forman Asia, faced the challenging task of selecting the champion from the pool of creative mixologists.
Yung Shen’s winning elixir: “Winter Woodford-land”
Yung Shen’s winning concoction, “Winter Woodford-land,” captivated the judges with its harmonious blend of Woodford Reserve bourbon and wintermelon sugar, a combination designed to evoke the essence of cold winter months in Kentucky. The cocktail’s intricate balance and its ability to enhance the premium qualities of Woodford Reserve set Shen apart as the deserving winner.
As part of his prize, Yung Shen will embark on an all-expenses-paid trip to the legendary Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, USA. This exclusive opportunity will allow him to meet with Woodford Reserve’s esteemed Master Distiller, gaining valuable insights into the craftsmanship behind the iconic spirit.
Evgeny Yashkovich, Marketing Manager at Brown-Forman Asia, expressed the company’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the talent within the modern hospitality industry. He stated, “Our Advocacy mission is to unite the world’s best Modern Hospitality professionals, support them with their careers, and give them an opportunity to be recognized for their achievements.”
Back in Malaysia, patrons can savor Yung Shen’s winning creation, named “1812,” exclusively at Backdoor Bodega. Crafted with precision, this artisanal cocktail combines Woodford Reserve with nutmeg, a spice coincidentally or not planted in Penang in the same year Woodford was first distilled, resulting in a truly memorable drinking experience.
Celebrating dedication and innovation
Woodford Reserve’s commitment to recognizing talent and fostering career development in the hospitality industry is evident in “The Wonderful Race” competition. The platform not only celebrates creativity and professionalism but also provides a unique opportunity for bartenders to showcase their dedication and innovation.
In addition to Yung Shen’s triumph, let’s raise a glass to the other talented bartenders who participated in “The Wonderful Race” competition, each contributing their unique flair to the world of mixology:
- Ng Bee Yee, Tiga Bar [@bar.tiga]
- Darwin Ng, Jann [@jann.kl]
- Dawen Ong, The Nest Cocktail Bar [@thenestcocktailbar]
- Jason Yee, Ikiya 2.0 [@ikiya.2.0]
- Kelvin Wong, Good Friends Club Penang [@goodfriendsclubpg]
- Lim Shui Teng, The Mandarin Bar [@the_mandarin_bar]
- Lim Tett Hin, Baobae Penang [@baobae.pg]
To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.
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