Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Week celebrations kick off in November with an elevated twist, offering complimentary cocktails nationwide.

Founded in Paris in 2015 by Michael Landart and Cyrille Hugon, Old Fashioned Week has been a mainstay at more than 1000 of the finest bars globally for eight years. Woodford Reserve officially took over the reins in 2020 – after working closely with
Michael and Cyrille since its inception – with Old Fashioned Week now having representation in all of the major bar cities
throughout the world.

Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy sophisticated sips at the likes of Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House or the historic rooftop at Hotel Palisade, while Brisbanites can opt for heritage hideaway Savile Row or luxe diner The Arsonist.

In Adelaide, locals can indulge in a tipple at Malt & Juniper or underground oasis Bank Street Social while those in Melbourne will be able to choose from mood-lit den, Whisky & Alement and the swanking White Oaks Saloon.

And, finally, participating venues in Perth include the ultra-luxe Ritz Carlton Bar and the artisanal Bar Lafayette.

To top off the festivities, Woodford Reserve is also bringing back its Global Bar Exchange program for the second year as one of the World’s Top 50 Best Bars, Florence’s renowned Locale Firenze, put their own spin on drink service at the city’s beloved Society.

From 12-14 November, the Locale’s malt maestros will be collaborating with Society’s own award-winning bartenders to add some Italian flair to the drinks menu as part of an immersive cultural and cocktail-making experience – one not-to-be-missed by bourbon lovers.

Woodford Reserve Senior Brand Manager, Brown-Forman ANZPI Richard Dredge said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Old Fashioned Week back to Australia once again this year, and this time, making it even bigger and better than ever by extending the celebration to a full month and bringing international cocktail partners in on the fun as part of our global bar exchange.”

The complimentary cocktail offer will be available at all participating venues from 1 November to 30 November, 2024. To claim a cocktail or for more information on participating venues, click here.

Master Distiller’s inaugural Aussie visit

Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall made her inaugural visit to Australia ahead of Old Fashioned Week. During her visit, McCall led a series of exclusive masterclasses sharing her expertise in bourbon, offering Australian bartenders a rare opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s most distinguished figures.

McCall was named Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve, succeeding the legendary Chris Morris. She began her career in 2009 as a sensory expert, working in the quality department at Brown-Forman, the parent company of Woodford Reserve, before becoming Master Taster and Assistant Master Distiller.

Drinks Digest attended a masterclass with McCall at O Bar in Sydney. The event delved deep into the art of whisky making, pairing some of Woodford’s finest selections with gourmet delights and reveal the secret behind making the most luxurious Old Fashioneds.

Kicking off with refreshing New Fashioneds at sunset (Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select, agave, lemon and Strange Love Very Mandarin Soda), then moving to a masterclass featuring Distiller’s Select, Rye Whiskey and Double Oaked, plus a very special tasting of Sonoma Triple Finish, the event concluded with stunning Re-Fashioned cocktails featuring Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, maple syrup and Woodford Reserve Chocolate Bitters. 

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