Shaking Up the Cocktail World: Woodford Reserve Unites Global Talent at the 2026 Global Bar Exchange

Saturday, 13 December 2025 at 17:39

Global Bar Exchange-programma Woodford reesrve

Woodford Reserve kicks off the new year with an international event that taps into the growing whisky and cocktail culture: the second phase of the Global Bar Exchange program.

This creative exchange brings top bartenders from around the world together, pairing local flavors with cultural experiences. The goal is to spark inspiration, innovation, and connection across the global hospitality scene.

From London to Seoul: a flying start

The first phase of the program already delivered impressive collaborations between bars in cities including London, Brisbane, Amsterdam, and Seoul.

These exchanges were about more than mixing drinks: they were about sharing culture. Bartenders explored each other’s ingredients, traditions, and philosophies on hospitality. It’s exactly the kind of exchange Woodford Reserve aims to champion.

Matt Baker of Death & Taxes in Brisbane called the experience “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” while Anna Vu Kim of Amsterdam’s Sins of Sal described it as “one of the most remarkable weeks of my career.”

Six new global cities on the agenda

In the second phase, running from January through April, the program heads to six global cities. This year’s itinerary includes Berlin, Hong Kong, Tokyo, São Paulo, Naples, Dubai, and Mexico City. Here’s the schedule:

Guarita at Bar Basta, Berlin: January 26–29, 2026

Bar Mauro at The Aubrey, Hong Kong: February 3–5, 2026

Bar Snack at Bar Orchard, Tokyo: February 20–22, 2026

Bar Basta at Guarita, São Paulo: March 3–5, 2026

Salmon Guru Dubai at L’Antiquario, Naples: March 24–26, 2026

L’Antiquario at Salmon Guru, Dubai: April 7–9, 2026

The Aubrey at Bar Mauro, Mexico City: April 14–16, 2026

In each city, guest bartenders immerse themselves in local cuisine, ingredients, and bar culture. Woodford Reserve is the common thread throughout, inspiring original Bourbon creations, something the brand has long championed.

Woodford Reserve in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the Woodford Reserve Cocktail Week returns every year, and it recently took place again. We at Whisky Monkeys were there, and you can read all about it in this report.

One thing is certain: Woodford Reserve isn’t sitting still. The brand is doing everything it can to delight taste buds around the world with bold new flavors.

Want to learn more about the Global Bar Exchange? Check out this page.