Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Week 2025: these bars are going all out
From November 17 to 23, 2025, it’s that time again: Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Week! During this week, you can not only enjoy the classic of all cocktails, the Old Fashioned, but also creative new twists that give this iconic drink a surprising new direction. Together with Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, more than 40 participating bars throughout the Netherlands will show just how innovative the Old Fashioned can be. This year, three top chefs are putting their own culinary spin on the cocktail, resulting in a unique experience you won’t want to miss.
Old Fashioned: the timeless cocktail in different variations
Wherever you are in the world, chances are you can order an Old Fashioned at a cocktail bar. With just three ingredients – whiskey, sugar and bitters – the recipe may seem simple, but every bartender puts their own creative signature on this classic cocktail. Woodford Old Fashioned Week 2025 celebrates that versatility and offers not only the original version, but also countless unique variations of this beloved cocktail.
Chef’s Old Fashioneds: the creative twist from top chefs
This year, three renowned chefs are stepping out of the kitchen and sharing their culinary vision of the Old Fashioned. Chefs Sidney Schutte (Spectrum**), Floris van Straalen (Van Oost) and Dirk Mooren (Verlan, Mata Hari) are teaming up with top bartenders Ignazio Di Gangi (The Vault Bar), Nick Vrielink (Fitz’s Bar) and Tim Lefevre (Door74) to create a Chef’s Old Fashioned inspired by their culinary visions. The Chef’s Old Fashioneds are special creations available to order only during Old Fashioned Week at the respective bars and restaurants.
Around the world in a couple of sips
You could easily call Old Fashioned Week a trip around the world in a glass. At Vesper Bar, Jules Bayuni flavors his Old Fashioned with memories of his family, the rice fields and street-food stalls of Jakarta. Expect aromas of toasted rice, pandan and clove. At Tales & Spirits, bartenders recall chewing on a piece of licorice root while playing as children. Their Rooted in Time plays with the flavors of licorice. Meanwhile, the Italian bartenders at The Tailor Bar add the spicy flavors of their homeland to Scillian Pride, using ingredients including rosemary.
Guest shifts from the world’s best bars
And that’s not all. On November 20, 2025, the team from Bar Cham in Seoul (No. 52 on the World’s Best Bars list) will come to Amsterdam for a special guest shift. One week not enough? Throughout November, you can try three creative Old Fashioned twists at The Hoxton Herengracht, alongside a Woodford Reserve cocktail from iconic SIPS in Barcelona, which was named No. 1 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list. On November 27, SIPS will return to Lotti’s for an evening full of innovative cocktails.
All participating bars
From original classics to culinary masterpieces, Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Week has something for everyone. And with the creative influences of top chefs and international bartenders, you can not only marvel at beautiful flavors, but also discover new ideas for your own favorite cocktail. View all participating bars in Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Week on the Woodford Reserve website.
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Hero image: Simone Caporale, bartender at Sips, by 51NorthPhotography
