Where global talent meets local flavour: Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve’s Global Bar Exchange is more than your average takeover – it’s an international advocacy programme to celebrate the creativity, skill, community and shared spirit of the hospitality sector.
Since 1996, when Woodford Reserve was first released, the brand has been a fierce advocate for the hospitality community. Today, the Brown-Forman-owned brand continues this commitment through its Global Bar Exchange programme.
The third iteration of the initiative started in September and will continue until April 2026. During this period, emerging talent from some of the world’s most respected and up-and-coming bars will collaborate to deliver flavour-driven experiences that champion Woodford Reserve’s heritage and character.
In September, London’s Nightjar flew to Brisbane to visit Death & Taxes from 7-12 September, and in turn will welcome Death & Taxes to the UK capital from 13-18 October. Then, in November, Seoul’s Bar Cham will temporarily call Amsterdam’s Sins of Sal home, before returning the hospitality in its native city later that month.
“We are now in our third year of the Woodford Reserve Global Bar Exchange and cannot wait to kick off the new edition,” notes Nidal Ramini, director of advocacy at Brown-Forman. “This year will see a dynamic mix of partners and exciting new markets, and we’re building on the momentum of our previous exchanges to deliver something truly global in scale and spirit. The programme continues to deepen our connections with the bartending community, creating meaningful collaborations and connections that reflect the heart of modern hospitality.”
The Woodford Reserve Exchange programme will take place in 12 key markets: Australia, Brazil, Dubai, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, the UK and the US. Each city will be tasked with immersing visiting bartenders in the region’s local flavours and culture, from exploring local ingredients and culinary techniques to unique experiences and hospitality perspectives.
And among this cultural exchange will be an important denominating factor: well-crafted, Bourbon-forward drinks that reflect both place and personality.
By the end of this third iteration of Woodford Reserve’s Global Bar Exchange, 66 bartenders will have participated in the initiative. These coming months will be an important opportunity for the industry to shape the future of hospitality, and enrich their offerings to guests.
Confirmed venues and dates so far include:
- Death & Taxes at Nightjar: 13-18 October, guest shift on 17 October
- Bar Cham at Sins of Sal: 18-20 November, guest shift on 20 November
- Sins of Sal at Bar Cham: 26-28 November, guest shift on 28 November
Additional dates will be released in due course. Discover more online at www.woodfordreserve.com/global-bar-exchange-program/
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