Brown-Forman Japan K.K., the Japanese subsidiary of Brown-Forman Corporation, one of the world's leading spirits companies, announces The Wonderful Race 2026, a cocktail competition for young bartenders hosted by premium bourbon brand Woodford Reserve.
This competition invites next-generation bartenders to compete with their unique skills and creativity under the theme "Old Fashioned Cocktails That Celebrate the Four Seasons," exploring the appeal of Woodford Reserve's signature characteristic: "more than 200 flavors and aromas that dazzle the five senses with every sip." As the third edition of this competition, it continues to provide young bartenders with a platform to showcase their talents through a nationwide open-call format, sharing the bartending skills of outstanding young bartenders across Japan.
Applications open on the special website from January 28, 2026, and five finalists selected through document screening will face the practical examination at the Japan Final scheduled for March 30, 2026.
Application Overview
- Competition Name: Woodford Reserve "The Wonderful Race 2026"
- Organizer: Brown-Forman Japan K.K.
- Application Deadline: February 25, 2026, 11:59 PM
- Eligibility: Young bartenders residing in Japan (between 21 and under 35 years old as of January 28, 2026)
- Participation Fee: Free (participants are responsible for cocktail ingredients and production costs)
- Application Method: Submit required information, cocktail recipe, cocktail photo, and Instagram video post with specified hashtags through the entry form on the application website.
- Application URL: https://www.woodfordreserve.com/ja/event/002/
Eligibility Requirements
- Bartenders with experience serving alcoholic cocktails at licensed establishments in Japan, residing in Japan and between 21 and under 35 years old as of January 28, 2026
- Able to develop and publicly share an original cocktail recipe that follows competition regulations
- Available to participate in the final stage on March 30, 2026, at Brown-Forman Japan K.K. headquarters office (Shinagawa Intercity Tower C, 7th Floor)
- *Previous A SPECTACULAR DISCOVERY competition winners may apply
- Available to participate in the Asia Final scheduled for the first half of 2026
- *Asia Final schedule to be announced
- Not a brand ambassador for competing alcohol beverage brands
- Not an employee of the organizer or its holding companies/subsidiaries
- Not an employee of agencies or suppliers professionally involved in running this contest
- Not a close relative or cohabitant of any of the above
Application Requirements
1st Stage (Document Screening)
- Theme: "Old Fashioned Cocktails That Celebrate the Four Seasons"
Create a new Old Fashioned that embodies Japan's diverse four seasons through the rich imagination of next-generation bartenders, utilizing Woodford Reserve's characteristic "more than 200 flavors and aromas that dazzle the five senses with every sip."
- Whiskey to Use:
Must include and be based on "Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select (Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey)" or "Woodford Reserve Double Oaked." Only these products may be used as whiskey.
- Technique:
Style (long/on the rocks/short) and glass are free choice. No limit on quantity of usable ingredients. However, total alcohol content is limited to the equivalent of 50ml at 40% ABV.
- Other:
Ingredients must be specified in ml or cl units and measured with a jigger. Decorations must use edible materials that meet food safety standards.
- Period: January 28, 2026, 12:00 AM to February 25, 2026, 11:59 PM
- Screening Method: Five finalists will be selected through voting by judges based on submitted cocktail recipe content and concept.
Final Stage (Practical Screening)
- The five finalists who pass document screening will undergo practical examination for cocktail creation following the day's theme and rules at Brown-Forman Japan K.K. headquarters office. Regulations and theme for the day will be communicated only to the selected five in advance.
- Period: Scheduled for March 30, 2026
- Screening Method: After selecting five finalists from submitted cocktails through rigorous judging, the five finalists will perform at the Japan Final scheduled for March 30, 2026, at Brown-Forman Japan K.K. headquarters office to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Award Benefits
- 1st Place: Entry to Asia Competition / Woodford Reserve VIP Distillery Tour (USA)
- 2nd Place: Guest shift in Asian region
- 3rd Place: Domestic guest shift
*The official Woodford Reserve Japan Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woodfordreserve_jp/ will share the latest information about this cocktail competition and coverage of the competition day.
Woodford Reserve: Loved by World's Top Bars
The world's No. 1 selling super-premium American whiskey (IWSR 2023) and ranked No. 1 in the cocktail base whiskey ranking chosen by the world's top bartenders, Woodford Reserve is highly regarded as the bourbon base for Old Fashioneds. From one of Kentucky's oldest distilleries, the Woodford Reserve Distillery in the United States, master distillers who maintain traditional production methods create this super-premium bourbon, which is also certified as the official bourbon of the annually held "Kentucky Derby" in America. The exceptional smooth taste and perfect balance of "more than 200 flavors and aromas" come from meticulous production methods including rare triple distillation in traditional pot stills for bourbon and aging in proprietary oak barrels.
Woodford Reserve Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/woodfordreserve_jp
Woodford Reserve Official Website / https://www.woodfordreserve.com/ja
About Brown-Forman Corporation
With a history spanning more than 155 years, global spirits company Brown-Forman Corporation has created numerous brands loved worldwide based on the founder's unwavering belief that "nothing better could exist in the market." Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, the company develops diverse premium brands including Jack Daniel's, Gentleman Jack, Woodford Reserve, GlenDronach, BenRiach, Glenglassaugh, Herradura, el Jimador, Chambord, Gin Mare, and Diplomático. With approximately 5,000 employees worldwide, the company sells its products in over 170 countries and regions with passion and pride in the highest quality spirits.
Brown-Forman Corporation https://www.brown-forman.com
Brown-Forman Japan K.K. https://www.brown-forman.com/japan
Brown-Forman Corporation and GlenDronach Distillery promote initiatives toward reducing environmental impact and a sustainable future. Supporting the "Scotch Whisky Industry Sustainability Strategy 2040" set forth by the Scotch Whisky Association, they work on climate action, responsible water use, land conservation, and circular economy realization.
