Woodford Reserve, the world’s best-selling super-premium+ American whiskey, has announced the return of its Global Bar Exchange—an international advocacy program that brings together emerging bar talent from around the world. Running from September 2025 through April 2026, the initiative will connect some of the world’s most respected and breakthrough bars in a global series of collaborations.
Now in its third edition, the 2025/26 Global Bar Exchange will span 12 markets: Australia, Brazil, Dubai, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA. Each stop immerses visiting bartenders in the host city’s flavor culture—exploring local ingredients, culinary techniques, and hospitality traditions—while crafting bourbon-forward cocktails that reflect both place and personality.
A Global Collaboration of Flavor and Community
Far more than a series of guest shifts, the Global Bar Exchange is designed as a cultural, sensorial, and professional immersion. Bartenders not only share skills and inspiration but also create drinks that often live on in bar menus. A standout from the 2023 edition was LINE Athens’ Old Fashioned, blending Woodford Reserve with Metaxa 12 Stars, cotton mead, and bitters, created by Vasilis Kyritsis.
The 2025/26 line-up begins with London’s Nightjar team traveling to Brisbane’s Death and Taxes from September 7–12, with a guest shift on September 9, followed by the return leg in London from October 13–18. Later in November, Seoul’s Bar Cham will collaborate with Amsterdam’s Sin of Sal, continuing the exchange with guest shifts in both cities. Additional dates and cities will be released in the coming months.
A Travelling Spectacle
This year’s program will be supported by a global campaign titled “A Travelling Spectacle,” designed to capture the people, stories, and creativity behind each collaboration.
“We are now in our third year of the Woodford Reserve Global Bar Exchange and cannot wait to kick off the new edition,” said 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.”
Supporting Global Hospitality
Since its founding in 1996, Woodford Reserve has been committed to supporting the hospitality community. The Global Bar Exchange continues this legacy by fostering meaningful connections, encouraging the sharing of ideas, and celebrating the creativity and hospitality that define modern bartending.
