Sometimes, you just want to kick back. No second-guessing, no elaborate menus, just a drink that never lets you down. That’s exactly what an Old Fashioned is. It’s simple and sophisticated, and the best part? You can never overthink ordering one.
This year, Woodford Reserve, the world’s top-selling super-premium American whiskey, marks a decade of Old Fashioned Month– a celebration that began in Paris and now spans nearly 20 countries across the globe. Both Woodford Reserve and the Old Fashioned were born in the American state of Kentucky, drawing from its rich bourbon heritage; both are now iconic parts of bar culture all over the world.
Until November 15* in Dubai, enthusiasts, casual enjoyers and bartenders alike will be toasting to the beloved cocktail in a total of 35 restaurants and bars. Esquire Middle East partnered with Woodford Reserve to ask the participating bartenders one question:
Woodford Reserve’s 200+ flavour notes make it one of the most complex bourbons in the world. Which of those notes would you highlight to craft an Old Fashioned that embodies Dubai’s uniqueness?
Here’s what they had to say.
Aleksandr Tyrtyshnyi, Bar Manager at Mr. Chow, DIFC:
“I’d highlight Woodford Reserve’s vanilla and toasted oak notes, we here in Mr. chow layering them with five spice to echo Dubai’s blend of tradition and modern flair – warm, aromatic, and boldly distinctive.”
Andi Husandi, Bar Manager at Tang, Downtown:
“Woodford Reserve is bourbon at its finest. Handcrafted in small batches, it captures the spirit of Kentucky in every sip. Perfect for classic cocktails or enjoyed neat, it’s where tradition meets taste.”
Brent Flowers , Bar Manager at La Petite Maison, DIFC:
“Highlight the deep char by using cocoa and smoky characters. While complimenting that with some rich stone fruitiness of prunes and cherries. Or even approaching it with savoury and earthy notes of Mushroom and nuts. Its deep flavour characteristics allow us to be so versatile when creating an old fashioned.”
Charles Manderveld, General Manager at Kimpo, Conrad:
“To craft an Old Fashioned that embodies Dubai’s uniqueness, I would highlight Woodford Reserve’s notes of dried fruit, orange zest, vanilla, and baking spice. These flavours capture the city’s warm and refined character – the richness of dried fruit reflects its heritage, the bright citrus mirrors its modern energy, and the smooth vanilla and subtle spice evoke Dubai’s understated luxury.”
Chester Smith, Bar Supervisor at Xu, Kempinski:
“I’d bring out Woodford Reserve’s rich notes of orange peel, dates, and toasted oak – flavors that mirror Dubai’s blend of heritage and modern elegance. It’s about creating an Old Fashioned that feels warm, bold, and sophisticated – just like the city itself.”
Elie Kreidy , Bar Manager/ General Manager at Salmon Guru, Business Bay:
“I’d highlight the notes of dried fruit, warm spice, and toasted oak — they mirror Dubai’s blend of tradition and modern luxury, creating an Old Fashioned that feels both timeless and bold.”
Falil Jayah, Bars Manager at Burj Al Arab:
“I’d draw on Woodford Reserve’s notes of warm spice, dried fruit and citrus peel. The warm spice recalls a stroll through the Dubai Spice Souk. where the air is rich with cardamom, cinnamon and clove. An intoxicating blend of heritage and allure. The dried fruit speaks to the sweetness of Arabian dates a timeless symbol of hospitality.”
Jayesh Durge, Bar Supervisor at St Regis Bar, Downtown:
“I’d showcase Woodford Reserve’s deep cocoa and oak tones, complemented by cacao and cream de cacao for a touch of Dubai’s indulgent elegance.”
Jeet Verma, Beverage Manager at Jamavar & MiMi Mei Feir, Downtown:
“In my opinion, the nuttiness, dried fruit character, and subtle floral undertones are what truly define its depth and richness on the palate. These notes deliver an elevated sensory experience – one that beautifully complements an Old Fashioned.”
Jefersson Anzola , Bar Manager at The Guild, DIFC:
“To create an Old Fashioned that embodies the uniqueness of Dubai, I would highlight the notes of caramel and dried fruits, which can be found on every corner of the city. Incorporating dried fruits in the muddling adds a contemporary twist to the classic, blending flavors and culture.”
Kirill Pogrebniak, Bar Manager at Sana, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam:
“Old Fashioned captures Dubai’s spirit through Woodford Reserve’s caramel, oak, and vanilla intertwined in our signature old fashioned with hibiscus, dried rose, and dark chocolate. A rich, spiced, and velvety cocktail – modern yet rooted in desert warmth.”
Kornelija Skrinskytė , Assistant Bar Manager at BOCA, DIFC:
“Woodford Reserve gives off serious Dubai energy – all those spicy, dried fruit notes that hit just right. One sip and you’re basically wandering through a souk, surrounded by the scent of spices and friendly vendors calling you over to try their best stuff.”
Kumar Chaulagai, Bar Manager at Bahri, Madinat Jumeirah:
“I’m really into the taste of the wave in Woodford, so I’ve picked out the main ingredients like sichuan pepper and carrot to add more depth to the harmony. It’s just the right temperature in Dubai to refresh you and make a great impression.”
Ma.Melanie Tuy, Bar Manager at Hanu, Palm Jumeirah:
“Emphasizing Woodford Reserve’s depth of spice, vanilla, and dried fruit creates an Old Fashioned that resonates with Dubai’s spirit; sophisticated, diverse, and timeless.”
Md Ariful Islam, Assistant Bar Manager at IKKA, Hyatt Centric:
“Woodford Reserve’s subtle citrus and cocoa notes perfectly mirror the Nikkei cuisine, crafting an Old Fashioned that truly offers a ‘World of Difference,’ as we say at Hyatt.”
Myo Aung, Bar Manager at MYATA, City Walk:
“Luxury and soul. I’d draw out Woodford Reserve’s deep vanilla & toasted oak notes to capture that balance in a timeless Old Fashioned.”
Nicola Fenu, Bar Manager at Barfly by Buddha Bar, Palm Jumeirah:
“Here at Barfly by Buddha Bar, for the old fashioned month, the miso truly embraces our spirit. It’s the soul of our Bonobo Power, where banana, miso, and Woodford Reserve are mixed together, to dance in glass in perfect harmony.”
Nikola Lemic, Beverage Director at Tatel & Toto, Downtown:
“Choosing Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon highlights its dried-fruit, orange, cocoa and vanilla aromas, while its rich citrus, cinnamon and spice palate evokes Dubai’s date palms, citrus groves and spice markets, making it the perfect base for a Dubai-inspired Old Fashioned.”
Nikola Ristic, Head of Mixology at The Fore, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab:
“To reflect Dubai’s uniqueness, I’d highlight Woodford Reserve’s warm spice and dried fruit notes, balancing them with a touch of date sweetness and subtle citrus to mirror the city’s blend of tradition and modern sophistication.”
Nitin Dhami, Bar Supervisor at Peacock alley, Waldorf Astoria:
“To embody Dubai’s uniqueness, I’d highlight Woodford Reserve’s rich notes of dried fruits, honey, and toasted oak – blending luxury with warmth. These flavors mirror the city’s golden elegance and its seamless balance between tradition and modern allure.”
Roman Tanasiev, Beverage Manager at Attiko, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi:
“Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned month 2025 Dubai is a testament to the beauty of fine bourbon, a sip of perfection cocktail: Rich, full-bodied flavor profile and definitely progressive approach to what to be expected, and trust me there is something about to discover – so many brilliant twists on this timeless classic!”
Samy Rathnayake , Bar Manager at Sexy Fish, DIFC:
“There is no wrong way to drink whiskey it’s always up to you and to your palate, Woodford is the answer, but I prefer the old fashioned way.”
Shelten Fernandes, Executive Mixologist at Paradiso, JBR:
“I would love to highlight the core notes that reflect Dubai’s unique character – rich flavors of dates and dried fruits like raisins and figs, warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, Citrus notes of zesty orange and tangerine, all to be finished off with an oaky touch of tobacco, dark chocolate, and torched caramel.”
Srđan Eraković, Bar Manager at Gohan, Bluewaters Island:
“I’d twist tradition a bit – highlight the dark chocolate and citrus for an Old Fashioned that feels fresh but still familiar.”
Stanislav Baliabin, Bar manager at Netsu, Mandarin Oriental JBR:
“Woodford Reserve’s rich spice and oak complexity perfectly complement the smoky depth of our Masala no Kemuri – an Old Fashioned reinterpretation infused with black chana, rice straw smoke, and nori, embodying Dubai’s spirit of bold fusion and contrast.”
Travis Wilmans, Bar Manager at CÉ LA VI, Downtown:
“I think for me the caramel and honey notes. They can be really lifted up in a special creation.”
Tugba Balci, Lead Bartender at Sea fu, Four Seasons Jumeirah:
“By blending Woodford Reserve with apricot and pistachio tincture, coffee syrup, and bitters, I’d craft an Old Fashioned that captures Dubai’s golden warmth and sophisticated energy.”
* Select outlets only