Woodford Reserve is officially in Kenya — and it arrived with the world's greatest cocktail

There is a particular kind of confidence that comes with bringing a global event to a new market for the first time. On 6 November 2025, Woodford Reserve did exactly that — launching in Kenya with the Nairobi edition of Old Fashioned Month, held at Trademark Hotel, and in doing so, introduced one of the world's most storied whiskey brands to the Kenyan market on its own terms.

The event ran concurrently across 20 markets globally and carries extra significance this year: 2025 marks its 10th anniversary, a milestone that traces back to the very first Old Fashioned Month, held in Paris in 2015.

About Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky — a National Historic Landmark and the Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby. It is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, whose portfolio also includes Jack Daniel's, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, Sonoma-Cutrer and Chambord.

The bourbon and the cocktail

To understand why this launch matters, it helps to understand what Woodford Reserve actually is. The world's top-selling super-premium American whiskey is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky — a National Historic Landmark tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country, where a balance of historic heritage and modern distilling practice produces a spirit that has earned its reputation in every market it has entered.

Its chosen cocktail partner for this launch is no accident either. The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and most enduring cocktails in the world — and both the bourbon and the drink share the same roots. Cocktail historians broadly agree that the Old Fashioned's name was first used at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky. It was popularised by Colonel James E. Pepper in 1881, when he introduced it to high society at the Waldorf Astoria New York. From there, it never really left the conversation — and today it holds its place as the world's top classic cocktail.

Three ingredients. Made correctly, nothing else is needed: bourbon, sugar and bitters.

Why Kenya, why now

The Nairobi launch represents Woodford Reserve's formal entry into the Kenyan market, distributed locally by Brown-Forman — the same company behind Jack Daniel's, Tequila Herradura and Old Forester, among others.

David Mutunga, Brown-Forman's East Africa Advocacy Lead, was direct about the intention behind the launch: "Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Month has been curated to appeal to the discerning taste of the whiskey connoisseur. Guests have the opportunity to experience an iconic cocktail that continues to remain popular across the globe."

On the broader ambition, Mutunga added: "This event enhances our key objective to boost Woodford Reserve's brand visibility and provide our target market with a diverse product that they can enjoy responsibly."

Kenya's premium spirits market has been growing steadily, with consumers increasingly drawn to craft and heritage whiskey offerings. A brand with Woodford Reserve's provenance — and a global activation with a decade of history behind it — is a meaningful addition to that landscape.

The Old Fashioned at home

Part of what makes Woodford Reserve's approach refreshing is its democratisation of the experience. Beyond the Trademark Hotel event, the brand actively encourages people to make their own version of the Old Fashioned at home. The recipe is approachable: bourbon, sugar and bitters. The quality of what ends up in the glass, however, depends significantly on the bourbon you choose.

If you want to try it:

The classic Old Fashioned — 60ml Woodford Reserve bourbon — 1 sugar cube (or 5ml simple syrup) — 2–3 dashes of Angostura bitters — Orange peel to garnish — Ice

Place the sugar in a glass, add bitters and a splash of water, muddle until dissolved. Add ice, pour over the bourbon, stir gently and express the orange peel over the glass before dropping it in.

That is it. Ten minutes. One of the world's greatest cocktails.

Where to find Woodford Reserve in Nairobi

Woodford Reserve is now available in the Kenyan market through Brown-Forman's local distribution. For bars and restaurants participating in Old Fashioned Month celebrations, follow @woodfordreserve on Instagram or search #OldFashionedMonth for the full global list of venues.

For the complete directory of participating cities and venues worldwide, visit woodfordreserve.com/oldfashionedweek.

To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit  www.woodfordreserve.com