Everything You Need To Know About Penang Cocktail Week 2025
Island pours
All you need to know about Penang Cocktail Week 2025, the third edition of the island’s toast to cocktails, culture, and world-class bartending.
Penang Cocktail Week is returning for its third edition from 1 to 7 September 2025, and it’s on track to be the island’s grandest toast to mixology yet! This year’s theme, A Cocktail of Cultures, will see George Town buzzing with bartending trailblazers, bold flavours, and unique stories from near and far. Without giving too much away, expect a lineup brimming with international guest shifts, one-of-a-kind collaborations, and the highly anticipated debut of Bar Show Malaysia. Ahead, we’ve gathered the full programme, must-see events, and everything else you need to know before raising your glass at Penang Cocktail Week 2025.
WHAT IS PENANG COCKTAIL WEEK 2025?
In short, Penang Cocktail Week is a week-long festival designed to spotlight Penang’s vibrant bar scene and celebrate its place in the wider cocktail community. Founded in 2023 by Koh Yung Shen, owner of the award-winning Backdoor Bodega, the event was created to connect local talent with international industry players and position Penang on the global stage.
With most of Penang’s independent cocktail bars owned and run by bartenders themselves, each venue has its own personality, where every pour, garnish, and conversation reflects the passion of its owners. This year’s programme builds on that foundation, infusing the city with world-class talent, cultural exchange, and warm hospitality.
HOW DOES PENANG COCKTAIL WEEK 2025 WORK?
From bar takeovers to poolside parties, Penang Cocktail Week 2025 is set to keep spirits high. Expect guest shifts from top bartenders hailing from the UK, Canada, Los Angeles, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China alongside ticketed events like the India Cocktail Week collaboration, Taiwan Takeover, and Jack Daniel’s Bangkok Block2Block Party.
For those who want to sip and learn, head to the first-ever Bar Show Malaysia at Ascott Gurney Penang—a cocktail convention with over 20 spirit and liqueur brands, interactive booths, masterclasses, and bartending showcases running all day. Closing out the week is a sunset send-off at Glass Bar, where drinks, music, and ocean views make for a final toast worth remembering.
THE FULL PENANG COCKTAIL WEEK 2025 SCHEDULE
PCW DAY 1: 1 SEPTEMBER
PCW2025 WELCOME PARTY
5pm to 9pm | Mojo Jojo
Bartenders: Bar Bello, Laowai, Cry Baby Gallery & Thunderbolt
Presented by: Pernod Ricard
ISLANDS IN THE SUN
CHEZ CHEZ X POTATO HEAD (BALI, INDONESIA)
8pm to 11pm | Chez Chez
Presented by: Planteray Rum
NOMAD X EL LEQUIO (OKINAWA, JAPAN)
8pm to 11pm | Nomad
Presented by: Planteray Rum
BACKDOOR BODEGA X THE PUBLIC HOUSE (TAIPEI, TAIWAN)
9pm to 12am | Backdoor Bodega
Presented by: Planteray Rum
NO BAR HERE X THE ELEPHANT ROOM (SINGAPORE)
9pm to 12am | No Bar Here
Presented by: Planteray Rum
COCKTAIL COMPETITION: FORDS MIDNIGHT RAMOS CHALLENGE
11.30pm to 3am | NEP
Presented by: Fords Gin
PCW DAY 2: 2 SEPTEMBER
THE CONSCIOUS POUR MASTERCLASS
4pm to 5pm | Chez Chez
Speaker: Agustin Da Sambiago (Potato Head Bali)
VIETNAM ALL-STARS
BAOBAE X THE HUDSON ROOMS (HANOI, VIETNAM)
7pm to 10pm | BaoBae
Courtesy of Deacon & Bumbu
THE SUCKLING PIG X GALLERY BESPOKE (HANOI, VIETNAM)
8pm to 11pm | The Suckling Pig
Courtesy of Código 1530
THE NEST X HYBRID (SAIGON, VIETNAM)
8pm to 11pm | The Nest
Courtesy of Martell & Jameson Irish Whiskey
NO BAR HERE X WORKSHOP14 (HANOI, VIETNAM)
9pm to 12am | No Bar Here
Courtesy of Deacon & Malfy Gin
PCW BARTENDER’S SUPPER CLUB
9pm to 1am | Kushikobo Asian Bistro
Bars: Native (Singapore), ZLB23 (Bengaluru, India), Gokan (Hong Kong) & Good Friends Club
Presented by: iichiko Sochu & Solisca Tequila
CHEZ CHEZ X BETWEEN THE SIPS (JAKARTA, INDONESIA)
9pm to 11pm | Chez Chez
Courtesy of Phraya Rum
AFTER-PARTY: BISO X THE ENIGMA MANSION (SAIGON, VIETNAM)
10pm to 2am | Biso
Courtesy of Chivas Regal & Malfy
PCW DAY 3: 3 SEPTEMBER
PCW TIKI BOWL FEAT. JUNGLEBIRD (KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA)
1pm to 4pm | Penang Bowl
Presented by: Bumbu Rum & The Deacon Scotch Whiskey
NOOD NOOD X DEAR HEARTS (PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA)
7pm to 10pm | Nood Nood (Hin Bus Depot)
Presented by: Nikka Whisky
THE ROAD LESS SHAKEN
THE NEST X ZLB23 (BENGALURU, INDIA)
8pm to 11pm | The Nest
Courtesy of iichiko Sochu & Solisca Tequila
KHAOSAN TAPAS BAR X THE CONTINENTAL BAR (CHIANGMAI, THAILAND)
8pm to 11pm | Khaosan Tapas Bar
Courtesy of Woodford Reserve
NOMAD X FIBONA (DA NANG, VIETNAM)
8pm to 11pm | Nomad
Courtesy of Código 1530
NO BAR HERE X CMYK (CHANGSHA, CHINA)
8pm to 11pm | No Bar Here
Courtesy of Bruichladdich
PCW2025 MALAYSIAN INVASION: BORNEO TAKEOVER
8pm to 11pm | Biso
Bartenders: Joshua Pang, Jason Julian, Anna Sulan Masing & Joe Ngui
Courtesy of House of Angostura & Portobello Road Gin
BAOBAE X LIVE TWICE (SINGAPORE)
8pm to 11pm | BaoBae
Courtesy of Nikka Whisky
BACKDOOR BODEGA X NATIVE (SINGAPORE)
9pm to 12am | Backdoor Bodega
Courtesy of iichiko
PCW2025 MALAYSIAN INVASION: BORNEO TAKEOVER
10pm to 1am | The Cellar (Macalister Mansion)
Bartenders: Ash Mariano, Rizal Junior, Osmund Bernard & Amar Pawaka
Courtesy of House of Angostura & Portobello Road Gin
PCW DAY 4: 4 SEPTEMBER
CÓDIGO COFFEE SHOP SESSIONS
2pm to 6pm | Small Places
In collaboration with Código 1530
HERRADURA HOUSE PARTY FEAT. RAZ NG & DJ RUDY
6pm to 10pm | Communal Table by Gēn 根
RUM & YUM: REMBAR X FIFTYTALES (PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA)
7pm to 11pm | Rembar
Presented by: Diplomático Rum
KHAOSAN TAPAS BAR X RUKI ROBATAYAKI (WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA)
8pm to 11pm | Khaosan Tapas Bar
Courtesy of Woodford Reserve
ICW IN PENANG
THE NEST X SPIRIT FORWARD (BENGALURU, INDIA)
8pm to 11pm | The Nest
Courtesy of Hapusa & Greater Than
NO BAR HERE X HIDEAWAY (GOA, INDIA)
8pm to 11pm | No Bar Here
Courtesy of Hapusa & Greater Than
BISO X PCO (DELHI, INDIA)
8pm to 11pm | Biso
Courtesy of Hapusa & Greater Than
ROUND X BAR MIZUKAMI (KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA)
8pm to 11pm | Round
Courtesy of House of Angostura
THE #FINDTHELOCKERROOM EXPERIENCE
9pm to 12am | Backdoor Bodega
Courtesy of Woodford Reserve
AFTER-PARTY: PCW SERVICE SWAP
11pm to 2am | NEP
Bartenders & chefs: Yee Ming Koh, Johnson Wong, Thanesh Joel & Felix Schumacher
Courtesy of Martell & Chivas Regal
COCKTAIL COMPETITION: FORDS MIDNIGHT RAMOS CHALLENGE
11.30pm to 1am | Biso
Presented by: Fords Gin
PCW DAY 5: 5 September
THE ART OF STORYTELLING MASTERCLASS
4pm to 6pm | Lucky Hole
Speakers: Dr Anna Sulan Masing & Jere Vihervaara (Mr Lyan Studio)
Presented by: Bruichladdich & Rémy Martin
STUDIO LATES
7pm to 10pm | Lucky Hole
Hosts: Dr Anna Sulan Masing & Jere Vihervaara (Mr Lyan Studio)
Courtesy of Rémy Martin
KHAOSAN TAPAS BAR X RUKI ROBATAYAKI (WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA)
8pm to 11pm | Khaosan Tapas Bar
Courtesy of Woodford Reserve
NOMAD X KRAVAT BAR (PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA)
8pm to 11pm | Nomad
Courtesy of Giffard
BAOBAE X ORIGIN BAR (SINGAPORE)
8pm to 11pm | BaoBae
Courtesy of Nikka Whisky
THE SUCKLING PIG X THE CURATOR (MANILA, PHILIPPINES)
8pm to 11pm | The Suckling Pig
Courtesy of Giffard & The Planteray Rum
JAO TIM TO GO FEAT. MAMBO JAMBO LIVE
9pm to 12am | The Cellar (Macalister Mansion)
Courtesy of Jameson Irish Whiskey
PCW MIDNIGHT MAYHEM
11pm to 3am | Sora
Bars: Bae’s (Singapore) & Up & Away (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Courtesy of Nativis & Jack Daniel’s
PCW DAY 6: 6 SEPTEMBER
SIPS ON THE BEACH FEAT. HUMBOLDT (KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA)
4pm to 8pm | Ferringhi Bay
Presented by Malfy & Bumbu
PCW PARTY BUS
4pm to 12am
Courtesy of Jameson Irish Whiskey, Martell & Chivas Regal
TAIWAN TAKEOVER
BAOBAE X MUSOU (TAICHUNG, TAIWAN)
7pm to 10pm | BaoBae
Courtesy of Martell, Chivas Regal & Jameson Irish Whiskey
ROUND X RON XINYI (TAIPEI, TAIWAN)
7pm to 10pm | Round
Courtesy of Martell, Chivas Regal & Jameson Irish Whiskey
KHAOSAN TAPAS BAR X VOYAGE (TAICHUNG, TAIWAN)
7pm to 10pm | Khaosan Tapas Bar
Courtesy of Martell, Chivas Regal & Jameson Irish Whiskey
NOMAD X CHIKAN PHARMACY (TAINAN, TAIWAN)
8pm to 11pm | Nomad
Courtesy of Martell, Chivas Regal & Jameson Irish Whiskey
THE NEST X AO (TAICHUNG, TAIWAN)
8pm to 11pm | The Nest
Courtesy of Martell, Chivas Regal & Jameson Irish Whiskey
THE MANDARIN X DIMENSION (TAICHUNG, TAIWAN)
9pm to 12am
Courtesy of Martell, Chivas Regal & Jameson Irish Whiskey
BANGKOK BLOCK2BLOCK PARTY
GOOD FRIENDS CLUB X DRY WAVE COCKTAIL STUDIO
8pm to 10pm | Good Friends Club
Courtesy of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
THE SUCKLING PIG X TAX BAR
8pm to 11pm | The Suckling Pig
Courtesy of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
CHEZ CHEZ X BKK SOCIAL CLUB
8pm to 11pm | Chez Chez
Courtesy of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
NO BAR HERE X FIREFLY X AQUA BAR
9pm to 12am | No Bar Here
Courtesy of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
GOOD FRIENDS CLUB X VESPER
10pm to 1am | Good Friends Club
Courtesy of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
BACKDOOR BODEGA X THAIPIOKA
10pm to 2am | Backdoor Bodega
Courtesy of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
THE CELLAR X RHU BAR (LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA)
8pm to 10pm | The Cellar (Macalister Mansion)
Courtesy of Chivas Regal
AFTER-PARTY: BISO X DANIYEL JONES (TRINIDAD & TOBAGO)
10pm to 1am | Biso
Presented by: House of Angostura
COCKTAIL COMPETITION: FORDS MIDNIGHT RAMOS CHALLENGE
11.30pm to 1am | No Bar Here
Presented by: Fords Gin
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PCW DAY 7: 7 SEPTEMBER
BAR SHOW MALAYSIA 2025
11am to 6pm | Ascott Gurney Penang
YOUNG, HUNGRY & FEMALE
6pm to 9pm | Ascott Gurney Penang
Bars: Bar Wild (Bengaluru, India), Hats (Jakarta, Indonesia) & Chimney (Hangzhou, China)
Courtesy of Bruichladdich & Rémy Martin
THE MANDARIN X STG BAR (WUHAN, CHINA)
8pm to 11pm | The Mandarin
Presented by: Metabev
BACKDOOR BODEGA X BAR BOOK ING (TAIPEI, TAIWAN) X WING LEI BAR (MACAU, CHINA)
8pm to 11pm | Backdoor Bodega
Courtesy of iichiko & Solisca
CLOSING PARTY: COSMO PONY (JAKARTA, INDONESIA) & BOILERMAKER (GOA, INDIA)
10pm to 3am | Magazine 63
Courtesy of Michter’s Whiskey, Farmer’s Gin & Siete Misterios
Visit the official Penang Cocktail Week website to purchase tickets and stay tuned for more information to be released soon.
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