Get ready to raise a glass, because Penang is about to get a whole lot more spirited! Malaysia’s biggest cocktail event, Penang Cocktail Week, is back for its third year, and it’s set to transform the island into a global hub of mixology, culture and pure liquid artistry.
The Story Behind Penang Cocktail Week
More than just a week of boozy fun, Penang Cocktail Week is the perfect example of the island’s unique and vibrant bar scene. The festival was founded in 2023 by local hero Koh Yung Shen, the owner of the award-winning Backdoor bodega. His vision? To put Penang’s cocktail culture on the global map, a well-deserved spotlight that its famous culinary scene has long enjoyed.
What makes Penang’s bar scene so special is its heart. A staggering 90% of the independent cocktail bars here are owned and operated by the bartenders themselves. Every drink, every garnish and every conversation is a reflection of the owner-bartender’s personal touch, creating a hospitality experience unlike any other. Penang Cocktail Week is a celebration of this passion, connecting local talents with their international counterparts.
“A Cocktail of Culture” in 2025
Image Credit: @penangcocktailweek on Instagram
Mark your calendars! The 2025 edition, running from September 1st to September 7th, is themed “A Cocktail of Cultures,” promising an unforgettable week of cross-cutural collaboration and high-energy cocktail event activities. The festival is a melting pot of global talent, bringing in celebrated bartenders form the UK, Canada, Los Angeles, Indian, Taiwan, Vietnam and China. You’ll get to see cocktails and magic from titans from bars like Jakarta’s Cosmo Pony and Bangkok’s Vesper work their magic right here in George Town.
The daily lineup is packed with excitement, from exclusive masterclasses and industry sharing sessions to vibrant parties and guest shifts at some of Penang’s most beloved bars. Look out for special collaborations, including the India Cocktail Week x PCW collaboration, a Taiwan Takeover and the electrifying Jack Daniel’s Bangkok Block2Block Party. Local talent won’t be left out either, with the PCW Malaysian Invasion – Borneo Edition putting the spotlight on pioneering bartenders from East Malaysia.
The Main Event: Bar Show Malaysia
Image Credit: @penangcocktailweek on Instagram
The grand finale of the week is the inaugural Bar Show Malaysia, happening on September 7th at the Ascott Gurney Penang. It’s a full-blown cocktail event convention.
Spanning an impressive 7,000 square feet, the Bar Show will be a playground for cocktail enthusiasts. You can sip your way through over 20 spirit and liqueur brands, learn from the best in the business during masterclasses, and soak up wisdom from industry veterans during the “Bar Banter” sessions. The best part? An entry ticket is only RM38, which includes a complimentary cocktail. The night will culminate with a spectacular poolside party, providing the perfect setting to toast to a week of phenomenal drinks and unforgettable memories.
Penang Cocktail Week is much more than just drinking, it’s about connection, creativity and the passionate individuals who are pouring their hearts and souls into every glass. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just curious about the world of cocktails, this festival is your invitation to discover why Penang is so much more than a food paradise. So, get ready to explore, sip and celebrate the art of the perfect pour.
Get your tickets here.
