Get ready, young urbanites Penang’s most electrifying festival is back! From 1–7 September 2025, George Town will transform into a buzzing cocktail playground. Expect boundary-pushing flavors, globe-spanning talent, and the heartwarming hospitality that Penang’s bartenders are famous for. Here, every sip tells a story—of passion, craft, and culture.
What Is Penang Cocktail Week 2025?
Penang Cocktail Week is Malaysia’s premier bartending festival, a seven-day celebration spotlighting the city’s thriving bar scene. Launched in 2023 by Koh Yung Shen, co-founder of the Asia’s 50 Best–listed Backdoor Bodega, the event aims to elevate Penang onto the global cocktail stage .
“If Penang’s food can be recognized as among the best in the world, why not our drinks?” – Koh Yung Shen
What makes PCW special is that almost 90% of Penang’s bars are owner-operated, injecting every drink with personal passion and ingenuity
Experience the Best of Penang Cocktail Week 2025
Penang Cocktail Week Schedule & Highlights
- 1–7 Sept 2025 throughout George Town
- Theme: “A Cocktail of Cultures” — international guest shifts, cross-border takeovers, and immersive cocktail stories
- Bar Show Malaysia at Ascott Gurney: conventions, masterclasses, industry booths, first time ever in Penang
- Sunset finale at Glass Bar: poolside beats, ocean views, a grand toast to close the week
How Penang Cocktail Week 2025 Works
Guest Shifts & Takeovers
Venues across the city host visiting bartenders from the UK, Canada, LA, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, and more.
Notable takeovers include:
- India Cocktail Week x PCW
- Taiwan Takeover showcasing Taipei, Taichung, Tainan talents
- Jack Daniel’s Bangkok Block2Block Party
- Vietnam All-Stars evenings
Ticketed Events & Masterclasses
- Welcome Party at Mojo Jojo featuring Bar Bello (Montreal), Cry Baby (Toronto), Laowai (Vancouver), Thunderbolt (LA)
- Conscious Pour Masterclass led by Agustin Da Sambiago (Potato Head, Bali)
- Bar Banters seminars hosted by industry legends Collins Chia, Simon Ford, Guoyi Gan (Jigger & Pony), Jay Khan (Coa)
Bar Show Malaysia
A first in George Town—this 7,000 sq ft convention at Ascott Gurney features 20+ spirit and liqueur brands, interactive booths, mixology showcases, and competitions
Featured Bars & Why You Should Visit
- Backdoor Bodega, the speakeasy behind PCW, won Asia’s 50 Best (#97) in 2022. Expect creative, ingredient-rich pours like the famed Kelapa Hotak
- No Bar Here, Koh’s neon-disco-inspired venue, blends playful style with bold flavors
- Chez Chez, The Nest, BaoBae, and NEP all plan offers—from poolside parties to thematic bars & beats.
