Every great cocktail tells a story, and at this year’s Hennessy MyWay Malaysia, the most captivating tale belonged to Oh Chong Hau from The Nest Cocktail Bar in Penang. He emerged as the National Champion after a dazzling display of artistry and imagination.

Beyond the Competition: A Global Stage for Bartending Brilliance

Hennessy MyWay isn’t just about who can mix the prettiest drink. It’s about a global platform where bartenders get to express their unique identities through their very own cocktail creations. As a leading cognac, Hennessy champions this culture, empowering emerging talent to push the boundaries of what’s possible with their spirit. For those in the know, it’s an invitation to see Hennessy as a truly versatile player in the cocktail world.

Local Talent Takes Centre Stage with Passion and Flair

The Malaysian edition brought together 12 talented semi-finalists from across the nation. Each cocktail was a personalised narrative, a reflection of their individual stories, palates and unique flair. From drinks that whispered of nostalgic hometown flavours to innovative techniques that stretched the limits of mixology, it was a vibrant showcase.

Mentorship from Mixology Masters

These budding bartenders weren’t alone on their creative journey. They were guided by a panel of esteemed mixology experts, including the globally recognised Jordan Bushell, alongside local stars Amanda Wan and Arsenio Mariano Jr. Their mentorship focused not just on honing techniques but also on refining the “why” behind each drink.

More Than Just a Balanced Brew

What truly set these creations apart wasn’t just their flawless presentation or harmonious balance of flavours; it was the story woven into each glass. Every element was deliberate, built upon layers of experience, culture and personal perspective. And in every sip, Hennessy was the hero, a timeless spirit reimagined in exciting new ways.

Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week

Following a rigorous judging round, six finalists advanced to the grand finale held at Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (KLCW), Malaysia’s premier mixology festival. The anticipation was high as the best of the best prepared to showcase their final creations.

A Champion is Crowned

At the finals, Oh Chong Hau unveiled his winning cocktail, “The Golden Fondue,” before a distinguished panel of judges. This wasn’t your average dessert; it was a masterful blend built around the rich character of Hennessy V.S.O.P, featuring the delightful combination of apple juice, local gula kabung and fragrant pandan leaf. Topped with a creamy pumpkin cheese foam and a surprising touch of aged yolk for an umami lift, it was a testament to bold creativity. Served alongside a crispy duck skin bite, it offered a multi-sensory experience that wowed both the eyes and the palate. Through his cocktail, Oh demonstrated the beautiful marriage of technical skill and personal storytelling.

Global Finals Await

With this impressive victory, Oh Chong Hau will proudly represent Malaysia on the global stage at the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals in Cognac, France. He’ll join 17 other talented bartenders from around the world, bringing Malaysian creativity and skill to the international spotlight.

A Toast to Creativity and the Rising Malaysian Cocktail Scene

Laura Drozdowski Lot, Moët Hennessy’s Marketing Director for Malaysia and Singapore emphasised the platform’s role in fueling creativity and elevating Malaysia’s cocktail culture. Julien Pepin Lehalleur, Hennessy Global’s Brand Education Director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Malaysia as a rising force in the global cocktail arena.