Cover The 12 Hennessy MyWay contestants (Photo: Hennessy)
The 12 Hennessy MyWay contestants (Photo: Hennessy)
1 / 1
Tatler+
The semi finals and finals will happen across KL Cocktail Week 2025
Malaysia’s bar industry is only growing, with globally-celebrated bars home to some of Asia’s most talented mixologists. The Hennessy MyWay competition pays homage to our local bar scene, a worldwide initiative that champions the potential of the drinks industry.
A leader in Cognac, Maison Hennessy has a history that dates back to over 250 years, and is now present in over 160 countries. With Hennessy as a premium Cognac with versatility across cocktails, the Hennessy MyWay competition showcases the company’s dedication to shine a light on new talent who are making waves in the industry.
Read more: The best bak kut teh in Malaysia, according to chefs
Justin Yow of Good Friends Club
1 / 6
“The awareness and public recognition a global competition like Hennessy MyWay brings attention to our city as a cocktail hub, on par with our neighbouring cities who have previously led the scene in the region,” said Amanda Wan of Three X Co, one of the three esteemed mentors for the competition. “In turn, our market becomes more attractive for new business investors, visiting cocktail enthusiasts, and travelling media… but most hopefully — and something very close to my heart — the increase of local talent returning from abroad.”
See also: Inside Tatler Best of Malaysia, a celebration of the best of hospitality
Amanda Wan of Three X Co, one of the three mentors
1 / 3
12 semi-finalists from across Malaysia will be competing in the semi-finals on April 24, and six finalists will be stirring and shaking up drinks at the finals on April 26, at festival village of KL Cocktail Week 2025. Each finalist will be mentored by veterans in the bartending industry, namely Amanda Wan of Three X Co, Hennessy’s global brand ambassador Jordan Bushell, and Arsenio Ash Mariano, the Hennessy My Way 1st Edition Competition winner.
Second Chance by Ivon Soon
1 / 6
“Being a mentor is an amazing feeling as it allows you to guide by showing new perspective and often taking a wider view,” enthused Bushell. “Mentoring younger generations of bartenders is incredibly needed right now, at a time when the hospitality industry is suffering from a lack of new people entering the industry.”
“Back in the day, when I was competing, we did not have mentors and had to figure things out on our own,” Mariano continued. “I am very honoured to be chosen as a mentor and that three of my mentees progressed to the finals.”
Don’t miss: A weekend in Penang: Must try spots to eat, drink, and play
John Lee of Penrose
1 / 4
Judging the semi-finals at Reka:Bar on 24th April were esteemed bartenders, including Angel Ji of Triptyk and Jon Lee of Penrose and Lavantha, and drinks writer Michael Cheang. The six finalists were Ivon Soon of Frank’s Bar, Kar Mun Chung of Cabinet 8 KL, Chong Hau Oh of The Nest, Justin Yow of Good Friends Club, John Lim of The Riff District, and Rendey Ray Maryo Gilldore of Rhu Bar.
The six finalists
1 / 7
At KL Cocktail Week, judging the six finalists and determining who will proceed to represent Malaysia on the global stage will be Moët Hennessy Malaysia & Singapore’s marketing director Laura Drozdowski Lot, brand Ambassador Chong Wai Keng, Hennessy brand education director Julien Pepin-Lehalleur, Tatler Malaysia and Indonesia dining editor Katelyn Tan, bartender Peter Chua, and The World's 50 Best Bars Academy Chair for Southeast Asia and Korea Rachel Tann.
Stay tuned for more updates on Tatler Dining Malaysia!
NOW READ
Credits
Images: Hennessy
Topics
