In a showcase of extraordinary mixology talent, Oh Chong Hau from The Nest Cocktail Bar in Penang has emerged as the National Champion of the Hennessy MyWay 2025 Malaysia Championship. The competition, which concluded last month, highlighted the artistic vision and technical prowess of Malaysia’s top bartenders.

The annual Hennessy MyWay competition serves as a global platform where bartenders express their identity through original cocktail creations. This year’s Malaysian edition brought together 12 semi-finalists who demonstrated innovative approaches to cocktail making with Hennessy cognac.

Oh’s winning creation, “The Golden Fondue,” featured Hennessy V.S.O.P layered with apple juice, gula kabung, and pandan leaf, topped with pumpkin cheese foam and aged yolk for umami depth. The cocktail was served alongside crispy duck skin, creating a multi-sensory experience that impressed the judges.

“Hennessy MyWay is more than just a cocktail competition, it’s a platform to fuel creativity, spark passion, and elevate Malaysia’s cocktail culture. This year’s Malaysian finalists didn’t just show talent; they brought perspective, craft, and heart. We’re proud to spotlight these mixologists, bold creators who show that Malaysia, and Hennessy, are made for more.”

Laura Drozdowski Lot, Moët Hennessy’s Marketing Director for Malaysia and Singapore

The competitors received mentorship from a panel of mixology experts, including global mixologist Jordan Bushell, alongside local experts Amanda Wan and Arsenio Mariano Jr., who guided the bartenders in refining both their techniques and conceptual approach.

“Malaysia is the first stop of the Hennessy MyWay journey this year, and what a way to begin. From the very beginning, the Hennessy MyWay Challenge has been about celebrating bartenders around the world who are redefining the boundaries of creativity, and Malaysia has truly raised the bar. The talent here is bold, imaginative, technically sharp, and deeply connected to their ingredients and culture. Malaysia is no longer an underrated player in the region; it’s a rising force. This is the kind of talent the global scene needs to watch out for.”

Julien Pepin Lehalleur, Hennessy Global’s Brand Education Director

Six finalists advanced to the finale at Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (KLCW), Malaysia’s premier mixology festival. The judging panel for the finals included Hennessy executives, industry leaders, and notable figures from the Malaysian and regional cocktail scene.

With this victory, Oh Chong Hau will represent Malaysia at the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals in Cognac, France, competing against 17 other bartenders from around the world. His journey to the global finals can be followed on the Hennessy Malaysia Facebook page.

The competition reinforces Hennessy’s commitment to fostering innovative cocktail culture while providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase their creativity with the world’s leading cognac.

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Photo credits: Hennessy Malaysia