Three Malaysian Bartenders Make it into the Global Top 40 Ranking of #HennessyMyWay Cocktail Challenge

What an incredible news guys! Our very own Malaysian, not one, not two but three Malaysian bartenders have entered the Global Top 40 Ranking of #HennessyMyWay Cocktail Challenge! Isn't that awesome?! There were over 500 entries across the globe, Hennessy has narrowed down their search for the world’s best sustainable cocktail. The world’s bestselling cognac has just announced the Global Top 40 winners in the #HennessyMyWay 2022 challenge. The cocktail challenge saw three Malaysians as among the Global Top 40 winning bartenders.

Winners Take Home Additional Cash Prize of 1000 EURO Each

The global challenge is Hennessy’s third installment of the competition which encourages bartenders to be inspired by Hennessy to push their creativity to the limit. This year calls on bartenders across the world to create their version of a sustainable cocktail using Hennessy.

Cassa(no)va Highball by Rolend Ten at Backdoor Bodega

“Every year the standard of the talent pool in Malaysia seems to be raised even higher. We are incredibly lucky to have such exceptional bartenders that can bring out the versatility of Hennessy by creating unique pairings to suit every taste,” says Nausicaa Charrier, Marketing Director of Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia & Singapore.

Beacons of the Malaysian bartending scene, Thanesh Joel (of Backdoor Bodega), Rolend Ten (also of Backdoor Bodega) and Chloe Tan (of Cabinet 8 by JWC) were commended for their strong understanding of ritual and role it plays in a great cocktail experience while demonstrating great ability to integrate sustainable practices in their expressive cocktails.

No-Waste Nucifera by Thanesh Joel at Backdoor Bodega

In demonstrating such exceptional skill the trio have earned a place in the Global Top 40, joining other bartenders from countries including Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Other ASEAN winners included one each from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, putting Malaysia firmly ahead in this region.

“It’s exciting to see how our Malaysian bartenders compete on the global stage. To have not just one but three winners, the highest number of winners from a single country in South East Asia, is a testament to why we must continue to nurture the local talent to their full potential,” adds Charrier.

See Trust by Chloe Tan at Cabinet 8 by JWC

The Global Top 40 winners will each receive a cash prize of 1000 EURO and 1 bottle of Hennessy X.O. The cash prize is in addition to the 200 EURO received for winning the Malaysia Top 10 challenge round. The Global Top 40 winners will also move into the final challenge round to compete for a spot in the elusive Global Top 5. On this level, they will stand a chance to win another 2000 EURO each, and their choice of either a Hennessy Experience in Cognac or a VIP NBA Experience.

The winners are among Malaysia’s Top 10 whose entries were submitted for the global challenge with three cocktail creations out of the 10 being further selected as the Global Top 40. The judging was done by The Maison Hennessy in Cognac, France, by a panel including Hennessy Global Ambassador Jordan Bushell.

Cocktail lovers can also taste the Malaysia Top 10 winning cocktails at the respective bars as part of the Hennessy Cocktail Trail:

1. Backdoor Bodega - “No-Waste Nucifera” by Thanesh Joel

2. Backdoor Bodega - “Cassa(no)va Highball” by Rolend Ten

3. Bartailor - “Elixir of the God” by Mike Fan

4. Cabinet 8 by JWC - “See Trust” by Chloe Tan

5. DC Restaurant - “Henny-Ways” by Sebastian Jeremy

6. Gekko Dining - “Queen With Benefits” by Raz Ng

7. Hyde@53M - “Monkey Business” by Joshen Chew

8. 61 Monarchy - “Teguk Wangi” by Loo Hoong Xiang

9. Moon Bar - “Method in Madness” by Arsenio Mariano (View pic below)

10. Wetdeck W KL - “Henne-City” by Avai Saravanan (View pic below)

I had the privilege to enjoy two of the winning cocktails created by Ash and Avai. 

Do check out my Instagram post here.

To find out more latest updates and information, do follow Hennessy Malaysia’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HennessyMalaysia/

.: Peace Out :.