AdminIn a dazzling celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, Oh Chong Hau from The Nest Cocktail Bar, Penang, emerged as the National Champion of this year’s Hennessy MyWay Malaysia, wowing judges with his inspired concoction, “The Golden Fondue”. The finale, held during the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week (KLCW), marked a defining moment not only for Oh but for Malaysia’s rising stature in the global mixology arena.
Oh’s cocktail stood out in a field of 12 semi-finalists from across the nation, each telling their personal stories through imaginative use of Hennessy cognac. From inventive techniques to bold reinventions of local flavours, this year’s competition reinforced Malaysia’s place as a creative powerhouse in cocktail 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,” said Julien Pepin Lehalleur, Hennessy Global Brand Education Director.
A platform to fuel creativity
More than a showcase of technical skill, Hennessy MyWay is a global initiative that invites bartenders to express identity and emotion through a single glass. This year, participants were mentored by a panel of local and international experts, including celebrated mixologist Jordan Bushell, Amanda Wan, and Arsenio Mariano Jr. — a trio who pushed contestants to think beyond flavours and embrace storytelling as the essence of their mixology.
The emphasis on narrative was palpable. Every entry at this year’s edition was more than a drink; it was a memoir in liquid form — a tribute to heritage, personality, and purpose. Judges were not only looking for taste and technique, but intention and originality.
“Hennessy MyWay is more than just a cocktail competition. It’s a platform to fuel creativity, spark passion, and elevate Malaysia’s cocktail culture,” said Laura Drozdowski Lot, Moët Hennessy’s Marketing Director for Malaysia and Singapore.
The Golden Fondue
At the finals, Oh’s “The Golden Fondue” was nothing short of a masterclass in innovation and harmony. Built around the rich complexity of Hennessy V.S.O.P, the cocktail combined apple juice, gula kabung (a traditional palm sugar), and pandan leaf for a layered, aromatic foundation. A pumpkin cheese foam crowned the drink, while an aged yolk added a savoury depth — a nod to Oh’s daring approach. Accompanied by crispy duck skin, the presentation offered a multisensory experience that enchanted the distinguished judging panel.
The panel, which included names like Rachel Tann from The World’s 50 Best Bars, Peter Chua of Night Hawk Singapore, and Katelyn Tan from Tatler Dining, praised Oh for his bold yet balanced composition. His use of local ingredients with modern flair made his creation both authentic and avant-garde.
Through “The Golden Fondue”, Oh exemplified how Hennessy can transcend its role as a spirit to become a vehicle for storytelling. The result? A cocktail that was as intellectually engaging as it was indulgent.
A seat at the global table
As the newly crowned national champion, Oh Chong Hau will represent Malaysia at the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals in Cognac, France, where he will compete alongside 17 other elite bartenders from around the world. This global stage offers him a unique opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s cultural depth, ingredients, and bartending ingenuity to an international audience.
The journey to Cognac is not just a personal victory for Oh, but a milestone for Malaysia’s cocktail scene. It affirms the nation’s growing influence in the world of mixology, where technique meets tradition and creativity knows no borders.
“This year’s Malaysian finalists didn’t just show talent; they brought perspective, craft, and heart,” said Laura Drozdowski Lot. “We’re proud to spotlight these mixologists — bold creators who show that Malaysia, and Hennessy, are made for more.”
As Malaysia takes its place on the world cocktail map, Oh Chong Hau’s triumph is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling in a glass — and to how far passion can take you when you mix it your way.
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