The Hennessy MyWay 2026 Regional Finals have wrapped, and with that, Malaysia and the Philippines have a champion heading to France.
The competition brought together six bartenders from across Southeast Asia – Ong Qin Yen and Lee Ai Cxing of The Nest Cocktail Bar, Lui Yee Min of Cabinet 8 KL, Ho Yan Ching of Haiiro Usagi, Phong Mai of Hybrid Saigon, and Hengie Arboleda of The Spirits Library. They were challenged to create a Hennessy V.S.O.P cocktail that reflected their personal stories, cultural influences and creative perspectives, while incorporating a thoughtful approach to sustainability.
The six finalists were judged by a panel comprising Jason Cheah, General Manager of Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia; Hennessy Global Brand Ambassador Fabien Levieux; Bar Mizukami’s Shawn Chong; and Tatler Malaysia and Indonesia Dining and Travel Editor Katelyn Tan.
Qin Yen’s winning Tang in Silk takes inspiration from her favourite dish - salmon fish soup - turning often-overlooked parts of the fish, including the head and bones, into an umami-rich syrup. Paired with Hennessy V.S.O.P, passion fruit and Sichuan pepper, the drink was finished with peanut cheese foam and homemade salmon jerky.
Meanwhile, Arboleda’s Another Side brought Filipino pinipig (a traditional ingredient made from young glutinous rice that is pounded and toasted), into the spotlight, combining it with Hennessy V.S.O.P, pear and Pineau des Charentes.
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Bonne chance en France, Qin Yen and Arboleda!
