Hennessy has announced the return of Hennessy MyWay 2026, its global bartending competition. Registrations are now open for bartenders worldwide to showcase their cocktail skills by using sustainable practices. National champions will represent their country at the Global Finals in Cognac, France, the home of Hennessy.
The Malaysian chapter officially launched at Bar None, the latest venture from Hennessy MyWay alumni Raz Ng and Arsenio “Ash” Mariano. The event gathered the local mixology community and featured a virtual introduction from Hennessy Brand Education Director, Julien Pepin-Lehalleur, along with insights from Hennessy MyWay 2025 Champion and 2026 mentor, Oh Chong Hau.
During his sharing session, Chong Hau reflected on his experience last year, emphasising Hennessy as a brand that truly cares about the craft and artistry of bartenders. “Throughout the competition, you receive constructive feedback and guidance, which really helps you to improve. The scoring focuses on your overall skills as a bartender, not just the final drink, which shows that the brand and the judges really pay attention to the effort you put in. This competition is open to everyone, so I encourage you to join regardless of your level of experience — as long as you’re willing to think outside the box and put in the practice.”
During the launch, Arsenio Ash was revealed as a returning mentor for the 2026 programme. He emphasized the significance of mentorship, noting how Hennessy MyWay offers rare access to industry guidance, helping bartenders refine their craft and advance their careers.
Elevating this year’s edition, the competition will spotlight three National Champions from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines or Vietnam. Finalists will also gain special access to mentorship and knowledge-sharing sessions led by respected Southeast Asian industry veterans and Hennessy MyWay Alumni.
Where Creativity Meets Conscious Craft
Hennessy MyWay is a competition that encourages bartenders to explore creative boundaries while prioritizing environmental sustainability. Participants use locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly techniques to create cocktails that tell a story. The event emphasizes storytelling and community-building, highlighting skills and originality in mixology. Hennessy MyWay reflects the brand’s commitment to the bartending community, fostering collaboration and creativity across Southeast Asia and beyond, and contributing to the growth of the craft.
Competition Timeline
The journey to the global stage is divided into three phases, with each phase requiring a new cocktail recipe:
1. Phase One (Now – 30 April 2026): Registrations are open for video submissions.
2. Phase Two (June – July 2026): Masterclasses and Guestshifts held by Hennessy MyWay Southeast Asia mentors across Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam.
3. Phase Three (August 2026): Semi-Finals and Regional Finals in Malaysia.
4. Phase Four (October 2026): Global Finals in Cognac, France.
How to Enter
1. Register via the official Hennessy MyWay submission platform.
2. Post a one-minute cocktail video showcasing the complexity and versatility of Hennessy V.S.O.P. on a public social media account (Instagram preferred) using the hashtag #HennessyMyWay.
3. Submit the video link and recipe details (including sustainability and ritual serve elements) via the submission platform by April 30, 2026 (12 AM local time).
Note: Video production quality is not scored; video must clearly show the ritual serve and final appearance.
Judging Criteria: Sustainability is Key
Sustainability is a key pillar of Hennessy MyWay and a primary judging factor. Effective techniques focus on minimising waste, reimagining overlooked ingredients, and using what is readily available. Contestants are encouraged to follow the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle when conceptualising their creations.
Overall criteria
● Sustainability (35 points)
● Drinkability (25 points)
● Ritual Serve (25 points)
● Product Knowledge (10 points)
● Appearance (5 points)
A Platform for the Future of Bartending
More than just a competition, Hennessy MyWay continues to champion the next generation of bartenders shaping the future of cocktail culture through creativity, sustainability, and storytelling.
For more information and full competition terms, please visit the official Hennessy MyWay website.
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