Hennessy MyWay 2026 concluded its Regional Finals with Ong Qin Yen of The Nest Cocktail Bar, Penang, and Hengie Arboleda of The Spirits Library, the Philippines, emerging as champions. Both mixologists will now head to France to represent their respective countries at the Global Finals.
Held at Astor Bar, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, the competition featured six up-and-coming bartenders from the region, who showcased unique drinks inspired by their personal stories and cultural backgrounds while also focusing on sustainability.
Malaysia’s champion, Ong Qin Yen, won with her drink Tang in Silk. Following a zero-waste idea, she created a syrup from parts of salmon that are usually not used, combining it with Hennessy V.S.O.P, passion fruit, Sichuan pepper, and a smooth peanut cheese foam. To complement her drink, she served a homemade salmon jerky canapé.
Hengie Arboleda, representing the Philippines, impressed judges with his drink Another Side, designed to encourage exploration beyond first impressions. The drink features pinipig, a unique Filipino ingredient made from toasted glutinous rice. He mixed it with Hennessy V.S.O.P, pear, and Pineau des Charentes, finishing with a pear and pinipig meringue for a balance of bright acidity and natural sweetness.
Both champions will now join an international group of mixologists at the Global Finals in France as part of their Hennessy MyWay 2026 journey. Hennessy MyWay is more than just a contest; it represents Hennessy’s long-standing support for the global mixology community, providing bartenders a chance to share ideas, celebrate their individuality, and inspire each other. As they step onto the world stage, the champions will connect with bartenders worldwide, enhance their skills, and continue to innovate in mixology.