Stirred by Africa, Served to the World: Africa’s Best Bartenders Shine at Hennessy MyWay 2025
After months of regional showcases and spirited mixology rounds, Africa’s top mixologists took their craft to Cognac, France, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best at the Hennessy MyWay 2025 Global Finale .The competition, known for spotlighting innovation and sustainability, saw this year’s African finalists bring their unique cultural flair to the global stage.
Launched to inspire mixologists to push creative boundaries and reimagine the cognac experience, Hennessy MyWay honours the Maison’s 260-year legacy of excellence while shining a light on the next generation of mixology talent. During their time in Cognac, the finalists were immersed in the world of Hennessy, where they explored the heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation that defined the Maison.
The finalists visited Domaine de la Bataille, Hennessy’s 180-hectare vineyard and winery dedicated to experimentation and the transfer of innovative solutions to the Maison’s grape-growing partners. At the Distillerie du Peu, one of Hennessy’s three traditional distilleries, they experienced the distillation campaign firsthand, tasting wine, brouillis, and eaux-de-vie in their earliest forms.
A highlight of their journey included “The Art of Ageing” tasting session in the historic Salle Raymond Fillioux, where finalists followed in the footsteps of the Hennessy Tasting Committee to learn the rituals and precision behind cognac maturation.
Rounding out the experience, the finalists joined an exclusive masterclass with multi-award-winning Australian bartender and photographer, Millie Tang, one of the world’s most celebrated cocktail creatives, at the Maison’s Grand Salon, where they were inspired to spark a creative exchange at the highest level of the craft. The finalists also faced a Mystery Challenge to creatively pair international ingredients with Hennessy. In a stunning display of skill, Billy Kigocha, reigning from Kenya, rose above 16 other elite bartenders, claiming victory in this thrilling segment.
This year’s MyWay spotlight for the Middle East & Africa region crowned four finalists whose serves move beyond technique to tell the story of place, as they competed with mixologists from across the globe representing a powerful blend of cultural expression and technical supremacy.
Each finalist’s creation tells a distinct story, one of heritage, innovation, and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship, pairing Hennessy VS or VSOP with indigenous ingredients and zero-waste thinking.
Cece Smith 
Bongi Sikelo 