Hennessy MyWay Crowns Top 3 Mixologists, Competing for a Spot in the Global Finals!

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – [1 September] – The vibrant city of Johannesburg recently hosted the thrilling Hennessy MyWay Africa Regional Finals, an event that saw the finest bartending talents from South Africa (Roxanne Read), Nigeria (Happiness Cletus), Ghana (Amoafi Boateng), Kenya (Brian Ohadha), and Tanzania (Nengai Godwin Mollel) compete for the top three spots in the competition. This pivotal stage of the Hennessy MyWay program, designed to scout, educate, and empower the next generation of bartending talent, powerfully reinforced Hennessy's leadership in cocktail craft and its unwavering dedication to nurturing the art of mixology across the continent, building on its rich, 250-year heritage of craftsmanship and innovation.

During an intense competition week, these regional finalists engaged in mentoring moments and a high-stakes live competition. The battle for regional honor unfolded at Nook, a hidden gem nestled within the high-end restaurant SOLO. The judging panel comprised a distinguished group of industry experts, including South African mixology expert Aimee May Donofrio, 2025 Global MyWay Winner hailing from Germany – Sandrina Burkhardt, aka Trina on the Rocks, and respected industry professional Mmiso ‘Mmisology’ Luphondo.

"The Hennessy MyWay platform is important for mixologists because it highlights the people behind the drinks - often you're just handed a drink by a waiter or by a barman, no stories behind it. But this platform is a vessel that's been created by Hennessy to spotlight this talented group of people," stated Mmiso.

The finalists were challenged to recreate their signature Very Special-based cocktails, and present an innovative VSOP-based creation, both with sustainable mixology practices in mind.

Mixology expert Aimee May Donofrio commented, "as a judge, I first look for flavour when it comes to cocktails, but then there's a charisma that comes from somebody who's proud of what they've created. I was able to see that in so many of the drinks and experienced flavours that honestly, I was lucky enough to experience for the first time."

Sandrina added, "Hennessy MyWay is an incredible opportunity for every bartender. The opportunities that are given to you once you are in the global finals and even before with your local markets, they are just endless. Hennessy really stands for education when it comes to their bartenders."

After an evening of masterful mixology, the top three regional champions were announced, earning them the ultimate honour: a place at the Global Finals in Paris and Cognac in October 2026, where they will represent Africa on the world stage.

We proudly announce the top 3 Hennessy MyWay Africa Regional Champions:

• Roxanne Read, roxannethefox, South Africa
• Brian Ohadha, the_liquor_therapist, Kenya
• Happiness Cletus, the_bar_muse, Nigeria

Follow the Hennessy MyWay journey online with #HennessyMyWay and rally behind the African finalists as they take on the global stage for the grand prize: a custom Champion Trophy, a magnum of rare Hennessy Cognac, and an exclusive trip to France to experience the home of Hennessy - with two more coveted prizes also up for grabs, as the Most Sustainable Champion and Best Ritual winners will each earn their own exclusive trip to France alongside the overall champion. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and Africa’s finest are ready to make their mark.

Source: Briefly News