Hennessy proudly announces I Gusti Putu Agus Giri Asta, also known as Giri Asta, has been named Global Top 3 and recipient of the prestigious Best Service Ritual award at the Hennessy MyWay 2024 global competition. Giri Asta’s remarkable journey from Singaraja, Bali, to becoming a global ambassador for Indonesian hospitality showcases his passion, creativity, and dedication to sustainability in mixology.
This achievement continues Indonesia’s remarkable success in the Hennessy MyWay competition, marking the second consecutive year the country has secured a position in the Global Top 3. In 2023, Rizky Ramdhani Razak earned the title of Most Sustainable Cocktail, further cementing Indonesia's presence on the global mixology stage.
Giri Asta’s bartending story began in 2016 at The St. Regis Bali Resort, where he discovered his calling in mixology. With strong support and mentorship from the bar team, he honed his skills and passion for the craft. He serves as Head Bartender at The St. Regis Bali Resort and stands as a respected figure in the Food and Beverage industry, inspiring others with his innovative approach and deep connection to Balinese culture.
Hennessy MyWay 2024
Hennessy MyWay is a prestigious global competition by Maison Hennessy that invites bartenders to craft signature cocktails using Hennessy cognac, reflecting their unique stories, cultures, and creative flair. In its fourth season, the competition emphasizes innovation, personal storytelling, and sustainable practices. Participants are encouraged to create eco-friendly cocktails that minimize waste while celebrating local ingredients.
The competition unfolds in multiple stages, starting with video submissions of signature cocktails. Selected top bartenders then proceed to the final live round in Cognac, France, where they present their creations to a distinguished panel of judges.
In the 2024 edition, Giri Asta’s outstanding cocktails earned him a spot in the global top three alongside Yuya Takahashi from Japan and Toma Todorovic from France.
Giri Asta’s Award-Winning Cocktails
Padi Paradise
Drawing inspiration from the words ‘Padi,’ representing rice or rice fields, and ‘Paradise,’ a term often used to describe the island of Bali, a refreshing cocktail has been crafted to offer a unique way to savor and encapsulate the essence of the island in every sip. Bali is celebrated for its rich array of botanicals and herbs, and this cocktail is designed to pay homage to that tradition. Adopting a zero-waste philosophy, every part of the ingredient is utilized, ensuring both a
sustainable and flavorful experience.Konyal Crush
Inspired by the rich flavors of Bali and its local produce, Konyal Crush takes you on a journey through traditional markets, where fresh fruits like sweet passion fruit (Konyal) and strawberries are abundant. This cocktail offers a refreshing taste of the island’s vibrant produce. The passion fruit jam is made from the leftover pulp, combined with passion juice, while the remaining strawberry crush is turned into a savory stick, serving as a unique condiment. In a commitment to sustainability, dried passion fruit seeds are replanted as a gesture of gratitude to nature. In collaboration with a handcrafted glassmaker, Hennessy bottles are repurposed to create distinctive glasses for serving the cocktail. Every part of the ingredient is utilized, ensuring a sustainable and flavorful experience.Hennessy Harmony
Introducing the Hennessy Harmony Cocktail, a tribute to Balinese tradition and the timeless elegance of Hennessy X.O. Inspired by the Balinese offering of Canang Sari, which symbolizes beauty and purpose in a daily ritual of gratitude, this signature cocktail combines Hennessy X.O with pineapple-orange shrub, pomegranate juice, pandan rose syrup, and lime juice in a harmonious blend. The preparation involves fermentation and shaking, creating a refreshing yet deeply layered taste. Expect a symphony of flavors: the rich, bold notes of Hennessy X.O, including candied fruit, spicy pepper, and dark chocolate, intertwine with the vibrant tang of pineapple and lime, the depth of pomegranate, and the delicate sweetness of pandan rose. Presented in a recycled Hennessy bottle seton an upcycled wooden branch, this cocktail embodies sustainability by minimizing waste and celebrating the beauty of nature.
This creation honors the complexity of Hennessy X.O while paying homage to a revered Balinese ritual, offering a memorable experience that seamlessly merges taste, tradition, and sustainability.
A Celebration of Excellence
To honor Giri Asta’s achievements, Hennessy and The St. Regis Bali Resort hosted a special dinner, attended by representatives of Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif and media representatives. The event featured Julien Pepin-Lehalleur, Brand Education and Training Director of Hennessy, who presented Giri Asta with a token of appreciation and congratulated him on his success.
Inspiration for the Future
“Hennessy MyWay has been an incredible journey, allowing me to share my story and Bali’s culture with the world. It’s an honor to represent Indonesia and showcase how mixology can blend tradition, creativity, and sustainability,” said Giri Asta.
Giri Asta’s achievements mark a significant milestone in Indonesian mixology, inspiring bartenders worldwide to pursue their passion while championing sustainability and artistry in mixology.
