Billy Matiku Kigocha, a mixologist from Kenya, has cemented his place on the global mixology stage by achieving a remarkable victory in the Mystery Challenge segment at the prestigious Hennessy My Way 2025 Global Finale in Cognac, France.
Kigocha, who first emerged as a finalist in The Hennessy My Way Mixologist Africa competition with his signature cocktail recipe, Ajabu – “A Ritual of Wonder and Legacy,” represented the pinnacle of African bartending creativity and sustainability.
The journey culminated in an enriching and challenging week in Cognac from October 27th to November 1st, where Kigocha joined other global finalists.
The Hennessy My Way competition was launched to inspire mixologists to push creative boundaries while also providing a proving ground for the use of sustainable techniques, culturally and globally. African finalists, including Kigocha, were celebrated for their innovative approach, using indigenous ingredients, sustainable practices, and ritualized service to translate heritage into a form of hospitality that travels across borders.
In a stunning display of skill and ingenuity, Billy Kigocha rose above 16 other elite bartenders from around the world to claim victory in the intense Mystery Challenge.
This segment required competitors to creatively pair international ingredients with Hennessy, highlighting Kigocha’s exceptional palate, technical mastery, and ability to perform under pressure.
“Billy’s success is a testament to the depth of talent emerging from the African mixology scene,” a spokesperson for Hennessy stated. “His cocktail ‘Ajabu’ and his performance in the Mystery Challenge embody the spirit of creativity, sustainability, and cultural storytelling that the Hennessy My Way competition champions.”
Rounding out the experience, Kigocha attended an exclusive masterclass at the Maison’s Grand Salon with multi-award-winning Australian bartender and photographer, Millie Tang, one of the world’s most celebrated cocktail creatives.
The session provided him with a crucial opportunity to gain inspiration and spark a creative exchange at the highest level of the craft.
Billy Kigocha’s triumph shines a spotlight on Kenya and the African continent’s rich contribution to the global culinary and cocktail landscape, proving that local traditions and sustainable practices can lead to world-class excellence.
