By Editor
Kenyan mixologist Billy Matiku Kigocha defeated 16 elite bartenders from around the world to win the coveted Mystery Challenge at the Hennessy My Way 2025 Global Finale this month.
Kigocha’s victory cemented his status as a leading force in global mixology and spotlighted Africa’s rising influence in the craft.
The prestigious competition, which ran from October 27th to November 1st, gathered top talent in Cognac, France, to celebrate creative boundaries and sustainable techniques.
Kigocha earned his place at the global finale after first winning the Hennessy My Way Mixologist Africa competition with his signature cocktail, “Ajabu – A Ritual of Wonder and Legacy.” In a thrilling display of skill, Kigocha dominated the intense Mystery Challenge.
The segment required competitors to creatively pair international ingredients with Hennessy cognac, testing their palate, technical mastery, and composure under pressure. He outperformed the field with his ingenuity and precision.
A Hennessy spokesperson praised his achievement, stating, “Billy’s success showcases the deep talent emerging from the African mixology scene.
His cocktail ‘Ajabu’ and his performance embody the spirit of creativity, sustainability, and cultural storytelling that our competition champions.”
African finalists, including Kigocha, drew significant attention for their innovative use of indigenous ingredients and sustainable practices, translating cultural heritage into a globally resonant form of hospitality.
Further enriching his experience, Kigocha attended an exclusive masterclass at the Maison’s Grand Salon with multi-award-winning Australian bartender and photographer Millie Tang. The session provided a vital platform for creative exchange at the highest level of the craft.
Billy Kigocha’s triumph not only marks a personal career peak but also heralds the arrival of Kenya and the wider African continent as a powerhouse of world-class cocktail creativity, proving that local traditions can define global excellence.
