The St. Regis Bali Resort proudly celebrates the outstanding achievement of its Head Bartender, I Gusti Putu Agus Giri Asta, who was named runner-up and recipient of the prestigious Best Ritual title in the Hennessy My Way 2024 competition.
Hosted by Hennessy, the world leader in luxury spirits, this esteemed competition challenges bartenders worldwide to craft innovative and sustainable cocktails, blending creativity with exceptional service. Competing against top bartenders globally, Giri’s recognition highlights his talent and dedication to mixology, positioning him at the forefront of the industry.
Giri’s remarkable journey began in his hometown of Singaraja, Bali, and has since led him to international acclaim for his contributions to Indonesian hospitality. His passion, creativity, and commitment to sustainable mixology have been key to his success.
In its fourth season, Hennessy My Way emphasized innovation, personal storytelling, and eco-friendly practices. Bartenders crafted signature cocktails using Hennessy cognac while celebrating local ingredients and minimizing waste. Giri’s achievement is a testament to his dedication to these values.
To honour Giri’s accomplishment, a special dinner was held at the resort’s iconic Kayuputi Restaurant on January 18, 2025. The exclusive evening was attended by representatives from Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif, members of the media, and Julien Pepin Lehalleur, Hennessy’s Brand Education & Training Director. Julien’s impressive career includes roles at Ruinart, Christian Dior Couture, and the House of Krug. His expertise in luxury branding and fine beverages, combined with his passion for innovation, underscores the shared commitment to excellence between Hennessy and The St. Regis Bali Resort.
For the Hennessy My Way Challenge, Giri showcased his dedication to sustainable mixology by submitting three innovative cocktails, each reflecting his eco-conscious practices and deep connection to Balinese culture.
- Padi Paradise: Inspired by Bali’s iconic rice fields (padi) and natural beauty (paradise), this zero-waste cocktail utilizes locally sourced botanicals and herbs. Every ingredient is fully utilized, creating a sustainable yet flavorful experience.
- Konyal Crush: A vibrant cocktail celebrating Bali’s traditional markets, featuring fresh passion fruit and strawberries. The leftover passion fruit pulp is transformed into jam, while crushed strawberries are repurposed into a savoury garnish. Dried passion fruit seeds are replanted as a sustainable initiative. Additionally, Giri collaborated with a handcrafted glassmaker to repurpose Hennessy bottles into distinctive serving glasses.
- Hennessy Harmony: A tribute to Canang Sari, a Balinese offering symbolizing beauty and gratitude. This cocktail blends Hennessy X.O with pineapple-orange shrub, pomegranate juice, pandan rose syrup, and lime juice. Fermentation and shaking create a complex, refreshing taste that complements Hennessy X.O’s rich notes of candied fruit, pepper, and dark chocolate. Presented in a recycled Hennessy bottle set on an upcycled wooden branch, this creation embodies sustainability while honouring Balinese traditions.
Giri’s ability to seamlessly blend Balinese culture with the complexity of Hennessy earned him well-deserved recognition as a leader in the global bartending community. During the special dinner, guests enjoyed a presentation of these three exquisite cocktails, each paired with a curated menu celebrating craftsmanship and sustainability.
Giri Asta’s achievement underscores The St. Regis Bali Resort’s dedication to innovation, creativity, and eco-conscious practices. The evening concluded with heartfelt accolades, as Giri’s remarkable contributions continue to inspire excellence in hospitality and mixology.
For more information, please visit www.thestregisbali.com
