For 300 years now, the House of Rémy Martin has celebrated a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation in the art of cognac-making. Beyond its viticulture and cognac heritage, mixology is also very much at the heart of the House. Thus, to commemorate its tricentenary, the Maison proudly presents a special edition of its annual Bartender Talent Academy Contest.
Currently in its 9th edition, the Bartender Talent Academy (BTA) challenges bartenders from around the world to craft a cocktail that toasts to the spirit of Rémy Martin. The international cocktail competition begins with national selections, followed by a global finale in France, taking place in both Cognac and Paris.
Three bartenders have been selected from 12 bars across Malaysia to proceed to the competition’s local final at Gemu KL on 9th May. To capture the essence of Rémy Martin’s 300th anniversary celebration, each cocktail creation should reflect the theme ‘We Dream Forward’ – connecting the past, present and future of the House’s significant journey. Finalists will be evaluated and selected based on three main criteria: storytelling, design, and taste.
The first criterion considers the bartender’s ability to tell a captivating story about their talents and interests through their cocktail, while honouring the history and values of Rémy Martin. In terms of design, bartenders are evaluated on their technical skills, from the one-up to the serving, precision, and techniques that make up the drink. The resulting cocktail will then be assessed based on its aromatic balance, complexity, overall appeal, and intensity of the Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal.
Meet the Malaysian finalists
In Malaysia, a total of 12 bartenders representing bars across the north, south, and central regions joined the BTA competition this year. Participating bars include the Klang Valley’s Bā by 61 Monarchy, Bar Trigona, Hyde at 53M, Penrose, Three X Co, and Woobar at W Kuala Lumpur; Penang’s Backdoor Bodega, Drunken Gelato, Good Friends Club, and No Bar Here; and Johor Bahru’s Cabinet 8 by JWC and Du Bar.
After two days of competing on 15 & 16 April 2024, three finalists have been selected to proceed to the local final. (Drum roll, please.) They are none other than Thanesh Joel from Backdoor Bodega with his cocktail, Val d’Or; Lai YS from Penrose with his cocktail, Eternal Gold; and Melvin Lim from Bar Trigona with his cocktail, Ambrosia.
Lai YS of Penrose with his cocktail, Eternal Gold. Melvin Lim of Trigona with his cocktail, Ambrosia. Thanesh Joel of Backdoor Bodega with his cocktail, Val d'Or. 
Inspired by the Accord Royal granted by King Louis XV in 1738 to allow Rémy Martin to use the royal land to plant his vines, Thanesh’s Val d’Or – meaning ‘valley of gold’ in French – features a blend of the namesake cognac, homemade rose apple cider, and Punt e Mes vermouth. The resulting cocktail is complex yet refreshing, topped with gold flakes for a touch of luxury.
On the other hand, Lai’s Eternal Gold is a sophisticated concoction of orange-infused Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, umeshu, Cointreau, honey and homemade saffron bitters. It is then garnished with saffron threads and a drop of truffle oil for a hint of umami aroma and indulgence. The drink’s key ingredient is the orange, a symbol –and a toast – of prosperity for Rémy Martin in the past, present, and future.
Lim’s Ambrosia cocktail is inspired by his dream of raising the standards and pushing the limits of the bar industry while spotlighting Malaysia’s diverse culture and landscape. It features a mix of Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, Cointreau, Telmont Brut Champagne, donut peach, and jasmine seltzer, offering spirit-forward, fruity and floral flavours. Complementing the tipple are three pieces of chocolate uniquely crafted in collaboration with Caketella to showcase local produce and talents.
Local BTA finale party
Each finalist will present their creations to judges and guests at Rémy Martin’s local 300th anniversary party, taking place at Gemu KL on 9th May. During the party, they will be subject to a mystery challenge, while attempting to win public votes with their cocktails. Only one local champion will be crowned on that special night to represent Malaysia at the Global Final in France.
Aside from a free flow of cocktails from the finalists, guests at the anniversary party will also enjoy performances by headliner DJ Marnik. Boasting over 300 million streams on Spotify to date, the Italian progressive house duo will be taking over the stage with top hits such as Gam Gam, Up & Down and Alone.
Discover the 300th Anniversary Coupe
To further mark its significant milestone, Rémy Martin has introduced a limited-edition 300th Anniversary Coupe. Carefully crafted by Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau using eaux-de-vie exclusively sourced from the Grande Champagne region – touted for its exceptional aromatic qualities and ageing potential – the 300th Anniversary Coupe is truly a unique and rare expression.
This special liquid has a luminous amber patina, impressive structure, explosiveness, and a refined fresh fruit expression combined with a persistence that prolongs the tasting experience. With 6,724 units of the 300th Anniversary Coupe available worldwide, it is no doubt a covetable addition to any cognac connoisseur’s collection. What’s more, every purchase of a bottle will include an exclusive dinner for two guests in July.
For enquiries or to purchase a coupe bottle, contact Elyria Chiak at 016 254 1154. Shop the Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal on the brand’s official Shopee page.
READ ALSO: Kuala Lumpur Cocktail Week 2024 kicks off for the first time this April
