First Scoop: Rémy Martin’s 300th Anniversary party

After much anticipation, Rémy Martin commemorated its 300th anniversary with an exhilarating local party at Gemu Club Kuala Lumpur last Thursday, 9 May 2024. Themed ‘We Dream Forward,’ the event was highlighted by the local final of the Bartender Talent Academy (BTA) Competition, as well as upbeat DJ performances.

The celebrations connected the past, present and future of the Maison – which traces its history to 1724 when its namesake founder, a winegrower from Cognac, started making cognac under his own name. In 1738, the cognac earned the recognition of the King of France for its quality. Since then, this standard of excellence has been carried forward by many talents and consistently maintained through the generations.

“Celebrating 300 years of history is a milestone for Rémy Martin. By inviting our consumers to explore our craft and story and by teaming up with the most promising creative talents, together we build exceptional cognacs for the next generations,” said Jean-Philippe Hecquet, CEO of Rémy Martin.

The Rémy Martin 300th Anniversary Party at Gemu KL.

The party celebrates three centuries of craft and innovation.

Melvin Liim of Bar Trigona with his cocktail, Ambrosia.

Thanesh Joel of Backdoor Bodega with his cocktail, Val d'Or.

Lai YS of Penrose with his cocktail, Eternal Gold.

In this same spirit of craft and innovation, the top three Malaysian bartenders from this year’s BTA presented their cocktail creations to guests at the party to vie for the coveted crown. Guest votes accounted for 30 percent of the competition, while 70 percent was based on the finalists’ performance in a mystery challenge. For the latter, each bartender had to draw a card with a unique customer request and create a cocktail that matched its description.

Ultimately, Thanesh Joel of Backdoor Bodega emerged as the local champion after impressing judges with his fruity creation. Melvin Lim of Bar Trigona created a velvety sour tipple that earned him the first runner-up spot, while Lai YS of Penrose was named the second runner-up after delivering his take on a dessert cocktail.

Thanesh Joel getting creative with his fruity creation for the mystery challenge.

Melvin Lim showcasing his bartending skills while concocting a velvety sour cocktail.

Lai YS carefully choosing ingredients for his impromptu dessert cocktail.

Dexter Heng, Regional Brand Manager at Remy Cointreau; Natalie Khoo, Editor of FirstClasse Malaysia; and Michael Cheang, a drinks editor, were the honorary judges of this year's Rémy Martin Bartender Talent Academy.

Dexter Heng presenting the second runner-up award to Lai YS.

Dexter Heng awarding the first runner-up position to Melvin Lim.

Hazel Yong, General Manager of Rémy Cointreau Malaysia, presenting the champion award to Thanesh Joel.

Thanesh will head to France in September for the Global Finals – joining 23 other contestants around the world. His winning cocktail, Val D’or, will also be available exclusively at Backdoor Bodega.

Following the competition finale, guests at the anniversary party danced the night away to electrifying tunes by headlining DJ Marnik. The Italian progressive house duo – comprising Alessandro Martello and Emanuele Longo – psyched up the crowd with hits such as ‘Alone’, ‘Bella Ciao’, ‘Butterfly’ and ‘Up & Down’.

Watch our Instagram Reels below for the highlights of the evening.