On Friday 21 March, six bartenders from Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand went head-to-head at the Four Pillars Australian Gin Open APAC 2025. Representing Malaysia and Indonesia, Justin Chong and Mang Arik were named the winners.
Tasked with creating an original cocktail using Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, Bloody Shiraz Gin or Fresh Yuzu Gin, five bartenders from each APAC market competed in local regional finals. The winning bartenders, who were flown to Sydney to represent their countries in the Grand Final at the Four Pillars Laboratory, were:
- Abigal Romero – Bar.Flora, Philippines
- Cal Ross – Panacea, New Zealand
- Jednipat Saiprapakorn – The Fool Speakeasy, Thailand
- Justin Chong – CONTI’, Malaysia
- Lim Daw Son – Side Door, Singapore
- Mang Arik – Dome by Desa Potato Head Bali, Indonesia
The finalists each presented their Four Pillars-based cocktails to a panel of three judges including Natalie Ng (Now & Then), Sam Bygrave (Boothby) and Stuart Gregor (Four Pillars).
Taking out top gong, Justin and Mang both received a $3000 cash prize. Justin’s cocktail, Fake Beer, was created as an introduction to the world of cocktails for the everyday beer drinker, blending Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, mango, black tea and coconut.
Mang’s cocktail, REVIVAL, balanced vibrant tropical freshness and refined sophistication, featuring a combination of Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, guava and rosella.
Stu Gregor, Co-Founder at Four Pillars, said: “What an incredible showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and passion for gin. The Four Pillars Australian Gin Open is all about celebrating the best bartending talent across the Asia-Pacific, and this year’s finalists absolutely raised the bar.
“Each competitor brought something unique to the table, and the final was as tight as they come. But in the end, both Justin and Mang stood out – not only for their technical ability and understanding of flavour but also for the way they told a story through their drinks.”
Mang Arik’s Winning Cocktail REVIVAL
Ingredients:
- 45mL Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin
- 30mL Fermented Guava & Rosella
Directions:
- Top with Guava Soda
- Garnish: Fresh Guava Wedge
Justin Chong’s Winning Cocktail Fake Beer
Ingredients:
- 45mL Four Pillars Rare Dry
- 60mL Mango and Black Tea Cordial
- 15mL Coconut Liqueur
Directions:
- Top with Soda
- Garnish: Coconut Foam
Check out all the action here:
