Justin Chong from CONTI’in in Kuala Lumpur and Mang Arik from Dome by Desa Potato Head in Bali have been crowned joint winners of the 2025 Four Pillars Australian Gin Open APAC 2025.

Over the last few months Four Pillars scoured bars all across the Asia-Pacific in the quest to find some of the best bartenders in the region, with finalists from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand and the Philippines travelling to Australia to compete.

They included:

• Abbie Romero from bar.Flora in Manila, Philippines
• Cal Ross from Panacea in Auckland, New Zealand
• Jednipat Saiprapkorn (Auto) from The Fool Speakeasy in Phuket, Thailand
• Justin Chong from CONTI’in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Lim Daw Son (Dawson) from Side Door in Singapore
• Mang Arik from Dome by Desa Potato Head in Bali, Indonesia

Following time exploring Melbourne, including a visit to the Four Pillars distillery, and Sydney the six finalists gathered at the Four Pillars Laboratory in Sydney and the final round saw each competitor present their winning cocktails in a fiercely competitive showcase.

Winners Justin and Mang’s cocktails – REVIVAL (above) and Fake Beer (below) – impressed the judges with their creativity, technique, and a deep understanding of Four Pillars.

REVIVAL featured Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, fermented guava and rosella cordial and guava soda. Fake Beer featured Four Pillars Rare Dry, mango and black tea cordial and coconut liqueur.

Four Pillars co-founder Stu Gregor 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.”

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