It would not be an exaggeration to say that Asia’s 50 Best Bars is becoming pretty close to the Michelin guide for those who love their liquor- whether making it, or drinking it. Getting on the list is no mean feat, let alone topping it. That’s no exaggeration, considering the competition that has emerged in Asia over the last few years.
So who made it this year, and who won the right to put on the victor’s laurels?
Asia’s 50 Best Bars, is first and foremost, an international award. The panel is comprised of bartenders, bar owners, drinks specialists and luminaries from nine countries across the region, and they each cast seven votes, of which three must be for bars outside of their own country.
The nature of the Motion Picture Academy- like voting process ensures that it is no mere public opinion which propels winners to the top, but the judgement of some of the sharpest critics imaginable- their peers. So, in urban parlance- it is legit. Everyone on the list is a winner, but of course, some have won more than others.
So, the winners are…
- The Best Bar in Asia/ China: The Old Man, Hong Kong
- The Best Bar in Singapore and Legend of the List, sponsored by Michter’s: Manhattan (Number 2 overall)
- The Best Bar in Taiwan: Indulge Experimental Bistro (Number 3)
- The Best Bar in Japan: Bar High Five (Number 6)
- The Best Bar in Thailand: Bamboo (Number 8)
- The Best Bar in South Korea: Charles H (Number 14)
- The Best Bar in Malaysia: Coley (Number 27)
- The Best Bar in the Philippines: The Curator (Number 37)
- The Best Bar in Indonesia: Union Brasserie, Bakery & Bar (Number 39)
- Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Mr Black: Jigger & Pony (Singapore), jumping up 33 spots to Number 9
- Highest New Entry Award, sponsored by Seedlip: Coa (Hong Kong) debuting at Number 12
- Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award: Bar Trigona (Kuala Lumpur)
- Campari One To Watch Award 2019: Pussyfoot Saloon (Seoul)
- Altos Bartenders’ Bartender 2019: Shingo Gokan
A fine set of results overall, with Manhattan giving up the top spot to The Old Man, but having a strong showing, still. There is no doubt that in our minds that these accomplished are well deserved.
Overall Results
Singapore put up a strong showing, putting eleven bars on the list, and despite the intense competition, particularly from China and Taiwan. The Jigger & Pony group, in particular, made an exceptional showing, putting its flagship bar at Number 9, and sister bar Gibson at Number 15.
Stalwarts Operation Dagger (Number 22), 28 Hong Kong Street(Number 21) and Tippling Club (Number 11), continue to do well. We’re also glad that Native (Number 4) made the top 10 again.
China, including Hong Kong, has dethroned Singapore, however, and put twelve bars in the Top 50, including the winner, The Old Man. Speak Low (Number 7), Quinary (Number 10), Sober Company (Number 16) and newcomer The Wise King (Number 18) are other notables in the top 20.
Twelve new challengers made the Top 50 this year, bumping off many established bars. Plenty of these were in less-explored parts of the region cocktail-wise, and is a clear sign of a burgeoning cocktail scene throughout Asia.
A hearty congratulations to all winners, and we look forward to seeing what the next year will bring.
For the full list of winners, you can check the list right here.
