Agave drinkers worldwide are rejoicing at the announcement that Coa in Hong Kong has landed the number one spot in Asia’s 50 Best Bars during a virtual awards ceremony.
Last year’s winner, Jigger & Pony of Singapore, has taken second place in the 2021 list (while also winning The Best Bar in Singapore, sponsored by Matusalem), while the no.3 spot went to The SG Club, (which also won The Best Bar in Japan title).
Taiwan’s Indulge Experimental Bistro maintains its No.4 spot on the list, reclaiming the title of The Best Bar in Taiwan, sponsored by Asahi Super Dry and Sober Company, Shanghai, takes the No.5 spot.
Named after the machete-like tool for harvesting agave, COA (co-ah) specialises in agave spirits and houses an extensive collection of 200 Latin American products. Debuting on the list in 2019, COA was ranked no.3 in the Asia list last year and no.8 at The World’s 50 Best Bars.
Launched in 2017 by bartender-owner Jay Khan, Coa is a shrine to all things agave and houses an extensive collection of 200 handcrafted Latin American liquids including tequila, mezcal, raicilla, sotol and more.
Khan, who was voted Bartenders’ Bartender at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020, is particularly well-versed in the category of agave spirits and is always happy to educate guests while they sip on expertly crafted cocktails from his standout menu.
“It is a well-deserved debut win for Coa and credit goes to Jay Khan and his team who have proven themselves to be at the heart of the continent’s cocktail culture,” said Mark Sansom, content editor for Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
“The bar serves a perfect blend of subtle agave education, relaxed vibes and a simply fantastic drinks list. This, combined with the great work they have been doing to support their community throughout the pandemic, makes Coa a bona fide no.1 this year.”
Given the devastating impact the global pandemic has had on the region’s bar scene, 50 Best’s role in championing great bars is more important than ever, as the organisation looks to inspire guests to return to bars through its lists and surrounding content programmes.
For 2022, 50 Best has confirmed its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board to bring Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony back to Singapore.
Sansom added: “We look forward to holding a physical awards ceremony not only to celebrate and recognise the best in the business when the situation improves but to bring together bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers and cocktail aficionados from around the world.”
Additionally, the list features bars from 10 countries across Asia, with eight new entries. China has the most venues on the list, with 13 bars and four new entries. Among them, Quinary in Hong Kong won the Heering Legend of The List Award and The Diplomat also in Hong Kong was named the London Essence Best New Opening.
No Sleep Club, Singapore, secures the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, while Caprice Bar in Hong Kong, and Sidecar in New Delhi, are joint winners of the Nikka Highest Climber Award. Japanese bar owner Shingo Gokan was crowned Roku Industry Icon.
To see the list in full, go to worlds50bestbars.com
