By Gordon Davidson
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South Korean-born bartender Uno Jang has been named the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2025.
Now creative director and partner at the Jigger & Pony Group in Singapore, Jang is said to have played ‘a pivotal role’ in elevating the bar’s global reputation through his cocktail programming, mentorship and a guest-centric approach.
This Bartenders’ Bartender award is voted for by the bartenders on this year’s list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier. It is the second of two special awards announced ahead of the live awards ceremony on Wednesday 8 October 2025 in Hong Kong.
Jang moved to Singapore in 2015 to work in a hotel and quickly transitioned into the cocktail scene, starting his bartending journey at the now-shuttered Orgo Bar.
He joined the Jigger & Pony in 2017 where, under the mentorship of co-founder Indra Kantono, Uno has expanded his vision beyond bartending to become a strategic partner in what is described as one of the world’s most exciting bar collectives.
Uno is said to blend creativity and passion for local ingredients with a deep respect for classic technique. He was instrumental in developing Jigger & Pony’s celebrated ‘menu-zine’ concept, combining editorial design with mixology.
“His menus are masterpieces in storytelling, transforming familiar classics into thoughtful, sensory experiences that often reflect a fusion of Asian ingredients and philosophies with global techniques,” read the award announcement.
“Each cocktail is visually stunning, conceptually rich and technically refined, showcasing unusual ingredients in elegant ways, like heirloom beefsteak tomatoes and kümmel, and tequila with Liberica coffee and beetroot.”
Jigger & Pony has been a consistent presence in the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars since 2019, rising through the ranks to No.5 in 2024.
In 2020, the bar was crowned The Best Bar in Asia at Asia’s 50 Best Bars, appearing in the top three ever since.
Head of content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, Emma Sleight, said: “Uno is without a doubt one of the most approachable, thoughtful and generous people in the industry.
“He credits his mentors, uplifts his team and fosters a culture of collaboration that makes him beloved not just as a bartender, but as a leader.
“His unwavering passion for hospitality-first service and his humility in the face of such consistent success means it is no surprise his peers have chosen him for this coveted award.”
On winning the award, Jang said: “I couldn’t have achieved this without the collaborations, mentorships and friendships I’ve been fortunate to have over the years.
“This award belongs just as much to my team at Jigger & Pony, and to the wider community that has supported and inspired me.
“When I moved to Singapore ten years ago to begin my bartending career, I gave myself the name Uno. To be recognised today, by this community and by my peers around the world, as Uno feels like a dream fulfilled.”
Global Advocacy & PR director at Altos Tequila, Carlos Andrés Ramirez, said: “This award is a celebration of Uno’s remarkable journey, not only as a bartender, but as a driving force in shaping the bar community across Asia.
“His vision, consistency and hospitality excellence has helped define what world-class looks like — and continues to raise the bar for all of us.
“From everyone at Tequila Altos, we salute his achievement and the incredible team behind Jigger & Pony. Here’s to the craft, the people and the stories that move our industry forward. Cheers, Uno — and salud!”
Last year’s Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award presented to Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons in Edinburgh.
The countdown of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience through the 50 Best TV channel on YouTube.
