Raise your glass for your favorite bartender’s favorite bartender! Uno Jang of the renowned Jigger & Pony in Singapore has just been awarded the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2025 as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier.

This is one of the two special awards to be presented ahead of the live awards ceremony in Hong Kong on Oct. 8, 2025. It was voted on by fellow industry professionals, honoring the individual they believe made a significant impact in the global bar sector during the voting period and recognizing their commitment to the international community.

Born in South Korea, Uno moved to Singapore in 2015 and worked in a hotel before transitioning to the cocktail scene. He began his journey in Orgo Bar, then joined Jigger & Pony in 2017, where he has since played a pivotal role in elevating the bar’s global reputation. Jigger & Pony debuted on the list in 2019 and has been a consistent presence in the list since, rising through the ranks to No.5 in 2024 and No. 1 in 2020, where it was also crowned The Best Bar in Asia at Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

“To be recognised by fellow bartenders around the world is such an honour. I couldn’t have achieved this without the collaborations, mentorships, and friendships I’ve been fortunate to have over the years,” Uno expressed in an official press statement. “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.”

Under the mentorship of co-founder Indra Kantono, Uno has expanded his vision beyond bartending to become a strategic partner in one of the world’s most exciting bar collectives, setting the benchmark for empathetic, guest-centric service.

Currently serving as Creative Director, Uno is known for his innovative approach to cocktail programming, blending creativity and passion for local ingredients with a deep respect for classic technique. He was instrumental in developing Jigger & Pony’s ‘menu-zine’ concept, which combines editorial design with mixology. His leadership has also helped shape the identity, style, and storytelling of the group’s cocktail menus, transforming familiar classics into sensory experiences that reflect a fusion of Asian ingredients in philosophies with global techniques. Each cocktail is stunning and conceptually rich, showcasing lesser-known ingredients, like heirloom beefsteak tomatoes and kümmel, and tequila with Liberica coffee and beetroot.

“It is an absolute delight to reveal that Uno Jang has been named this year’s Altos Bartenders’ Bartender,” said Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars. “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 mean it is no surprise his peers have chosen him for this coveted award.”

Carlos Andrés Ramirez, Global Advocacy & PR Director, Altos Tequila, also added, “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 have helped define what world-class looks like, and continue 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!”

The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award was introduced to The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2017 and was first won by Iain Griffiths of London’s Dandelyan. Previous winners include Joe Schofield, then of Tippling Club in Singapore (2018); GN Chan of Double Chicken Please in New York (2023), and Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons in Edinburgh (2024).

Don’t miss the live broadcast of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, this October. You can livestream the event through the 50 Best TV channel on YouTube.

For updates, follow The World’s 50 Best Bars on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.