LONDON, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The list of The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, was revealed this evening at a live awards ceremony in Hong Kong. The annual event once again united the global bar community for its 17^th edition in recognition of the outstanding achievements of their peers.

The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 features venues from 29 cities globally, with Hong Kong's Bar Leone named The World's Best Bar 2025 and The Best Bar in Asia 2025, sponsored by Perrier. The achievement marks the first time a bar in Asia has taken the No.1 position.

Nestled in Hong Kong's vibrant Central district, Bar Leone is the brainchild of renowned bartender Lorenzo Antinori, whose storied resume encompasses some of Europe and Asia's most beloved hotel bars, including London's American Bar at The Savoy and Dandelyan (now defunct). Built on the philosophy of 'cocktail popolari' – or 'cocktails for the people' – Bar Leone pays tribute to the neighbourhood bars of Rome, where locals gather for coffee, aperitivi and casual conversation. The interior is a love letter to the city in the 1980s and '90s and is designed to be approachable, unpretentious and deeply rooted in Italian culture and hospitality.

A Roman by birth, Antinori's goal was to strip away the complexity of modern mixology and return to simple, high-quality drinks, served with warmth and precision. As such, the cocktail menu comes in the form of a rotating Google Docs file, updated monthly and including the full recipe and method to ensure each drink is fully accessible to everyone. Bar Leone opened in June 2023 and quickly rose to fame, making its debut on the world stage the following year at No.1 on the list of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 and No.2 in The World's 50 Best Bars 2024, both unrivalled feats. Earlier this year, it was once again named The Best Bar in Asia at Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World's 50 Best Bars, says: "It is such a delight to unveil Bar Leone as The World's Best Bar 2025, sponsored by Perrier. Not only is this remarkable achievement the first time a bar from Asia has claimed the top spot but it is a dazzling testament to the commitment of Lorenzo and the entire Bar Leone team to redefining hospitality excellence. We are deeply honoured to spotlight the extraordinary diversity of the global bar landscape in 2025 and we raise a glass to every bar that has earned their place in this year's list. With more cocktail capitals represented than ever before, this ranking continues to serve as a vibrant compass for curious drinkers and passionate explorers alike – igniting wanderlust and raising the bar for cocktail culture across the globe."

London leads in Europe again, but Eastern cities shine through for the first time

Of the 23 bars in Europe, London continues its reign as the region's cocktail capital with four bars: Tayēr + Elementary at No.5, Connaught Bar at No.6, Satan's Whiskers at No.21 and Scarfes Bar at No.31. They are joined by Edinburgh's Panda & Sons at No.34.

The title of The Best Bar in Europe, sponsored by Monkey Shoulder, is retained for the third time by Barcelona's Sips at No.3 as co-founder Simone Caporale is awarded the Roku Industry Icon Award. Paradiso in Barcelona is No.4 with Madrid's Salmon Guru at No.37. Athens continues its ascendancy, with Line at No.8 alongside Baba au Rum, this year's Rémy Martin Legend of the List, at No.27, and new entry The Bar in Front of the Bar at No.47.

Milan's Moebius Milano is the winner of the Nikka Highest Climber Award, having risen an impressive 31 places to No.7. It is joined by 1930 in Milan at No.43, with Florence's Locale Firenze at No.22 and Rome's Drink Kong at No.40. Paris is represented by Bar Nouveau, rising 22 places to No.17, The Cambridge Public House (No.20) and Danico (No.30).

For the first time, bars from Eastern Europe have been ranked in the list of The World's 50 Best Bars, with new entries Mirror Bar in Bratislava at No.25 and Nouvelle Vague in Tirana at No.28. In Scandinavia, Oslo's Himkok (No.14) is joined by another new entry, Svanen at No.32, with Röda Huset in Stockholm at No.35.

New York continues to lead in the Americas, but Mexico City retains The Best Bar in North America

New York City reaffirms its status as North America's cocktail powerhouse, with four bars making this year's list: Superbueno (rising 15 places to No.12) is joined by newcomer Sip & Guzzle (No.39), named this year's Three Cents Best New Opening, alongside Double Chicken Please (No.41) and Overstory (No.46). In New Orleans, Jewel of the South is No.44.

In Mexico City, The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Amaro Lucano, is Handshake Speakeasy at No.2, with Tlecān, a new entry in 2024, at No.23. Bar Mauro, which placed at No.54 on the extended list of bars ranked 51-100, is the recipient of the Campari One To Watch Award.

The Best Bar in South America, sponsored by Torres Brandy, is once again Buenos Aires' Tres Monos at No.10, with neighbour CoChinChina at No.26. Lima's Lady Bee is No.13 and the recipient of this year's Michter's Art of Hospitality Award, alongside new entry Sastrería Martinez at No.33. Alquímico in Cartagena is No.11 while São Paulo's Tan Tan is No.24.

Hong Kong takes the top spot, and Guangzhou joins the list

With three bars on the list, Tokyo shines in Asia with stalwart Bar Benfiddich (No.18) joined by Virtù at No.45 and new entry The Bellwood at No.48. Host city Hong Kong can celebrate two entries, including Bar Leone at No.1, The Best Bar in Asia and, a first for the continent, The World's Best Bar, alongside Coa at No.38.

Singapore's Jigger & Pony is No.9, with creative director and partner Uno Jang the recipient of this year's Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award, while Nutmeg & Clove is No.50. In Bangkok, Bar Us has risen a remarkable 26 places to No.15 and BKK Social Club is No.49. Seoul's Zest is No.16 with new entry Hope & Sesame the first bar from Guangzhou to feature at No.29. The winner of the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award is Penang's Backdoor Bodega.

The Best Bar in Africa and The Best Bar in the Middle East are named for the first time; Australian venue wins the Best Bar Design Award

Mimi Kakushi in Dubai (No.36) is named The Best Bar in the Middle East, sponsored by Les Vergers Boiron, while Nairobi's Hero Bar has been crowned The Best Bar in Africa, sponsored by Langjiu, after ranking at No.69 in the extended list announced a fortnight ago. This is the first time either accolade has been awarded as part of The World's 50 Best Bars, having previously been presented as The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa.

At No.19, Melbourne's Caretaker's Cottage retains its title as The Best Bar in Australasia, sponsored by Tia Maria, at No.19, with Sydney's Maybe Sammy at No.42. The Best Bar Design Award is bestowed upon Sydney's Tigra + Disco Pantera.

Special Awards

The ceremony began with a celebration of Bar Mauro in Mexico City as this year's recipient of the Campari One To Watch Award, which reached No.54 on the extended list of bars ranked 51-100, announced two weeks ago. The award recognises a bar that the 50 Best team perceives as having strong potential to join the list of The World's 50 Best Bars in the future. 

This year's winner of the Best Bar Design Award is Tigra + Disco Pantera in Sydney. Two distinct yet complementary spaces created by Scottish brothers Gordon and Ross Purnell, Tigra embraces the vibrant laneway cultures of Barcelona and Tokyo, influenced by Joan Miró's playful modernism, while Disco Pantera channels the retro glamour of 1970s New York, featuring vintage lighting, reclaimed materials and standout elements like a hand-sculpted teak bar front. Together, they offer a vibrant, dual-level experience that reflects a commitment to creative reuse, cultural homage and experiential design, offering guests a multi-sensory journey through art, cocktails and atmosphere. Judged by an esteemed panel of hospitality design experts, bars from anywhere in the world were invited to submit their venues for consideration.

Backdoor Bodega in Penang is awarded the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award for The Backdoor Bodega Guide to Penang. Styled like an indie travel zine, each drink is presented as a narrative entry that spotlight the stories, flavours and landmarks that define their island home, blending personal anecdotes with cultural heritage. The Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award is open to any bar in the world and is judged by the 29 Academy Chairs.

Simone Caporale has been named Roku Industry Icon. Simone Caporale, renowned for his groundbreaking work at Artesian at The Langham – named The World's Best Bar four years in a row – is an award-winning bartender and entrepreneur based in Barcelona. Known for his distinctive style, meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to hospitality, he co-founded Sips, also crowned The World's Best Bar in 2023, and co-owns Boadas, Barcelona's oldest cocktail bar. In 2025, he launched Montana in Hong Kong with Lorenzo Antinori of Bar Leone, blending the legacy of the Club de los Cantineros with the vibrant spirit of Miami's golden era. His other ventures include co-founding the P(OUR) Symposium, creating the Muyu liqueur range with Alex Kratena and Monica Berg, and serving as Global Brand Ambassador for Amaro Santoni.

Joining the list for the first time at No.25, Bratislava's Mirror Bar is awarded the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award. A sleek cocktail lounge blending nature-inspired design with elegant vintage touches, Mirror Bar serves inventive cocktails that blend world class mixology with visual storytelling.

Sip & Guzzle in New York is named Three Cents Best New Opening as the bar that enters the list in the highest position of any that have opened during the voting period, joining the list at No.39. A bi-level cocktail bar in New York's Greenwich Village, co-founded by Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider, Sip & Guzzle blends Japanese elegance with New York energy. Upstairs at Guzzle, guests enjoy lively, crushable cocktails in a saloon-style setting, while downstairs at Sip, the mood shifts to a refined Tokyo-inspired speakeasy serving intricate drinks like the Whisky Nigiri.

Milan's Moebius Milano wins the Nikka Highest Climber Award, rising 31 places to No.7. Moebius Milano is a dynamic gastronomic and cultural venue in the heart of Milan, combining a Tapa Bistrot, a fine dining experimental restaurant and a cocktail bar within a renovated textile warehouse. The concept blends culinary innovation, live music and design, offering an immersive experience that reflects the venue's philosophy of continuous transformation.

The honour of the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award has been bestowed upon Baba au Rum, an award given to a bar that has performed most consistently in the list since its inception. Founded by Thanos Prunarus in 2009, Baba au Rum is a visionary cocktail bar known for its deep appreciation of rum and its role in shaping Greece's modern bar scene.

The Cambridge Public House in Paris has won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, based on adjudication by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. The first independent bar to achieve B Corp certification, co-founders Hugo Gallou and Hyacinthe Lescoët have driven lasting change beyond sustainable mixology through a series of creative initiatives, including adopting six United Nations goals to support global communities through The Cambridge Community Plan and the launch of Shaken Leaf, a platform empowering bartenders worldwide to adopt sustainable practices.

Other special award winners, announced in the run-up to the awards on 8 October, include Uno Jang, winner of the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award, and Lady Bee, Lima, named the winner of the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- , the  premium bourbon inspired by the spirit of the American Southwest, breaks new ground with its first rye whiskey. The Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey will be available for purchase in October 2025 and will be the first rye whiskey crafted with blue corn in the market. The limited-edition release, with fewer than 1,400 cases produced, stays true to Smokeye Hill's small-batch craft origins and innovative mentality.

Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is crafted from a proprietary four-grain mashbill of rye, heirloom blue corn, yellow corn, and malted barley. Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then barreled and matured in Colorado Springs at 6,100 ft in 30-gallon American white oak casks charred to Nos. 2, 3, and 4 for added depth, complexity, and character.

Colorado's fluctuating climate naturally accelerates the aging process, as the barrels expand and contract with hot summers and cold winters, unlocking layers of depth and character, revealing richer notes, including:

• Nose: butterscotch, honey, warm spice, and dried fig
• Palate: full-bodied with caramel, cinnamon baking spice, dried apricot, sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of pepper
• Finish: long and oily, with honeyed oak, warming spice, and black tea

"Our Barrel Proof Rye spends five years aging to develop depth and complexity, before a percentage of our flagship bourbon is blended in, ensuring that the signature Smokeye Hill profile shines through," says Smokeye Hill Founder Blake Johns. "This rye, like our bourbons, is about creating something fresh and distinct, while honoring the craftsmanship and character of Smokeye Hill's Southwestern heritage."

Smokeye Hill's identity is deeply rooted in Arizona, where heirloom blue corn has long been a beloved staple in everyday cooking and remains a through line across all Smokeye Hill's products – a nod to the traditions that shaped its identity from the start. The name itself comes from a hill on the Johns family ranch, where moonshine was once made during prohibition. Local officers with ties to the land would tie bells to the cattle as a warning sign for upcoming raids, an origin that inspired the bottle's unique bell shape.

The final proof of the Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye will vary slightly by batch, ranging from 131.2 to 131.7. It will be available for a suggested retail price of $89.99 in select stores across Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, Washington and Texas, with nationwide online availability through , , and .

Smokeye Hill's award-winning craftsmanship has already earned national recognition: its Barrel Proof Bourbon was named the 2024 ASCOT and , and also took home a  at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024.

For more information on Smokeye Hill and its full product selection, visit

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2025 /CNW/ - J.P. Wiser's, award-winning Canadian whisky brand, announces the release of its most exceptional whisky to date: the 27-Year-Old Canadian Whisky finished in 100% Japanese Mizunara oak casks - a first-of-its-kind expression that redefines luxury and rarity in Canadian whisky.

This limited edition is not only a milestone for Canadian whisky, but also an ode to patience, perseverance, and rarity. The Mizunara oak tree, native to Japan, requires 150–200 years of growth before it can be harvested. Unlike other oak species, Mizunara grows with twisting, multi-angled limbs, making it incredibly difficult to source pieces large enough to craft full casks. While most whiskies on the market rely on Mizunara oak inserts, this release is uniquely matured in full Mizunara casks, infusing a flavour complexity that few have experienced.

"We set out to create something truly extraordinary, and to see our whisky that was finished in Mizunara oak hold its own among the rarest spirits in the world is a proud moment not just for me as a blender, but for Canadian whisky as a whole," said Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender at Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery. "This isn't just another release for us, it's a collector's piece and a celebration of what's possible when you respect time, tradition, and a little risk-taking in the pursuit of something remarkable. It represents a rare intersection of heritage and craftsmanship that may never be replicated in exactly the same way again"

Aged for 27 years and finished in these extraordinary casks, the whisky delivers a bold and complex cask strength profile with an unmistakable palate. The mighty oak imparts layers of plum, almond, fig, sandalwood, black tea, and honey – flavours revered for their depth and elegance.

"This whisky is proof that Canadian craftsmanship belongs on the world stage. It demonstrates the confidence, creativity, and determination of our brand to push beyond boundaries while staying true to our roots. This release is not only about celebrating where we've come from, but also about opening the door to what comes next," said Maura Cowan, Vice President of Marketing at Corby Spirit and Wine.

With only 1,000 bottles of J.P. Wiser's Mizunara Oak produced, this launch will be offered first through the , and available nationally at select liquor retailers across Canada beginning Friday, October 3, 2025.

The Mizunara Oak Expression is priced at $599.95 CAD, reflecting not only the 27 years of patient maturation, but also the extraordinary rarity of Mizunara oak full cask finishing.

ELGIN, Scotland, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gordon & MacPhail has revealed the 'Artistry in Oak' decanter design by internationally acclaimed American architect Jeanne Gang, marking the release of the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled – Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.

Gordon & MacPhail sought to commission a creative partner to design a unique decanter to house their most precious whisky to date. A partnership built on common values and a shared commitment to leave a legacy for future generations, Jeanne Gang's design is shaped through her close observation of growth and form in nature. The four branches which suspend the glass decanter are made from solid bronze, providing an armature that cradles the precious liquid in the same way the oak cask has nurtured the whisky for eight and a half decades.

Only 125 decanters are available worldwide, each with an RSP of £125,000.

Over the last 130 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched its own specially selected casks with spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries. Managing a portfolio of casks requires a complex level of expertise which Gordon & MacPhail has honed to fully understand cask maturation matched to different styles of spirit. Patience is undoubtedly a virtue in this realm and Gordon & MacPhail's whiskies are often the oldest expression ever to be released from a particular distillery.

The decanter design by Jeanne Gang is a celebration of the profound artistry, craft, care and time alongside nature that went into the liquid it encases. The maturation of whisky over very long periods of time is a very challenging proposition often quoted as more art than science. As the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled, this release is the ultimate expression of this art and testament to the foresight of George Urquhart and his father, John, who selected cask 336 in 1940 to cradle this liquid for decades to come.

"One of the greatest challenges was that this has never been done before. We're the first to mature a whisky for 85 years. Every year that goes by is a year into the unknown. We have to appreciate we're always dealing with mother nature so the key traits of this process are patience and trust," comments Stephen Rankin Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, and member of the fourth generation of the family that owns the company.

Embracing the creative theme of 'Artistry in Oak', the design evokes the idea of a tree slowly entwining a piece of amber. Four separate branches spiral upward, wrapping around a suspended glass vessel that contains the amber liquid originally distilled at Glenlivet Distillery. American oak informed the branches' design, a nod to the wood used to comprise the Gordon & MacPhail cask which cradled the spirit for 85 years.

"It was of utmost importance that the quality of the whisky itself be manifest in the design of the decanter. Made from handblown glass and cast bronze, I thought about how each material would exhibit its own inherent qualities while fulfilling its purpose to hold and protect the liquid," explains Jeanne Gang.

The design was conceived as a single object, with the suspended glass vessel relying on the branches for support, evoking the reciprocity between whisky and its cask.  Jeanne chose bronze for the four entwining branches that cradle the vessel because it is an enduring material; one that evolves slowly and beautifully over time, much like whisky. As bronze develops a patina, it mirrors the way whisky deepens in colour and character over the years.

"Standing tall and strong, the patinated bronze entwines the vessel, suspending it while revealing the amber colour of the whisky within. Together, the elements depend on and complement each other, in a reciprocal dance whose form, like the whisky it holds, is a product of both natural growth and the nature of its materiality," expresses Gang.

As part of this landmark release, Gordon & MacPhail is supporting American Forests, the oldest national non-profit conservation organisation in the United States - a leader in forest restoration - via the online auction of Decanter #1 in partnership with Christie's.

"Given the importance of oak in our craft, this partnership was a natural fit, aligning with our mission to leave a meaningful legacy for ongoing generations via fundraising for the sustainable future of American oak trees," adds Stephen Rankin.

The auction conducted online by Christie's, opening for bids on Friday 7th November and concluding on Friday 21st November 2025, will see proceeds of the lot (minus costs) donated to the American Forests, to support their work dedicated to creating healthy and resilient forests in cities and large landscapes, including the regeneration and long-term sustainability of America's oak-dominated forests essential for whisky maturation.

As well as Decanter #1, the lot will include a personalised whisky tasting hosted by Gordon & MacPhail's Director of Prestige Stephen Rankin or Richard Urquhart, Sales Director, both fourth generation family members; a framed, signed sketch of an oak tree by Jeanne Gang, which informed the decanter's design; and the cask end of cask 336 which nurtured the single malt Scotch whisky, presented in a bespoke frame.

Adam Bilbey, Christie's Global Head of Wine and Spirits says: "Partnering with Gordon & MacPhail for Artistry in Oak is a moment of pride for Christie's. The unveiling of Decanter No. 1 from Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old is not just a highlight of our season—it's a celebration of time, tradition, and craftsmanship. Over the last 85yrs this extraordinary spirit has been carefully and patiently nurtured by Gordon & MacPhail, culminating in the extraordinary moment."

A TASTE OF LIQUID HISTORY

At 85 years old, this historical liquid has spent decades maturing in a unique cask that has had a profound impact on its flavour. Cask 336 had previously held mature sherry before being re-filled on 3 February 1940 with spirit at the Glenlivet Distillery. This was a time when production across Scotland was much reduced due to the raw materials required being diverted for other uses or there being a shortage in them created by the war.

This long maturation has imparted deep, complex flavours to the whisky, with vibrant, full-bodied notes that remain remarkably robust at 43.7% ABV. The influence of the cask, combined with the rarity and incredible scarcity of the liquid, creates a whisky that is not only extraordinary in its taste but also a living piece of history.

Aroma: Soft, aged leather aromas lead to apricot compote, cinnamon, and subtle waxy, citrus fruit notes. Vanilla gives way to dried sultana and aniseed with underlying beeswax polish. Subtle smoky undertones develop.

Flavours: Smooth and vibrant with cracked black pepper and sweet dried tobacco flavours, followed by Seville Orange peel. Morello cherry and plum flavours are balanced by subtle oak.

Finish: A full-bodied finish with lingering herbal notes.

This exceptional release represents the pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship - an 85-year-old single malt matured over four generations. Not only is it the oldest whisky ever bottled, but its extreme rarity, scarcity and provenance, coupled with the artistry of Jeanne Gang's design, make it an unparalleled collector's piece.