Makati bar debuts on new 'Asia's 50 Best Bars' extended list
MANILA, Philippines — Makati establishment The Spirits Library located along Guerrero street made its first-ever appearance on the prestigious "Asia's 50 Best Bars" extended list.
"Asia's 50 Best Bars" released for a sixth consecutive year its list of bars that finished between ranks 51 and 100.
The rankings are based from votes of the Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, a gender-balanced group of over 300 bartenders, bar owners, drinks journalists and cocktail experts from across Asia.
New entrant The Spirits Library just made the cut at No. 98 ahead of Sora in Phnom Penh, Cambodia — the only one from that country — and Lab in Taipei, Taiwan.
A write-up for the Makati bar noted that since opening in 2019, the establishment has "built a reputation for its extensive catalogue of vintage bottles and chic interiors that evoke the atmosphere of a classy old gentlemen's club."
"Expect charming antiques, fine glassware and a seriously good sip of something older than yourself," the write-up also said.
The Spirits Library celebrated the recognition on social media, dedicating the milestone to staff members and guests.
"To our team for every late night, every detail, every glass poured with intention. You are the heart of this bar and this recognition belongs to you as much as anyone," the bar said. "To our guests for coming back, for trusting us with your drinks, and for making this room what it is every single night. Without you, there is no story to tell."
Like Sora for Cambodia, no other Philippine bar appeared on the extended list. Japan had the most representatives with eight led by re-entry Bar Trench in Tokyo.
Singapore followed with seven representatives led by Bop No. 52, the highest of 11 new entries on this year's extended list. The Enigma Mansion in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnman, meanwhile, scored the highest increase, jumping 38 places from last year's list.
"It's inspiring to see the continuing emergence of establishments paying homage to their local cultures and native ingredients on this year's 51-100 list," said Asia's 50 Best Bars community director Faye Huggett in a statement, adding that "innovative professionals are showing there are no limits to creative cocktails."
The official Asia's 50 Best Bars of 2026 will be announced on July 28 during a live ceremony in Macau, China.
Last year, the only Philippine bar that made either the extended or official list was another Makati establishment, The Curator.
It was the second time since its debut that the bar finished outside the "Asia's 50 Best Bars" list, landing at the 78th spot, which was also its lowest placement ever.
Since debuting at No. 16 on the list back in 2016, The Curator won "The Best Bar in the Philippines" award, which it won consecutively since 2018.
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