A quiet revolution is about to unfold at Moebius Milano. On May 5, the city’s iconic bar turns into a stage for Barstars, the signature event by The Orientalist Spirits, where the best of Asian mixology will converge for one extraordinary night. From the electric pulse of Tokyo to the futuristic flair of Singapore, via the precision-driven bars of Hong Kong and the elegant minimalism of Kuala Lumpur, eight world-renowned bartenders will transform the Milanese counter into a sanctuary of Eastern alchemy.
At the helm of this unique gathering is The Orientalist Spirits, a distillery brand that reimagines the ancient art of spirits-making through four complex expressions capturing the soul of an entire continent. From a talk at Lubna to a guest night at Moebius, this is Asia distilled—no passport required.
Barstars: An All-Star Lineup from the Asian Bar Scene
Leading the charge is Philip Bischoff, Beverage Manager behind BKK Social Club in Bangkok, whose obsession with detail and elevated technique earned the 7th place on The Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. Close behind is Jon Lee, the mastermind of Penrose in Kuala Lumpur—an elegant, minimalist hideaway where cocktails are broken down into five essential pillars: alcohol, flavour, taste, body, and dilution. His cerebral approach has taken him to 8th place on the list.
Representing Singapore is Peter Chua, Co-Owner of Night Hawk, a venue that thrives on contrast and creativity, recently ranked 16th in Asia. From Hong Kong comes Kai Ng, Bar Manager at the legendary Quinary, the multisensory cocktail temple pioneered by Antonio Lai, now holding steady at 26th.
Flying in from Seoul is Terry Kim of Alice Cheongdam, whose eclectic, layered style has secured a spot at number 46. Rounding out the Top 50 is Holly Graham, whose Tokyo Confidential has reshaped the idea of hospitality in Japan’s capital—earning 53rd place of Asia’s 50 Best Bars thanks to its warm intimacy, a bar top carved from 300-year-old reclaimed temple pine, and a skyline view of the Tokyo Tower.
Joining them are two celebrated names shaping the broader Asian cocktail narrative: Yao Lu, founder of Union Trading Co., a mainstay of China’s bar scene; and Millie Tang, an internationally acclaimed bartender now based in Paris at De Vie, blending influences from Taiwan to Australia with effortless finesse.
Barstars by The Orientalist Spirits, a May 5 Date with the East
It’s not every day you get eight of Asia’s top bartenders shaking and stirring behind the same bar. Forget what you know about masterclasses and guest shifts—this is something else entirely. On May 5, Moebius Milano and Lubna will host a day-long celebration of Eastern mixology that promises spectacle, insight, and a whole new way of drinking.
The day begins at 2:15 PM at Lubna Milano with a live talk moderated by Chiara Degl’Innocenti and Penelope Vaglini, co-founders of Coqtail, alongside The Orientalist Spirits’ visionary founder Michel Lu. As key voices in the talk “Navigating the Modern Bar World: Trends, Mental Health & The Reality Behind the Bar”, the eight guest bartenders from some of Asia’s top cocktail bars will share their insights on the evolution of Asian bar culture—alongside the personal, creative, and operational challenges of running a bar in today’s fast-changing hospitality landscape.
Double Guest Night at Moebius Milano: Eight Stars, One Bar
Later that evening, from 8:00 PM to 1 AM, Moebius Milano becomes the centre of the Asian mixology universe. Bar manager Giovanni Allario will welcome his international peers for an unprecedented double guest shift, where the spotlight shines firmly on The Orientalist Spirits.
The challenge? To reinterpret four signature expressions: Origins Vodka, with its soft whisper of longan honey; Dragon Whisky, a liquid homage to the intertwined histories of Japan, Taiwan, and India; the botanical intensity of Gunpowder Gin with its 23 Eastern botanicals; and Imperial Solera 23 Rum, aged up to 23 years for depth and nuance. All paired with Eastern-inspired bites crafted by chef Enrico Croatti, in a setting that glows with neon hues and exotic flair.
For those who appreciate a well-crafted drink, there’s only one piece of advice: book now. The event is open to the public with limited tickets available in two formats — drink & food or after-dinner. Eight international stars, one bar, one night only — even in Milan, moments like this don’t come often.
Immagini courtesy of The Orientalist Spirits and Moebius Milano
