Jay Khan

COA became the first bar ever to take the No 1 spot on Asia's Best Bars list three years in a row, from 2021 to 2023; in 2024, it took was number 4 on the list. The bar launched in 2017 as a way for Jay Khan to advocate for 100 per cent agave tequila and traditional mezcal—two of the industry’s least-understood, and somewhat misunderstood, spirits. Since then, Coa has become a shining example of how a bar can be a place for community and education. Meanwhile, Khan has become an influential figure in the industry and Asia, recognised for his passion for and contribution to agave education.

In 2020, together with fellow mezcal enthusiast Andrew Davis, Khan established Mezcal Mission to give back to society at the same time as sharing his passion for the agave spirit. Inspired by the stories of the producers he has met over the years and their commitment to their communities, Khan showcases their spirits in engaging mezcal and tequila workshops, with all proceeds going to support the work of Habitat for Humanity—a charity that provides much-needed resources and support to vulnerable families in need of housing. To date, Mezcal Mission has hosted more than 30 workshops and continues to support the organisation.

Another of Khan’s newest ventures is called The Savory Project, which he opened with co-founder Ajit Gurung in May 2023. The new bar focuses on cocktails with an earthy or umami character, using meat, fungi, brine, and other savoury ingredients. It is recognised by Tatler as having the best service in Asia at the Best of Asia Awards, and which pays tribute to the salty, umami tastes that don’t always receive their due in cocktails.