Gun-Bae! Dohyung ‘Demie’ Kim Wins Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024

Seoul’s Dohyung ‘Demie’ Kim, the visionary co-founder of Zest, has been honored with the prestigious Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2024. This accolade, part of the esteemed Asia’s 50 Best Bars program, highlights Kim’s significant contributions to the bar scene in Korea and across the continent. 

We love sharing good news with you! Especially because we know that, if you’re reading this article, you might be the next Altos Bartenders’ Bartender! Here, you will find everything you need to know about our colleague, the Great ‘Demie,’ and his valuable contribution to the hospitality industry.

By the way, did you know that “Gun-Bae” means “Cheers” in English? It is commonly used when toasting during celebrations or social gatherings in Korea.

A Champion for Korea’s Cocktail Culture

Demie Kim’s journey to the top began in Busan and flourished in Seoul, where he started mixing drinks at Woo Bar in the W Hotel. 

His innovative spirit soon led him to become the Head Bartender at Alice, a speakeasy that achieved No.28 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list. 

During the challenging times of the recent pandemic, Kim, along with his seasoned partners, launched Zest. This minimalist yet avant-garde bar has become a beacon of sustainability and innovation in the global bar community. 

Zest’s meteoric rise includes receiving the Nikka Highest Climber Award and the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, solidifying its place among the world’s elite drinking establishments.

Pioneering Sustainable Mixology

At the heart of Zest’s philosophy is a commitment to sustainability. Kim and his team have redefined what it means to run a bar, integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of their operations.

They also support local producers by sourcing herbs and vegetables directly from South Korean farms, eliminating the need for packaging. 

Additionally, Zest upcycles leftovers into new drink components, creating house-made sodas, tonics, and colas. This circular approach has made Zest a trailblazer in the modern sustainable bar movement, free of plastic and aluminum waste and actively reinvesting in local ecological projects.

Recognition from Peers and the Industry

The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award is unique as it is peer-judged and voted on by bartenders from the establishments that have made it to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. This recognition underscores Kim’s influence and respect within the bartending community. Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, praised Kim’s relentless advocacy for Korean ingredients and cocktail culture, highlighting his creativity and dedication to low-waste, circular cocktail crafting.

A New Journey Begins

On receiving the award, Kim expressed his gratitude and humility: “I’ve been working as a bartender for over ten years, and this honor exceeds my expectations. I will take this award as the beginning of a new journey, strive to remain humble, and aim to convey this energy and positivity to those around me. This achievement couldn’t have been accomplished alone. I would like to attribute it to my teammates, family, and everyone who supports what we are doing at Zest. Thank you so much.”

Acknowledgment from Altos Tequila

Carlos Andrés Ramirez, Global Advocacy & PR Manager of Altos Tequila, congratulated Kim, saying, “For the Altos Tequila and Altos Tahona Society family, it has been a priority to support bartenders in scaling up their careers. We are so happy to see this recognition go to the leader of a sustainability-forward bar, which is one of the best in Korea.”

Looking Ahead

As Zest continues to push boundaries and set new standards in the bar industry, Demie Kim’s recognition serves as an inspiration to bartenders and mixologists worldwide. 

His dedication to sustainability and innovative approach to cocktail crafting are not only shaping the future of Korea’s bar scene but also influencing global trends.

For more insights into the world of mixology and sustainable bartending, stay tuned to our Tahona Society’s blog, where we explore the latest in cocktail innovation, tequila trends, and tips from top bartenders worldwide. Whether you’re a tequila lover, a tequila geek, or a mixology enthusiast, our content is tailored to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of this vibrant industry!