FEATURED INT’L BARTENDER

Featured Featured Int'l Bartender

BOB LOUISON

ST. BARTH, CARIBBEAN

Born in Paris, Bob Louison has always had a passion for art. At 18 years old, he discovered the art of mixology with his first official bartending role.

What was initially a way to finance his studies turned into a new passion and ultimately, a career. Soon after entering the industry, Louison commenced his worldwide travels to perfect his skills and learn new techniques. Working the bar scene of many major cities including London,

New York and Ibiza, with several stints back in Paris, Louison honed his craft at prestigious establishments such as

Buddha Bar, The Libre Sense and L’Eden before making his way to Asia in 2008.

By 2009, Louison had firmly established his reputation in the industry.

He founded Spirit It Ltd, a consultancy company designed to support the growth and development of bar staff and brands across Asia, Russia and Europe. During this time he also served as a brand ambassador for several prestigious beverage and liquor companies including Perrier,

Da Vinci Syrup and Grand Marnier and took on additional guest bartending roles in a few of America’s most famous restaurants and bars, such as the famous Tommy’s Restaurant in San Francisco, the multi-award winning Pacific Cocktail Heaven in San Francisco, and 15 Romolo (nominated as a Top 5 Best Hotel Bar at Tales of Cocktails 2016) in New Orleans.

In 2017, Louison unveiled his first pop-up bar, “Bob’s Speakeasy” in the infamous Itaewon area of Seoul, successfully introducing a new style and finesse to the market. Once launched, he returned to America to continue his education as an apprentice for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation in New Orleans.

Emboldened by this experience, Louison went back to Seoul to organize the first ever Bar Week known as, “Sool Bar Week” (a play on the capital’s name and a clever use of the word “sool,” meaning “alcohol” or “spirit”). This major event brought in international bartenders to teach master classes and share their own creations with a new audience, ultimately serving to connect local and international bartenders and create a larger sense of community within the industry.

After Sool Bar Week, Louison went on to open Pussyfoot Saloon as its General Manager. Under his leadership, the bar won “The One to Watch” Award at Asia’s Best 50 Bars Ceremony in May 2019. Later that year he moved to Hong Kong and took over the Lobster Bar as Bar Manager, helping the bar to win prestigious industry accolades including a ranking of #161 on the list of the 500 best bars in the world, #47 on the Asia 50 Best Bar list, and #10 bar in Hong Kong.

In 2021, eager to continue to learn about international flavors and culture and bring his talent to a new market, Louison joined the re-opening team of Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth where he is leading the development and implementation of the resort’s new beverage concept.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

Double Oaked

30 ml Dartigalongue double-oaked 20 ml Longueteau Symphonie

Batch 6 10 ml Amaro averna 2 dashes Bob's Bitters Chocolat

➜ Stir and strain all ingredients into an old fashioned glass. Twist an orange zest and discard.