Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland has been announced as winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, sponsored by Perrier.
This award is voted for by the bartenders on this year’s list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, who are asked to name one peer who pushes the limits of what it means to be a great bartender.
The award goes to an individual who made a significant impact in the global bar sector over the voting period and recognises their commitment to the international community in that time.
This is the second of two special awards to be announced ahead of the live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
Alongside Panda & Sons, McPherson co-owns dive bar Hoot the Redemer, whisky-led Nauticus in Leith and last year co-founded Edinburgh Bar Show.
In recent years McPherson has become globally known for his cocktail-making techniques, such as Switching and Sous-Pression, in which he leverages sub-zero temperatures to create flavour.
Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, said: “We are delighted to unveil Iain McPherson as the winner of this year’s Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. He is renowned for his contribution to cocktail excellence and innovation, and his commitment to education within the industry (as well as his signature panda accessories).
“His sincere advocacy for Edinburgh’s hospitality industry demonstrates the most important attributes of a true Bartenders’ Bartender.”
On winning the award, McPherson said: “I am overwhelmingly full of gratitude to be named this year’s Altos Bartenders’ Bartender. How meaningful it is to be nominated by the people that I look up to and admire daily – a true honour.
"Awards, especially one like this, are never truly an ‘individual’ effort but a reflective accolade of the creative, collaborative, driven and passionate team at Panda & Sons. They continuously inspire me and together we have pushed boundaries, creating magic for all.
"It's always a huge honour to be representing bonnie wee Scotland on the international bartending stage and I believe this award also shines a light on what an amazing bar scene we have in Edinburgh."