What explains Three X Co winning Best Bar in Malaysia despite slipping rankings?

Question

Accepted Answer

Three X Co. Named Best Bar in Malaysia Despite Overall Ranking Decline

Three X Co. has been recognised as the Best Bar in Malaysia for 2026, despite a notable drop in its overall ranking within Asia's 50 Best Bars list, moving from No. 15 last year to No. 32. This distinction highlights a specific regional honour that is awarded independently of the overall continental ranking, particularly as Penrose, a previously high-ranking establishment, fell out of the top 50.
Criteria for "Best Bar in Malaysia" Designation

The title of Best Bar in Malaysia is awarded based on the votes of the Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, a panel comprising over 300 regional bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and cocktail experts. Each academy member casts seven votes for bars they have visited within the preceding 18 months. While the overall ranking reflects a broader consensus across the region, the national award signifies the highest-rated bar within Malaysia according to these voters, irrespective of its continental standing.
Three X Co.'s Trajectory and Establishment

Founded in 2017 and situated on the third floor of Bangsar Shopping Centre, Three X Co. has been a consistent presence in the Klang Valley's cocktail scene. Its debut on the Asia's 50 Best Bars list was in 2021 at No. 47, indicating a steady rise and recognition over several years. The specific reasons for its slip in the overall ranking from No. 15 to No. 32 are not detailed, but its continued strong performance within Malaysia is evident from this award.
Penrose's Significant Drop and Impact on Malaysian Rankings

Penrose, which had achieved a No. 8 ranking two years prior and No. 10 last year, experienced a substantial fall to No. 64 in the 2026 list, thereby exiting the top 50. This significant decline by a formerly top-ranked Malaysian bar created an opening for another establishment to claim the national title, as the criteria for the "Best Bar in Malaysia" award would have then focused on the next highest-rated Malaysian bar within the top 50 or extended list.
Other Malaysian Bars' Performance

Beyond Three X Co. and Penrose, other Malaysian establishments also featured in the Asia's 50 Best Bars extended 51-100 list. Bar Trigona, located in the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, secured the No. 38 position, marking its seventh consecutive year on the list and improving from its No. 39 placement last year. Reka:Bar ranked No. 63, a drop from its No. 47 position in the previous year, while the new entrant Cabinet 8 KL debuted at No. 65. Coley celebrated its 10th anniversary with an improved ranking of No. 83, and Backdoor Bodega in Penang placed at No. 66.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What explains Three X Co winning Best Bar in Malaysia despite slipping rankings?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends