Celebrity bartender Ran Duan to head KOR, Taipei

Well-known Chinese American bartender, Ran Duan, has been appointed as the executive head bartender for KOR, Taipei after running several successful bars in the US including the famed The Baldwin Bar.

C.R.E.A.M. cocktail created by Ran Duan for KOR, Taipei

The self-taught bartender owns three F&B related companies in the US including Sichuan Garden, The Baldwin Bar, and Twelve 24 Bar Supply & Consulting. 

Ran, who was originally from China’s southwestern Chengdu in Sichuan province, created a name for himself in the international bar circuit after winning two of the most recognised competitions in the cocktail world: the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition and Bombay Sapphire’s World’s Most Imaginative Barter. 

Having appeared in GQ’s ‘Men of the Year’ issue for his imaginative cocktail creations, the bartender vows to bring innovation to KOR to ensure “quick, high quality cocktails that have meanings behind them.”

Ran is expected to usher in a ‘Neo Bartending Culture’ to the bar with upgraded and personal services.

His first KOR signature cocktail is called C.R.E.A.M (Cash Rules Everything Around Me), a Hip Hop-influenced drink, inspired by Wu-Tang Clan’s classic track.

Another signature on the menu is the Hotline Bling, a refreshing cocktail topped with sparkling wine. The drink was apparently created for men to buy for women as the garnish includes a space for the receiver to leave their phone number (if they wish to).