Truly excellent bars often come infused with unbridled ego. While that can be exciting at first, the one-dimensionality of the razzle-dazzle wears. At Esencia in Barcelona, you get an intense dedication to quality seasonal ingredients, balanced flavors, flawless craftsmanship, peerless presentation and a glowy setting that draws the interest of drinks enthusiasts, writers and cocktail kingmakers. It’s the kind of gleaming presentation and successful daring-do that land places like Esencia’s elder sibling, Sips Drinkery House, on The World’s 50 Best Bars list after just a few short years in operation. But unlike many of its brethren, Esencia’s bravado and beauty are blended with kindness, open-hearted creativity and collaboration that feels like something so fresh, contemporary and tasty, that we had to award them Best Bar Concept. |