Jennifer Queen

General Manager and Mezcalier at The Pontiac

Jen Queen has served as the creative force behind many cocktail programs in California, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and most recently in Hong Kong. Queen has been deemed a pioneer of up-and-coming hospitality industries: formerly in Cambodia with her work at La Familia and Elbow Room, several endeavors in Myanmar with Edge Hospitality, and as Head of Beverage for all stages at Wonderfruit festival in Thailand. She’s known for connecting communities, sharing knowledge, and promoting inclusivity & empowerment for all. Her mentorship of Yangon’s industry professionals earned her the title of Wine and Spirits Ambassador of the year in 2019 and 2020, and she currently holds the only Master Mezcalier certification in Asia. She is proud to be an influence in the region, with an ever cheeky curiosity & a commitment to the continued discovery of new flavors and experiences. Queen remains a friend in many cities, who shares not only an adoration for booze, but a drink with anyone in need of a proper welcome. 

As one of the first Guest Bartenders and a repeat offender at The Pontiac in Hong Kong, Jen has always put the “WE” in “WE are The Pontiac”. Taking the lead of the program was a bit like coming home. She has always been family, and now she holds down the house full time! 

Projects and notable mentions: Port Autonomy, Gekko, La Familia, Elbow Room, Raffles, Knai Bang Chatt, Juniper & Ivy, Monello, La Puerta, Searsucker, Sundance Film Festival, Wonderfruit Festival, San Francisco Best of the West, Miami Food and Wine Festival, Certified Master Mezcalier, Co-Founder Blind Tiger Cocktail Co, Snake Oil Cocktail Co. and Campine Catering. 

Published in: Imbibe, Drinks World, Drinks Magazine Asia, The Huffington Post, Esquire, The Wall Street Journal, Eater, Food and Wine, Tasting Panel, Pacific, 944, Locale, Riviera, and San Diego Magazine. Featured live on UT-TV, KUSI, NBC, and Fox Networks.

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