Jameson has launched the annual Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series, inviting cruise ship bartenders to participate; entries are accepted from January 13, 2025, to February 17, 2025.
Competitors will vie for one of three €5,000 cash prizes and a trip to Cork to attend the Jameson HOSTS Global Summit, along with access to industry mentorship opportunities.
The judging panel will reveal the top 24 regional winners on March 10, 2025, with finalists announced on March 21, 2025, culminating in a global final in Cork.
The competition encourages the creation of unique cocktails featuring Jameson Black Barrel Irish whiskey, with judges predicting a focus on dessert techniques and extreme flavor combinations in 2025.
Judge Millie Tang shared: “Culinary techniques in drink production will intensify with a focus on methods and technology used by expert pâtissiers.
Danil Nevsky, a returning judge and hospitality consultant, shared: “Minimalism is out, and extremes are in! ‘Samey’ will be very much passé with bartenders exploring extremes. Expect to see unseen ingredient combinations.”
Tony O’Brien, Jameson’s global advocacy manager, shared: “Following the runaway success of the Mentorship Program in last year’s series, we are excited to bring this back better and stronger this year.”
