Jameson's annual Black Barrel Bartender Series competition is back for its fourth year, accepting entries from January 13th to February 17th, 2025.
Bartenders are invited to create a cocktail featuring Jameson Black Barrel Irish whiskey, with a focus on showcasing local cultures and communities through their ingredients and techniques.
Notably, the past two global champions hailed from Malaysia: Thanesh Joel (2023) and Rohan Matmary (2024). Will Malaysia see a third consecutive win in 2025?
Applicants will compete for one of three €5000 cash prizes, a trip to Cork, Ireland for the Jameson HOSTS Global Summit, and participation in the Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series Mentorship Programme with leading industry figures.
The top 24 entries, named ‘Regional Winners’ on March 10th via @jamesonHOSTS, will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Midleton Distillery for the ‘Jameson HOSTS Global Summit,’ curated with award-winning bartender Remy Savage.
From the Regional Winners, a ‘Top 10’ will be chosen to compete live at the Summit. Three Global Champions will be determined through a blind tasting by a panel of judges and mentors.
The global final in Cork will crown the top 3 ‘Global Champions,’ each receiving €5000 and access to Jameson's mentoring program, including in-person and virtual sessions with industry leaders.
This year’s judges will see the return of Danil Nevsky of Indie Bartender, and the new additions of Millie Tang of De Vie and Claudia Cabrera of Kaito Del Valle. Additionally, returning mentors Remy Savage & Danil Nevsky will be joined by Eleni Nikoloulia, World’s 50 Best Bars Academy Chair, educator and drinks festival organiser.
This year’s judges include returning Danil Nevsky (Indie Bartender) and new additions Millie Tang (De Vie) and Claudia Cabrera (Kaito Del Valle). Returning mentors Remy Savage and Danil Nevsky, will be joined by Eleni Nikoloulia (World’s 50 Best Bars Academy Chair).
