KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew came alive Sunday as the Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists (JUBAM) hosted its Bartender Expo, which culminated with the exciting ‘top bartender’ competition.

The event, which was the grand finale of the third annual Jamaica Bartender Week, showcased a range of brands including Select Brands, Supligen Max, Lion Pride, Serge Island, Delite and the title sponsor, J Wray, and Nephew (JWN).

Recognising bartenders’ pivotal role in promoting responsible drinking practices, Leleika-Dee Barnes, JWN’s channel and customer marketing director, emphasised the importance of nurturing a symbiotic relationship between the company and the bar community.

Dwayne “Swizzle Mixer” Johnson claimed the top bartender title at the Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists’ Bartender Expo at the Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew.

She highlighted JWN’s longstanding collaboration with bars to develop educational resources on responsible serving and consumption practices, stating, “A continued partnership of this nature is a symbiotic relationship that protects the integrity of the spirits industry.”

Deidra Gray, the brand manager of Supligen Max, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s sponsorship. She noted that Supligen Max, a blend of Supligen and stout, aims to appeal to rum enthusiasts when mixed with Campari or white overproof rum. Despite setbacks that briefly halted its launch last year, Supligen Max is now back on the market and reportedly performing well.

“The vision was to get awareness in the bar channels and show appreciation for the bartenders themselves islandwide,” Gray said.

Antuwon Dixon competes in the top bartender competition at the Bartender Expo. Dixon finished third.

Raldeno Forbes finished second in the top bartender competition at the Bartender Expo.

In the top bartender competition, Dr Mathieu Duval, who placed second last year, judged alongside with the President of the JUBAM, Dr Debbian Spence-Minott, and J Wray and Nephew’s Academy lead instructor Sharmon Smith-Hinds.

Dwayne “Swizzle Mixer” Johnson claimed the top spot with 379 points, impressing the crowd with his signature creation, ‘Boop Boop’. He finished ahead of Raldeno “Deno the Mixologist” Forbes, who placed second place with 339 points, and Antuwon Dixon who secured third place with 313 points.

Patrons enjoy the vibes at the Bartender Expo on Sunday.

Reflecting on his victory, Johnson, a mixologist employed at the upscale private lounge, Republic Jamaica, said “when you have experience and creativity, it’s easy.”