The Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists (JUBAM) hosted its grand finale at the third annual Jamaica Bartender Week with an expo held at the Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew, last Sunday, March 17.

Themed ‘Together we improve the bar and beverage service experience’, the week-long extravaganza celebrated the island’s vibrant bartending community.

Among the activities was the exciting Bartender of the Year competition which showcased a range of brands from Select Brands, Supligen Max, Lion Pride, Serge Island, Delite, and title sponsor J Wray & Nephew (JWN), a member of the Campari Group.

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.

She highlighted JWN’s long-standing collaborative efforts 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, 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.

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

For the Bartender of the Year competition, Dr Mathieu Duval, who placed second last year, judged alongside with the president of the JUBAM Dr Debbian Spence-Minott, and JWN Academy’s lead instructor Sharmon Smith-Hinds.

Antuwon Dixon secured third place with 313 points, Raldeno “Deno the Mixologist” Forbes placed second with 339 points, and Dwayne “Swizzle Mixer” Johnson, made his début in the competition memorable claiming the top spot with 379 points.

Johnson impressed with his signature creation, Boop Boop.

Reflecting on his victory, Johnson, a mixologist at Republic Jamaica, shared: “…[W]hen you have experience and creativity, it’s easy.”

Spence-Minott expressed delight at the week of events.

“We’re thrilled with the success of Jamaica Bartender Week. The competition tonight was a good one and the cocktails were really, really good. Congrats to the guys. Golf View hotel took home two awards so something good is definitely happening by Golf View Hotel. However, congratulations to the big man of tonight, Dwayne, who won. Well done!”