The Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists Limited (JUBAM) is pleased to announce the inaugural Jamaica Bartender Week launch, from March 6 to March 12 under the theme ‘Building a Better Bar and Beverage Community, Responsibly’. 

This exciting event is spearheaded by JUBAM president Dr Debbian Spence-Minott and is set to showcase the skills and talents of Jamaica’s bartending community.

Jamaica Bartender Week will be a week-long celebration of all things bartending, featuring various events, seminars, competitions, and bar tours across the island. The aim is to bring together the best bartenders and mixologists in Jamaica to share their knowledge and expertise while introducing the public to cocktails and the art of mixology.

Spence-Minott, who also serves as head of school at The Academy of Bartending, Spirits & Wines (TABSW), further stated, “We are thrilled to be executing the first-ever Jamaica Bartender Week. The theme ‘Building a Better Bar and Beverage Community, Responsibly’ is fitting as we continue to close the doors of the global pandemic behind us and focus on rebuilding our efforts in a responsible way in terms of service and consumption.”

“Our goal is to highlight the importance of bartenders in the hospitality industry and showcase the unique talents of our Jamaican bartending community. We want to create an exciting platform for bartenders and mixologists to showcase their skills and create unforgettable experiences for our patrons,” she asserted.

Throughout the week, attendees can expect a range of events, including seminars, bar hops, and distillery immersion tours featuring the latest trends and techniques in mixology. There will also be a showcase where top bartenders from across the island can compete for the title of Jamaica’s top Bartender.

Jamaica Bartender Week will conclude with a grand finale event with an expo at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, where attendees learn about industry trends.

“We invite everyone to come and celebrate the best of Jamaica’s bartending community during this exciting week-long event,” mused Spence-Minott. “Jamaica Bartender Week promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.”

Rum producer and spirits distributor J. Wray & Nephew Limited (JWN), a member of the Campari Group, is the lead sponsor for the week of activities. 

For her part, Leleika-Dee Barnes, channel and customer marketing director at JWN said: “We are pleased to support this activity; bartenders are an important part of our consumer engagement.”

“Through JWN Academy, we have trained thousands of bartenders and mixologists, which has also allowed us to focus on promoting responsible drinking and pouring among our customers. The celebration of bartending week will play a very important part in recognising the role of bartenders in the hospitality industry as well as the growth of rum culture in Jamaica”, added Barnes.