Jamaica Bartender Week and the highly anticipated Jamaica Bartender Expo have concluded with resounding success, showcasing the island’s vibrant cocktail culture, incredible talent, and the passion of its bartending community. 

With J Wray & Nephew Limited, a member of the Campari Group, returning as title sponsors for the 4th consecutive year, the week-long celebration of the art of mixology drew enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders from across the region, culminating in the crowning of the newest Jamaica Top Bartender during an exciting and competitive bartending competition.

Jamaica Bartender Week, which ran from March 17-23, 2025, saw a dynamic series of events designed to elevate the art of bartending on the island. From educational workshops to tasting experiences, Jamaica’s best bartenders gathered to network, share knowledge, and celebrate their craft.

Highlights included Seminars and workshops featuring industry professionals such as Dr. Mathieu Duval – Medical Doctor and Molecular Mixologist, Sharmon Hinds-Smith Instructor of the Campari Academy, Kemmar Lewis Head of Marketing at CPJ Ltd, Trevor Luke Mixologist Extraordinaire and Dr. Debbian Spence-Minott Chairman of the Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists Limited. The week also featured a series of community bar visits across Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth.

The event culminated in the Jamaica Bartender Expo, which took place on March 23, at the Police Officers’ Club. The expo brought together industry vendors, brand ambassadors, and

cocktail enthusiasts for a day of exhibitions, tastings, and live demonstrations. It was an opportunity for bartenders and hospitality professionals to connect with suppliers, learn new trends, and showcase their skills to an engaged audience.

The heart of the celebrations was the Jamaica Top Bartender Competition, where 8 of Jamaica’s most talented bartenders competed for the prestigious title. The competition tested their skill, creativity, and knowledge of both classic and innovative cocktails. Contestants were judged on a variety of factors, including taste and balance, presentation, and originality, with the category challenges pushing bartenders to create signature cocktails using local Jamaican ingredients.

The final category mandated the use of our own Appleton Estate Reserve Blend 8YO with Ginger and June Plum. After a fierce and thrilling competition, Najee Bascoe, a bartender from Steakhouse on the Verandah in Kingston, was crowned the Jamaica Top Bartender. Najee’s signature cocktails wowed the judges from start to finish. Najee’s creativity and precision behind the bar earned him the top spot. 

Included in his prizes via special announcement by J. Wray & Nephew Limited’s Managing Director Daniel Caron is a one-year internship contract with the spirits company. The second-place prize was awarded to 2024 winner Dwayne Johnson of Republic Bar with third place going to Shennel Hunter of One Park – the only female bartender to have placed as a finalist over the last three years.

“Jamaica Bartender Week has been an incredible success, and we are proud to see the growth of our local bartenders” said Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists Limited Chairman, Dr. Debbian Spence-Minott. “The energy and passion displayed by our bartenders throughout this week have truly elevated the profile of our industry. We congratulate Najee Bascoe on his victory and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him and all the talented individuals who participated.”

The event also highlighted the growing interest in Jamaica as a destination for cocktail tourism, as visitors experienced the island’s unique flavours and rich heritage through its cocktails. The celebrations are expected to have a lasting impact on the local bartending scene, helping to drive innovation, increase the profile of Jamaican mixologists, and elevate the country’s reputation on the global bartending map.