The Jamaica Union of Bartenders and Mixologists Limited (JUBAM) readies to put the local community on display during the third Jamaica Bartender Week, set to occur from March 11 to March 17.

According to JUBAM president, Dr Debbian Spence-Minott, Jamaica Bartender Week, which is themed ‘Together We Improve the Bar and Beverage Service Experience’, promises a week-long extravaganza celebrating the art of bartending.

The event will feature diverse activities, including seminars, competitions, and bar tours across the island. The primary objective is to unite Jamaica’s finest bartenders and mixologists to share their expertise while introducing the public to cocktails and mixology.

Spence-Minott, head of school at The Academy of Bartending, Spirits & Wines (TABSW) said, “We are delighted to launch the third Jamaica Bartender Week. The theme resonates as we continue to build on the sustainability of the bar and beverage business. Compliance with the regulations regarding operating licenses in the form of the spirits license and food handlers permit are paramount.”

“Our mission is to underscore the significance of bartenders in the hospitality industry and highlight the exceptional talents of our Jamaican bartending community, We aim to provide a dynamic platform for bartenders and mixologists to showcase their craft and create unforgettable experiences for our patrons,” she continued.

Throughout the week, attendees can anticipate various events, including seminars, bar hops, and distillery tours, which spotlight the latest trends and techniques in mixology. The highlight will be a showcase where top bartenders from across the island vie for Jamaica’s top bartender title.

The grand finale of Jamaica Bartender Week will feature an expo on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew, offering attendees insights into industry trends and innovations.

Lead sponsor, J. Wray & Nephew Limited (JWN), is celebrating bartenders and working to ensure their sustainability. The company believes it is important to highlight and celebrate bartenders and the role they play in ensuring responsible drinking practices.

Leleika-Dee Barnes, channel and customer marketing director at JWN, said, “A continued partnership of this nature is a symbiotic relationship that protects the integrity of the spirits industry. Over the years, J. Wray & Nephew has collaborated with the bar community to develop and deploy educational resources and training on responsible serving and consumption practices so it’s only natural that we continue to support events like this that educate and regulate our industry players to ensure that consumers will be able to fully enjoy our brands responsibly and safely”.

She continued, “Bartenders play an important role in promoting responsible drinking and pouring. Through this week’s activities, we hope to emphasising the importance of being responsible while elevating bartending as a career and a business. Through the JWN Academy, we’ve trained thousands of bartenders and mixologists, who are among the best in the world. Celebrating Bartender Week is pivotal in recognising their contribution to the industry and fostering the growth of rum culture in Jamaica.”