Jameson, the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey*, is delighted to announce the return of its annual Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series 2025 competition for its fourth year.
Following a wildly successful 2024 Series, which saw 355 video entries (+130% compared to 2023) across 46 countries, this year’s competition encourages Jameson’s global bartender family to once again submit a unique cocktail creation featuring Jameson Black Barrel Irish whiskey, championing their local cultures and communities through processes, ingredients and beyond.
Malaysia has proven to be a powerhouse on the global stage, with two consecutive global winners hailing from the country. In 2023, Thanesh Joel from Backdoor Bodega claimed the coveted title, followed by Rohan Matmary from Trigona in 2024. As the competition returns, the hope is to secure a remarkable third win in 2025, continuing Malaysia’s winning streak.
The Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series offers a platform for uncovering and sharing emerging cocktail trends from across the globe, with entrants encouraged to explore the most exciting flavours in their unique geography.
Applicants for 2025 will be competing to win one of three €5000 cash prize, a once in a lifetime trip to Cork, Ireland to attend the Jameson HOSTS Global Summit and access to leading industry figures for the Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series Mentorship Programme.
The top 24 ‘Regional Winners’ will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Jameson HOSTS Global Summit at Midleton Distillery, Ireland (announced 10 March 2025 on @jamesonHOSTS). Curated with Remy Savage, the summit offers global networking, seminars, and community building. From the 24, a ‘Top 10’ will compete in a live final, with 3 Global Champions crowned via a unique blind tasting judged by expert panels.
The global final, taking place in Cork, Ireland, will then crown the top 3 ‘Global Champions’, with each Global Champion earning €5000 and access to an innovative Jameson mentoring programme that includes in-person and virtual sessions with industry giants.
The competition is open for entries and will close at 23:59 (GMT) on 17 February 2025 for judging with the ‘Regional Winners’ announced on 10 March 2025 and ‘Top 10’ Finalists confirmed on 21st March 2025. For information on entering the competition and updates winners announcement, bartenders can visit the Jameson website or follow @JamesonHOSTS
