Two Nigerian  Bartenders Named Among Global Black Barrel Series Winners

Two Nigerians, Kazeem Adefuye and Akilla Michael Adebisi have emerged winners of the global Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series. 

The global Jameson Black Bartender Series is a contest organised by the Jameson Black Barrel in which participants are tasked with developing distinctive cocktails built around Jameson Black Barrel, drawing on ingredients from their immediate environment, and presenting their creations through video as a demonstration of both technique and creativity.

Of the global submissions, 26 were selected as regional winners, with Adebisi and Adefuye making the cut on the strength of their application.

Their selection now takes them on an all-expense paid trip to Ireland in September for the Jameson Host Summit for the final phase of the competition. At this stage, ten finalists will be shortlisted to showcase their cocktails before a panel of judges, with three eventual winners awarded €5,000 each. 

Praising the duo, the Marketing Director of Pernod Ricard, Evane Chenuet, acknowledged that the organisation is “proud of Kazeem and Akilla for representing Nigeria on a global stage.”  The director has also pledged support for both finalists ahead of the final phase of the competition. 

The Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series is a testament to the brand’s desire to ensure the sustenance of innovation and creativity in the bartender community. As they head into the final stages, Kazeem Adefuye and Akilla Michael Adebisi should rest in the assurance that Nigeria roots for their victory. 

Founded in 1780 by John Jameson, Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world. Produced in the distillery in Midleton, County Cork, from malted and unmalted Irish barley, Jameson’s blended whiskeys are triple-distilled, resulting in exceptional smoothness.