Jameson Nigeria has announced that Lagos-based bartenders Kazeem Oluwasegun Adefuye and Akilla Michael Adebisi have emerged as regional champions in the international Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series. Their selection from a global field of entries marks a significant achievement for Nigerian cocktail artistry.
Both bartenders are set to represent Nigeria at the Jameson Host Summit, scheduled to take place in Ireland this September. This event is poised to be a landmark occasion for the expanding cocktail industry in Nigeria.
The Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series challenges bartenders worldwide to develop unique cocktails inspired by Jameson Black Barrel, incorporating local ingredients and showcasing their creations through video submissions. Out of numerous global submissions, 26 regional winners were chosen based on criteria including inventiveness, the concept behind their cocktails, video production quality, and understanding of the brand.
As regional victors, Kazeem and Akilla will embark on an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland. There, they will participate in the global summit, joining fellow bartenders from various countries and serving as ambassadors for Nigeria's dynamic cocktail scene.
Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director at Pernod Ricard, expressed pride in the winners, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Kazeem and Akilla for representing Nigeria on a global stage. The Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series celebrates creativity and the craft of bartending, and these two bartenders embody that spirit. We look forward to supporting them as they head to Ireland and continue to showcase Nigerian talent to the world.”
This initiative underscores Jameson's ongoing dedication to nurturing the bartending community and fostering innovation within the beverage industry.
Nigeria rallies behind Kazeem Oluwasegun Adefuye and Akilla Michael Adebisi as they prepare to showcase their skills on the international platform in the competition's forthcoming global finals.
About the Winners
Kazeem Oluwasegun Adefuye
Kazeem Oluwasegun Adefuye is a seasoned Nigerian bartender with over nine years of experience in the hospitality sector. He began his career in service roles and advanced through dedication, a thirst for knowledge, and a strong commitment to his profession.
He is recognized for his inventive approach to flavours, techniques, and presentation, contributing significantly to the advancement of cocktail culture in Nigeria. His contributions have garnered substantial industry recognition, underscoring his expertise.
Kazeem is currently focused on furthering his knowledge in whiskey education and cocktail craftsmanship. He is pursuing studies in Irish Whiskey at the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, having received a scholarship from the Ajabu Festival.
Akilla Michael Adebisi
Akilla Michael Adebisi, hailing from Ogun State, is a Nigerian bartender whose path in the hospitality industry is marked by resilience and ambition.
Having faced adversity early in life after his father’s passing, he found direction and stability through family support and an opportunity in hospitality, facilitated by a family friend.
Since then, Akilla has committed himself to honing his bartending skills, building a career founded on discipline, personal growth, and a pursuit of excellence.
He now represents a new wave of Nigerian bartenders contributing to the evolution of the nation's cocktail culture on a global scale.
About Pernod Ricard Nigeria
Pernod Ricard Nigeria is the local arm of Pernod Ricard, a global leader in the premium and luxury spirits and wines market. The company boasts a portfolio of 16 of the world's top 100 spirit brands, including Jameson Irish Whiskey, Absolut Vodka, Martell Cognac, and Chivas Regal.
About Jameson Irish Whiskey
Established in 1780 by John Jameson, Jameson is the world's most popular Irish whiskey. Crafted at the distillery in Midleton, County Cork, using a blend of malted and unmalted Irish barley, Jameson's whiskeys are triple-distilled to achieve a remarkable smoothness.
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