Jameson has announced the return of its annual Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series, which is now open to bartenders on cruise ships.

The company said in a press release that this is the fourth year that the competition is running, and entries are open from Jan. 13, 2025, until Feb. 17, 2025.

Applicants will be competing to win one of three €5,000 cash prizes. Winners will also receive a trip to Cork, Ireland, to attend the Jameson HOSTS Global Summit, and gain access to leading industry figures for the Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series Mentorship Program.

Tony O’Brien, Jameson’s global advocacy manager, said: “Following the runaway success of the Mentorship Program in last year’s series, we are excited to bring this back better and stronger this year.”

Participants are encouraged to submit a unique cocktail creation featuring Jameson Black Barrel Irish whiskey, championing their local cultures and communities.

According to the press release, the series offers a platform for uncovering and sharing emerging cocktail trends globally, with entrants encouraged to explore flavors in their unique geography.

A focus on dessert techniques is Judge Millie Tang’s prediction for 2025.

“Culinary techniques in drink production will intensify with a focus on methods and technology used by expert pâtissiers,” added Tang.

Danil Nevsky, a returning judge and hospitality consultant, said: “Minimalism is out, and extremes are in! ‘Samey’ will be very much passé with bartenders exploring extremes. Expect to see unseen ingredient combinations.”

The top 24 entries chosen by the judging panel for the regional winners will be announced on March 10, 2025.

Finalists will be confirmed on March 21, 2025. The global final will occur in Cork, Ireland and winners will be announced on the Jameson Instagram page.