Femi Solaja
The much-anticipated third edition of the Irish Mixers Club, a celebration of the vibrant fusion of Nigerian and Irish cultures concluded recently.
Held at the esteemed Irish Pub, Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos, the event showcased the talents of six exceptional mixologists who competed for the title of Mixologist of the Year.
According to a statement, the grand finale of Irish Mixers Club 3 featured an exhilarating showdown among the six finalists, each demonstrating their creativity, skill, and flair in crafting unique cocktails that embodied the spirit of both Nigeria and Ireland.
It noted that the competition organised by Bord Bia, the Irish food board, marked another milestone in promoting Irish spirits and celebrating cultural diversity in Nigeria.
The panel of judges, comprised esteemed industry experts, including Lara Wara, Tim Garde, Chef Obehi, and Emmanuel Oyira, had the challenging task of evaluating the contestants based on criteria such as authenticity, technique, taste, and overall presentation of their cocktails. After much deliberation, a winner emerged, showcasing unparalleled talent and innovation in mixology.
“Kelvin Oduntan emerged as the winner of the 3rd edition of the Irish Mixers Club, impressing the judges with his exceptional cocktail creations and earning the title of champion. He won a Mobile bar and other items, including complementary products from various brands, along with bragging rights. Enstore Nigeria on behalf of Teeling Whiskey surprised all the guests by gifting the winner 1 million naira. Close behind were Oki Micheal and Victor Ugo, who also received recognition for their outstanding performances,” it added.
Speaking at the event, West Africa Regional Manager at Bord Bia, Ese Okpomo, congratulated all finalists, stating that the competition was evidence of the growth of the Irish drinks category in Nigeria. She highlighted Bord Bia’s commitment to promoting the rich heritage of Irish drinks and showcasing the best of Irish spirits to Nigerian audiences.
Commenting on the success of Irish Mixers Club 3, Ese Okpomo stated, “The third edition of Irish Mixers Club continues to showcase the rich tapestry of Irish and Nigerian cultures through the art of mixology. This year’s event witnessed a significant inclusivity of Nigerian ingredients, highlighting the creativity and growth in Nigeria’s mixology scene.”
