By Johnson Adebowale
•L-R: Obehi, Rawa, Oduntan, Oyira, Garde and Okpomo at the event.
Kelvin Oduntan has emerged winner of the just-concluded third edition of the mixology competition in Lagos. The competition organized by Bord Bia, the Irish food board, for its Irish Mixers Club 3 marks another milestone in promoting Irish spirits and celebrating cultural diversity in Nigeria.
To celebrate the vibrant fusion of Nigerian and Irish cultures through mixology, the event showcased the talents of six exceptional mixologists who competed for the title of Mixologist of the Year. Each demonstrated their creativity, skill and flair in crafting unique cocktails that embodied the spirit of both Nigeria and Ireland.
The panel of judges for this year’s edition was comprised of esteemed industry experts, including Lara Wara, Tim Garde, Chef Obehi, and Emmanuel Oyira. They were given the challenging task of evaluating the contestants based on criteria such as authenticity, technique, taste, and overall presentation of their cocktails. After much deliberation, Oduntan emerged as the winner for his unparalleled talent and innovation in mixology.
The winner impressed the judges with his exceptional cocktail creations, 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 Michael and Victor Ugo, who also received recognition for their outstanding performances.”
Speaking at the event, Ese Okpomo, West Africa Regional Manager at Bord Bia, expressed her congratulations to all the finalists and stated 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, 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.
Bord Bia is proud to provide a platform for talented mixologists to shine and to celebrate the shared values of creativity, innovation, and hospitality.”
Bord Bia, the Irish food board, is responsible for promoting Ireland’s food, drink, and horticulture industries. The board promotes the growth of high-quality brewing and distilling of Irish spirits in the Nigerian market. With headquarters in Dublin, Bord Bia has a network of offices in different cities, including Lagos, which helps to bring Irish food and drinks to customers.