L – R: Emmanuel Oyira, President, Bartender’s Guild of Nigeria, Judge; Chef Obehi, Founder, The ONA Lagos; Donald Obirode, Winner of the Bord Bia Irish Mixers Club Mixology Contest Season 2; Ese Okpomo, West Africa Regional Manager, Bord Bia; and Nahi Halabi, Co-founder and Managing Director, R.S.V.P and SLoW, Judge; during the grand finale of the Bord Bia Irish Mixers Club Mixology Contest Season 2 at the Lagos Irish Pub, Lagos.

As a sequel to the first ever mixology competition launched by Bord Bia, the Irish food board, tagged ‘Naija Irish Mix,’ Season 2 of the much-awaited competition ‘The Naija irish mix 2’ was organised to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year and Donald Obirode was named winner at the Irish Pub, Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos recently.

The grand finale which had six top finalists battle for the grand title of ‘Mixologist of the year,’ was a concluding part to the competition which started with entries and online screening. These amazing mixologists were vetted by a trio of seasoned judges in persons of Emmanuel Oyira, President Bartender’s Guild of Nigeria; Chef Obehi, Owner and executive chef, The ONA Lagos; and CEO and Co-founder R.S.V.P. and SLoW, Nahi Halabi. They were given the responsibility of selecting the winners based on certain approved criteria, such as the authenticity, technique, taste (mouth-feel), taste, overall presentation of their cocktails.

The winner of the mixology competition walked away with a portable bar, mixology kit, and other complimentary souvenirs from Bord Bia. Following closely behind were Victor Archibong and Samuel Ayodele as the first and second runners up respectively. All the finalists went home with specially curated Irish gift hampers and cash prizes, as well.

L – R: Samuel Ayodele, mixology contestant; Haiye Yinka, mixology contestant; Donald Obirode, Winner of the Bord Bia Irish Mixers Club Mixology Contest Season 2; Victor Archibong, mixology contestant, Samson Chukwudi, mixology contestant; and Joseph Murphy, mixology contestant; during the grand finale of the Bord Bia Irish Mixology Contest Season 2 at the Lagos Irish Pub, Lagos.

Speaking at the event was the West Africa Regional manager, Bord Bia, Ese Okpomo, who congratulated the top 6 mixologists, and highlighted that the event was organised by the Irish Food Board, as a way of commemorating St. Patrick’s Day and celebrating the rich Irish culture and heritage.

“Riding on the success of the very first mixology competition organised by Bord Bia, the Irish food board which took place last year, the brand thought it wise to continue to showcase the rich Irish culture and promote Irish spirits in Nigeria leveraging the competition as a medium. Bord Bia, has over the years, created many such opportunities for Nigerians to have a taste of Ireland, and Naija Irish Mix 2 fully celebrated the art of mixology in Nigeria; by showcasing and rewarding these talents.”

Bord Bia, the Irish food board is responsible for promoting Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture industry. 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 home and abroad.