Jameson Irish Whiskey has launched an online platform to support and engage the international bar community throughout the Coronavirus outbreak.
The culmination of more than three decades of bartender advocacy, Jameson Hosts, the brand’s trade engagement platform, has launched an online space for businesses and individuals across the bar community to come together to connect, learn and share in the wake of the pandemic.
Jameson Hosts hopes to provide a space for members of the bar trade to receive wellbeing support, enhance their technical knowledge and collaborate from home through social media and video content.
The newly launched platform follows a $500,000 financial donation from the whiskey brand to the United States Bartenders’ Guild, which supports on-trade members affected by the current pandemic. Jameson will also expand its practical support for the industry by offering financial support to those creating videos for the cause.
Online content will cover a range of topics and has been designed to educate and inspire. Featuring cocktail masterclasses, wellbeing sessions, career coaching and whiskey tutorials, it will also house advice from bar teams around the world, which are coming together to adapt to the current situation.
“The global bar community has dedicated its life and career to the service of others,” says Brendan Buckley, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers. “Now, more than ever, this community needs a new place to come together and share inspiring stories, real-world guidance and encouraging words to help each other overcome the challenges they faced today and those that lie ahead.”
Beyond the virtual platform, Jameson Hosts is planning a live event for later this year or early next, where the global bar community of bartenders, owners, brewers and waiters will be invited to take part in a three-day festival at Midleton Distillery, the home of Jameson. The festival will reflect the content of its online counterpart, whilst also offering visiting ‘hosts’ the chance to immerse themselves in the production of Jameson Irish Whiskey with exclusive access to the Old Midleton Distillery and blending lab.
Commenting on the initiative and future event, Buckley says: “we hope this will offer both practical and emotional support through this challenging time and we very much look forward to celebrating with all our hosts at Midleton soon.”
Join the Jameson Hosts community by heading to the Instagram page, here.
