Jameson Bartenders Ball 2008

Once again proving that no sacrifice is too great, I boldly ventured on to the Jameson Bartenders Ball last night. Oh... what I won't do for my readers :)

This event is hosted By Jameson 3 times a year here in Northern California and last night was the last one for the year.  It's a heck of a party and nothing like what I expected.  I was imagining something with the lights up, music mellow and insiders chatting about products, promotions and other aspects of the spirits industry. This was just a wet tshirt contest short of spring break.

The drink menu was extensive: Jameson neat, Jameson on the rocks, Jameson and soda, Jameson and ginger ale, Jameson and cola, Jameson and American Honey or American Honey. All of the open bars were stocked with cases of Jameson and it was flowing freely.

Guitar Hero III was in action and I can't think of a more appropriate venue for that game. Especially considering the number of Jameson fueled games we've played back at HQ. My parties don't tend to have sword swallowing, live rappers and fire breathing, but I'll have to consider them for our next Burns Night.

This party was a lot of fun and the energy level was high. People were hanging out, dancing and having a blast well after the whiskey stopped flowing. I'm sure that everyone there left with Jameson on their minds as well as in their bellies. Events like these probably go a long way building the brand in the minds of the bartenders. Last night, Pernod-Ricard gained a new horde of unpaid ambassadors. It looked like everyone had a blast.

The challenge now is to get Red Breast the recognition that it deserves.  Add your ideas in the comments, I'll come up with some Jameson schwag to send out to the best contribution.