Matt Smith of The Brain Jar used the iconic graffiti art to inspire a winning cocktail
A Hull bar manager has scooped a global title for his cocktail-making skills. No stranger to appearances at cocktail-making competitions, Matt Smith, of The Brain Jar, in Old Town, has gone a step further this time at the 2025 Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series.
Matt claimed a £5,000 cash prize and a special place on the Jameson HOSTS mentorship programme, featuring leading bartenders and drinks experts, after being declared one of three global winners at the event, in Cork, Ireland. He impressed judges with Dead Bod, a cocktail inspired by Hull’s iconic piece of graffiti art.
Using locally sourced beetroot and dandelion root, his serve delivered a velvety, nitrogenated texture reminiscent of Irish stouts. Speaking about the win, Matt said: “Dead Bod is part of Hull’s identity, and I wanted my cocktail to capture that spirit.
“Using local flavours like beetroot and dandelion, I created something fun and vibrant that works beautifully with the caramel and vanilla notes of Jameson Black Barrel. This competition has been a creative challenge, and I’m looking forward to building on that through the mentorship.”
Fellow global winners were Stefan Codrea, of Barcelona, who showcased Spanish culture with his Charred Rose cocktail. Representing Ireland was Yu Kajitani, of Dublin, who won with Petrichor, inspired by the Irish weather and the freshness after rainfall.
Matt was one of 24 regional winners from across the world who won an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland for the event. After being chosen as one of ten finalists, he was invited to showcase his Jameson Black Barrel cocktail in front of 100-plus industry guests, including the global judges, Jameson HOSTS Global Summit speakers and hosts.
A record 425 entries from 50 countries had come in for the competition, a 20 per cent increase on last year. Matt got to hear of his win at the Jameson Bartenders Ball, on Tuesday, September 2.
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He said: “It means my cocktail inspired by Hul’ls own Dead Bod was seen by the top bartenders and influencers from around the world – and won. This is obviously huge for me but more importantly, The Brain Jar.
“I am just thrilled to bring global recognition back to Hull. I’ve no plans for future competitions right now, I am just excited to be welcoming more exciting bars from around the country to the city for takeover events.”