The nine finalists of the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum International Bartender Challenge will battle it out tonight.

The finalists who hail from all over the world are in intense preparation mode for tonights challenge. Overseas contenders are here representing Canada, Australia, Cayman Islands, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the UK and the US.

Representing Jamaica will be Ryan Mitto, who won the 2012 Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Bartender Challenge here in September. “It’s a great privilege to represent Jamaica in this competition, especially because it’s Jamaica’s 50th, ”noted Mitto. “If I win this competition, I feel as if I will be remembered, given the fact that this is a special year in our country’s history.”

Yesterday, the group visited the market and supermarkets on the eve of the International Challenge, to purchase local ingredients, to be included in their cocktail mixes at the event.

Cecil Smith, Marking Manager for Rums at J. Wray & Nephew Limited explained, “It is important to highlight the many usages of our Jamaican produce on the international stage. The ingredients bought will be used to make world class cocktails at the event.”

The 2012 Champion will win the coveted Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum International Bartender Challenge Trophy, as well as an all-expense-paid vacation in Jamaica.