Twisted Spiritz extends mixology experience

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Even with the right DJs spinning the tunes, without the necessary spirits, a party would not be memorable. However, by its very nature, the Dream Weekend event Twisted Spiritz, credited as being Jamaica's number one mixology party, is dedicated to incorporating just the right party spirits.

This year's Twisted Spiritz is slated to take place on Friday, July 29, at The Rain Forest Negril, as part of the 'must-experience' weekend package. Although known to be the leader in the variety of liquor on hand, there are already hints that this year, the drink range will be stretched even further.

Ron Burke, the longstanding promoter of Twisted Spiritz, says it started in 2002 at Phoenix Avenue, St Andrew, as the first 32 mixed-drink inclusive party and the first of its kind. "This concept was only used by sports bars and we took the concept and made it into a party, adding variety," he said.

According to Burke, the mixes are made by professionals to international standards and, as customary, patrons will get value for their money. "This year, we will offer 21 mixes of Smirnoff plus 11 bonus mixes, plus the regular 32 drinks, plus the regular drinks will be available free of cost as well," he said.

The party, which has been a part of Dream Weekend for three years, has not only surpassed its competitors with liquor, but has developed a reputation for world-class quality in production. Burke says that his team is even more determined to surpass all their previous efforts at this year's staging. "The experience will be First-World quality, top notch. You are not going to feel like you are in Jamaica. Trust me, the entire event will be premium," Burke said confidently.

Burke pointed out that efforts have been made to ensure that the music is not repetitive. "We have targeted different DJs with different playing styles such as Coppershot from Kingston, Renegade from Miami and Crazy Neil from Montego Bay," he said.

Patrons without a Dream Weekend season band will have to pay $3,000 to indulge in the Smirnoff Twisted Spiritz experience. The season bands cost $15,000. According to Burke, it is more cost-effective to purchase the season band, as if patrons opt to pay each party individually, it will cost them $30,000.

The promoter says that detox will be provided by Grace and shuttles will be provided to reduce the likelihood of persons driving under the influence of alcohol.

He also added that security is of paramount importance. "We have security from the police, both uniformed and plain clothes, as well as security guards and bouncers will be in the crowd to control and quash any conflict that may arise," Burke said.