By Ian Neubauer
State finals for a unique bartending competition that will see contestants demonstrate a Belgian beer pouring ritual dating back to medieval times will be held in state capitals next week.
An initiative of Anhueser Busch-Inbev, The World Draught Masters is a competition in the art of pouring the perfect Belgian beer. Contestants’ hopes lie in their ability to perform a meticulous nine-step ritual that includes pouring four beers and present them in the correct manner within a seven-minute timeframe, while conversing with judges about their knowledge of Belgian beers.
The national final will take place in Sydney on September 18, with the winner moving onto the international final to be held in October at Leuven, Belgium, the home of Stella Artois. The international winner will receive a cash prize of $8500.
“The World Draught Masters Competition is an important date on bartenders’ calendars and is becoming more recognised each year. The competition challenges Australia’s finest bar staff to master the nine step pouring ritual and also helps to maintain the heritage and tradition that Belgium beer was founded on,” said Anhueser Busch-Inbev’s Bart Vandecruys, who will judge the Australian competitions alongside 2004 World Draught runner-up and Australian national champion, Mark Stanley.
The Brisbane final will take place at the Belgian Beer Café on August 19 at 2:00pm. The Sydney final will take place at the Heritage Belgian Beer Café on August 20 at 2:00pm. The Melbourne final will take place at the Bluestone Belgian Beer Café on August 2 at 2:00pm, and the Perth final will take place at the Westende Belgian Beer Café on August 27 at 2:00pm.
For more information call 02 8353 5714 or email nicole.kennedy@hausmann.com.au.