By Rebecca Harris
The twenty competitors through to the Australian National Final of the Stella Artois World Draught Masters competition were announced yesterday (Aug 25).
From a pool of hundreds, the finalists were selected based on their knowledge and understanding of Stella Artois and its iconic seven minute, nine-step pouring ritual.
The finalists – including Ryan Lane from The Bowery, Brisbane and Claire Wong from Spice Market, Melbourne – will now be flown to Sydney, where they will demonstrate the pouring ritual to a team of industry judges at the National Final at Kit and Kaboodle in Kings Cross on September 9.
The theatrical ritual includes ensuring the beer is served in the cleanest glass, at the correct temperature, with the correct foam level and with no overflow.
The winner will earn the chance to represent Australia at the Stella Artois World Draught Masters competition to be held in New York in October, as well as a trip to for two to Belgium to visit the Stella Artois brewery.
At the final, Stella Artois will also host a celebrity challenge with MC Josh Lawson and other celebrity contestants competing for $1,500 to be donated to a charity of their choice.