The Stella Artois 2010 World Draught Masters competition is underway. Think you have what it takes to pour like a master? Follow this 9-Step Pouring Ritual, and you’ll rule the tap before you can say “cheers.”
By Colleen Shalby
Stella Artois
Kegs were tapped in Boston this past weekend, but not for the Red Sox. The 14th annual Stella Artois World Draught Masters competition picked its U.S. winner as 16 finalists competed in the art of Belgium’s traditional beer-pouring ritual. After a month-long competition spanning cities from Las Vegas to Washington D.C., the U.S. winner, Chris Myers of Wisconsin, finally chosen and will compete in the final pour against 31 winners from around the world next month in London.
The competition hasn’t been all fun, Franco-European inspired costumes, and props; each finalist has diligently studied Stella Artois’ 9-Step Pouring Ritual to perfect the craft of the pour. Think you can outpour Chris Myers? Follow these steps to perfection. Bottoms up!
The Stella Artois 9-Step Pouring Ritual
Step 1-The Purification: Use a clean and rinsed branded glass.
Step 2-The Sacrifice: Open the tap in one quick action and let the first drops of beer flow away.
Step 3-The Liquid Alchemy Begins: Hold the glass just under the tap without touching it at a 45 degree angle.
Step 4- Head: Lower the glass to allow the natural formation of the foam head.
Step 5-The Removal: Close the tap quickly and move the glass away so beer doesn’t drip in to the glass.
Step 6-The Beheading: While the head foams up and overflows the side of the glass, smooth it gently with a head cutter.
Step 7- The Judgement: Inspect the glass to ensure that its ratio of head to beer has formed correctly.
Step 8- The Cleansing: Rinse the outside of the glass to remove beer that has overflowed.
Step 9-The Bestowal: Present the glass to your customer, and rotate it so the label faces them.
