2010 Draught Master Competition

Last year, we here at Metromix hosted an event to find the "Best Bartender in the Bay." After an online contest and a lengthy elimination process, the search was narrowed down to 5 competitors. They then went head-to-head poolside at the Hard Rock in front of 98Rock's Jesse Kage, a crowd of people, and the dreaded judges. One of those intimidating judges included yours truly. Of course, I loved tasting drink after drink and being wooed by the contenders, but I think it’s safe to say I never thought I’d be another party judge (outside of a self-created event) again.




A few weeks ago I was asked to be an undercover judge in a Red Bull competition involving three parties at various venues throughout the week. And, while I can’t decide if it’s a compliment or insult that I look like a party ‘expert’ (lets hope Lindsay Lohan didn’t also get this request), I had to jump at the opportunity. I know, I know--it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. My role included drinking, socializing, dancing, and then filling out a blurry evaluation after a long night of said partying. My criteria incorporated the crowd, music, promotion, and branding, along with a few other elements combined to pick an ultimate party winner. All in all, it was a lot of fun, albeit nursing my early morning hangovers throughout the work week. But, that’s a minor bump in the road.

Now, my journey has continued on to a beer event happening this week: the 2010 World Draught Master Competition. Stell Artois is on the search to find the best of the best in a 9-Step Pouring contest taking place all over the country, and, the obvious choice for a regional judge? Me! Yep, I may have crowned myself a connoisseur of beer in college, but now someone else has recognized my talent. At this point, I’m unsure of what a perfectly poured pint looks like or why it takes nine steps to get a beer in my system, but I’m looking forward to finding out and savoring the experience along the way.



In preparation for the big day, I received a press kit delivered to my desk today. Besides the bottles of beer (and jealous glances I got in a the office), the kit lists out the important steps that I’ll be judging on:

1. The Purification

2. The Sacrifice

3. The Liquid Alchemy

4. The Head

5. The Removal

6. The Beheading

7. The Judgment

8. The Cleansing

9. The Bestowal

It may sound more like a medieval sacrifice or religious service than my steps would (1. fill glass to top, 2. drink), but who am I to judge? (Oh, wait..)




Tomorrow I’m off to a private beer paring event and dinner session to train me for the big day. I’ll be blogging throughout and sharing photos of the competition, winners, and my overall experience, so be sure to check back. Hopefully, I can limit by beer quantities to do so!

New Years Eve at the Rawk

Wanting something a little different from the traditional dinner, dancing and champagne toast to the New Year (by "different" I really mean "cheaper."), I headed to a spot local to me, as someone who happens to live South of the Sunshine Skyway.

The Rawk Shop in Village of the Arts, Bradenton, sells vintage and retro clothing, music and other fun merchandise. A primary handout for the Bradentucky Bombers, it's also known for its 1st Friday music fests, where the patio doors are open for live bands, karaoke and local DJs.

New Year's Eve featured a special night with punk bands Lesson Learned and Spankin' Fresh. Visitors to the Rawk brought home made snacks to share, and it was BYOB. You could sit outside and listen to the band, or hang out in the shop with artists, musicians and other creative types who happened to hear about the party on MySpace or through word of mouth.

I don't know whether it was the blue moon, an overabundance of champagne and beer, or just par for the course among artistic types; but within two hours I got to witness a vintage fashion show by a Bomber showing off her knew cherry patterned dress and bathing suit, along with an Elvis impersonation from a fellow friends and Face Booker. I got a hug from a local intuitive body worker, who cracked my back in the spot that always get stuck (saving me an expensive trip to the chiro), and somehow ended up explaining to someone that a strong handshake resembles a high grip when shooting at the range. Odd, yes. But entertaining? No question.

Perhaps the nicest thing about the village people (yuck, yuck) is their inclusiveness. A "come as you are" kind of place, feel free to be you, and be welcomed for it.