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!