Draw your beheaders: battle has officially commenced as regional assessments for the 2013 Stella Artois Draught Masters start in Whangarei tomorrow.

As the competition hots up across New Zealand, over 20 bartenders will attempt to put their well-respected talents to the test of all tests, in the hope to perfect the sacred Stella Artois 9-step pouring ritual and be crowned Draught Master for 2013

With further assessments due to take place in Christchurch on 3 October and Dunedin on 4 October, the most talented bartenders will be invited to compete at the official Draught Master finals taking place in Auckland on 16 October.

To become a Draught Master champion, entrants must totally perfect the 9-step pouring ritual:

1. The Purification - Use a clean and rinsed branded glass
2. The Sacrifice - Open the tap in one quick action and let the first drops of beer flow away.
3. The Liquid Alchemy Begins - Hold the glass just under the tap without touching it at a 45° angle
4. The Head, although ‘Crown’ would be more appropriate - Lower the glass to allow the natural formation of the foam head
5. The Removal - Close the tap quickly and move the glass away so beer doesn’t drip into the glass
6. The Beheading - While the head foams up and overflows the side of the glass, smooth it gently with a head cutter
7. The Cleansing - Clean the bottom and sides of the glass
8. The Two Finger Rule - The right amount of foam is usually about two fingers
9. The Bestowal - Present the beer on a clean beer coaster with the logo facing the customer.

The winner of the New Zealand Stella Artois Draught Master championships will go on to represent New Zealand at the world finals that will be held in Cannes, France in May 2014.

The crowned World Draught Master Champion for 2014 will then become the official Stella Artois international ambassador, travelling the world teaching the fine art of pouring the perfect pint of Stella Artois.

About Stella Artois®

Stella Artois traces its origin back to 1366 to the Den Hoorn brewery in Leuven, Belgium just outside of Brussels. The beer was originally brewed to celebrate Christmas, and it was named Stella (Latin for “star”) for its exceptional clarity. Stella Artois has a pleasantly bitter flavor and refreshing finish that distinguishes it from other European lagers. Stella Artois should only be served in its signature chalice, which showcases its rich, golden color while releasing the beer's flavor and aroma.