Stella Artois announces New Zealand Draught master champion

Harriet Fenwick was crowned the New Zealand winner of the 2010 Stella Artois Draught Masters on Friday in Auckland.

Harriet, from Trevino’s Restaurant and Bar in Christchurch, rose to the challenge of the 9-Step Pouring Ritual and beat 11 other bartenders from around the country to take the title. Harriet was judged on her precision, technique and presentation skills by a panel of judges.

Harriet will head to London in October to represent New Zealand and compete for the Stella Artois Draught Master World Champ title. The current Stella Artois Draught Master World Champ is Avril Maxwell who is also from Christchurch.
 
”The competition was tough this year so taking the national title for such a highly-regarded event is a real thrill,” says Harriet. “I can’t wait to represent New Zealand on the international stage next month.”

Second place went to Maxine McKeage from The Grand Beer Café in Palmerston North and third place went to Fiona Stanton from the Occidental Belgian Beer Café in Auckland.

Around 30 countries compete in the annual Stella Artois Draught Masters competition each year, which started 14 years ago.

The judging panel included beer writer Geoff Griggs, Stella Artois Brand Manager Dave Pearce, Stella Artois Assistant Brand Manager Cara Gullick, along with Laetitia Peterson from the Belgium Consulate. Judging from behind the bar were Kirsty McClean the 2008 New Zealand Draught Master Champion and Laura Smith Lion Nathan’s Quality Assurance Executive.

“All the finalists have worked hard to be here and it has showed in the level of skill we’ve seen with the 9-Step Pouring Ritual,” says Pearce. “This is such an achievement for Harriet and a testament to her skill. We encourage people to go to Trevino’s to appreciate the perfect Stella Artois pour.”