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Pilsner Urquell is the flagship brand of SABMiller and is the original Pilsen from Pilsner. Pilsner Urquell’s International Master Bartender Awards programme is one of the largest and most fought for accolades of the beer world. Pilsner Urquell are passionate about the quality in which their beer is served and educating the discerning beer drinker of the heritage of the beer and the brand, this programme in turns teaches those who are serving the beer all they need to know to pass on to beer drinkers around the world.
The competition has been running for 6 years and aims to seek out the most dedicated and talented individuals, who are recognised for their passion and commitment at the annual International Master Bartender Awards. Essentially’s events team has successfully run this event since 2006. The competition sees 4,000 bartenders from 17 countries competing for the coveted title.
Essentially worked closely with the Czech team, based at the brewery, to put on the 2011 event which involved 15 finalist bartenders and their guests staying 2 nights in Pilsen to be put through a vigorous series of tests and educational programmes. The bartenders were joined in Pilsen by international press, VIP guests and national runners up before all heading to Prague and the magnificent Rudolfinum for the awards ceremony.
2011 was the first year in which a live on stage final was held to determine the best bartender. Five shortlisted bartenders were announced and invited to the onstage bar to produce the perfect pour and be interviewed by a judging panel made up of international beer experts and governing bodies.
During the meal the judge’s votes were counted live on stage whilst the 200 guests enjoyed music from world renowned jazz artist Clare Martin and her band. Following the announcement of the 2011 International Master Bartender, Ireland’s Fearghus McCormick, the press frenzy began and the after party got into full swing with London’s 606 Club band Samara getting everyone up dancing.
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