By Annette Shailer
After a national search for Australia’s best professional beer pourer, the winner of the Stella Artois Draught Master competition was announced at Sydney’s Kit and Kaboodle on Wednesday night (Sept 9).
The heavily contested competition saw four finalists battle it out, with victor Dylan Eisenhut from Hugos Manly winning more than $33,000 in prizes.
Narrowly beating Patrick Benad from Balmain’s Belgian Bier Café, Eisenhut won the competition by entertaining the judges while serving via the correct pour and bar techniques.
“I’m absolutely over the moon,” Eisenhut said. “To represent Stella Artois and Australia in a global competition is a huge privilege”.
The celebrity component of the competition saw Channel 7’s James Tobin crowned the Stella Artois Celebrity Draught Master, receiving a cheque for $1500 to donate to the Make a Wish Foundation – the charity of his choice.
Comedian Josh Lawson hosted the event, while a panel of industry experts were joined by MasterChef Australia contestant Chris Badenoch and Getaway’s Jason Dundas on the judging panel.
Eisenhut will now fly with a friend to New York City to represent Australia in the global final of the 2009 Stella Artois World Draught Masters in October.