Professional Bartender Earns Stella Artois Draught Master Title, Wins Trip to Belgium LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- It was a combination of speed balanced with a steady hand and perfect form that ultimately gave bartender Anthony Alba the edge in the Stella Artois Draught Master Competition held last night at PURE Nightclub at Caesars Palace. Alba, who has tended bar since 1999, conquered other top bartenders to earn the title of Draught Master, along with a specially-designed Stella Artois chalice and a trip to Leuven, Belgium to represent the United States at the Stella Artois World Draught Master Competition in October. "I'm incredibly honored and excited," Alba said shortly after winning. "Pouring the perfect beer in Belgium is a time-honored tradition. I can't wait to try out my skills there, and against the best pourers from around the world." The Draught Master competition recognized the best bartenders for their ability to adhere to the Belgian Pouring Ritual - a nine-step process that includes "purifying" the glassware; "sacrificing" the first beer poured and "beheading" the beer for the perfect head of foam. The timed competition took place in front of a panel of six judges as well as a large audience of consumers and industry experts. Judges graded the competitors on their ability to pour a perfect glass of Stella Artois and Hoegaarden from draught. Competitors also were judged on how well they opened, poured and served bottles of Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe Blonde. Judges were looking for the perfect pour as well as a showcase of skills, style and personality. "Every bartender here tonight was a great competitor," said competition judge Cian Hickey, national draught director for Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe. "Their pouring skills were near perfection, which not only made for a great event, but also means consumers in Las Vegas are getting a perfectly poured Belgian draught beer whenever they visit the bars and restaurants where these talented people work." Coming in second and third were Darlene Perales and Genie Gene. For her second place finish, Perales won a Stella Artois Tap Handle trophy. For his third place finish, Gene won a Stella Artois chalice trophy. Each bartender in the competition was carefully selected by Anheuser-Busch representatives as well as the local wholesaler. The bartenders were chosen based on their ability to pour and present Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe perfectly using the traditional nine-step Belgian pouring ritual. "The Belgians have mastered the art of the perfect pour, which not only ensures the utmost enjoyment of the beer, but also showcases the pouring process itself," said Paul Byrne, product manager for Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe. "We're proud to highlight the country's legendary gold standard of beer service for American consumers." Stella Artois is a classic Belgian lager, golden in color with exceptional clarity and a spicy hop character. Hoegaarden is the Original Belgian White Beer, featuring a unique, refreshing flavor and spicy nose. Leffe Blonde is an authentic and respected Belgian "Abbey" beer, a category almost exclusive to Belgium. Stella Artois is 5.2 percent ABV; Hoegaarden is 4.9 percent ABV; Leffe Blonde is 6.6 percent ABV. All are brewed in Belgium and available nationwide. Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe Blonde are imported and distributed in the United States by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. DATASOURCE: Stella Artois CONTACT: Stacey Thomson of Anheuser-Busch, Inc., +1-314-577-0733, Web site: http://www.anheuser-busch.com/

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