Pilsner Urquell crowns Master Bartender

Now in its sixth year, IMB 2011 brought together 15 finalists from around the world to the beer’s birthplace of Pilsen where they sat intensive interviews in front of a panel of beer experts, wrote an arduous exam and demonstrated their knowledge, passion and skills in the heart of the brewery.

The competition was then narrowed to five bartenders in the final stage of testing in Prague, the finalists performed a bartender serving exercise in front of a live audience.

McCormack said: “I can’t begin to express how excited and proud I am to win this prize. All the bartenders have so much passion and have worked so hard to get here. I can’t wait to bring the inspiring legends of Pilsner Urquell to Dublin and across the globe.”

The prize includes a two-week intensive language course, followed by a staff position in an internationally renowned Pilsner Urquell flagship outlet. Fearghus will brew his own batch in the Pilsner Urquell micro-brewery that will be delivered on the eve of the anniversary to his pub.

Robert Kecskes of the Anthologist in London was named the UK Pilsner Urquell Master Bartender 2011, he was part of the top five finalists in the IMB.

Global brand director for Pilsner Urquell Petr Dvorak said: “More than 16,000 bartenders have taken part in the competition over its duration and it is great for us to see the care, focus and dedication they are putting into the serve. Each year, we are pleasantly surprised by the standards we see and remain committed to ensuring this professionalism is given the necessary rewards.”