Jaroslav Učík from Vrchlabí won a silver medal at the world championship of bartenders – Pilsner Urquell Master Bartender

„The level of competition gets better every year, and the performance of this year’s participants is clear proof of it. The competition helps to preserve this national treasure, and especially for us, the brewmasters, such a response and a dedicated approach to serving the elite Pilsner Urquell beer are a true show of appreciation of our work,“ said Václav Berka, Senior Marketing Brewmaster of Plzeňský Prazdroj brewery and a long–time member of the international panel of the Pilsner Urquell Master Bartender competition, commenting on the competition. 

The international finals round took place on October 4th and 5th, 2011 in Plzeňský Prazdroj brewery and in Prague (Praha). The winners of the national rounds from 15 countries, including three ladies, competed not only in practical knowledge and skills but also in their knowledge of history and the brewing process of Pilsner Urquell beer. The main discipline was, of course, the drawing of Pilsner Urquell beer. The key to success in the competition is not just a  fabulous way of drawing Pilsner Urquell lager and the ability to present one’s rich knowledge of the craft, but also the ability to enrich one’s  presentation by his personality and make it a fun and entertaining show.

The winner of the national round, Jaroslav Učík from z  Restaurant „U Učíků“ in Vrchlabí, faced the difficult task of defending last year’s victory of the Czech Lukáš Svoboda. In the stiff competition of international finalists, he proved himself by capturing the wonderful second place. As he admitted, much effort and the great support of his friends backed his success.

„I took my preparation for the international round very seriously. I studied daily and listened to ideas and the knowledge of friends and experts. Last year’s champion, Lukáš Svoboda, and even a theater company helped me with the presentation of the Plzeň lager. I must not forget to thank my „regulars“ who are Pilsner Urquell lager devotees as am I. I would not be here without their support,“ said Jaroslav Učík. With his success, he also brought prestige to his pub, where the served guests do not have to question the quality of Plzeň beer. 

Pilsner Urquell Master Bartender competition targets all able bartenders and barmaids who love to share their passion for their craft and their love of Pilsner Urquell lager. To measure up to the world–class competition, they must be able to perfectly draw beer, convince the panel of their knowledge of the history, the brewing process, and unique qualities of Plzeň beer, and must also be able to present this premium quality beer with wit and charisma.

This year, 320 Czech bartenders entered Pilsner Urquell Master Bartender competition, and in all 15 countries, there were 4000 more participants. With all six years combined, there are now 16,000 able and ambitious bartenders who attempted to win the title of the Bartender Champion of the World.

Top three bartenders of International Pilsner Urquell Master Bartender 2011 competition

1. Fearghus McCormack, Ireland
2. Jaroslav Učík, Vrchlabí, Czech Republic
3. Peter Skripko, Slovakia

For more information:
Vladimír Jurina, Plzeňský Prazdroj, Phone: +420 724 617 886

Notes for editors:

• With its total sale of 9.9 million hectoliters in the calendar year of 2010 (including its licensed foreign production) and with exports to more than 50 countries around the world, Plzeňský Prazdroj is the foremost producer of beer in the region and the biggest exporter of Czech Beer.
• Plzeňský Prazdroj, a. s., is a member of SABMiller plc. Pilsner Urquell is the international flagship of the brand portfolio of SABMiller.

Praha