A BARMAN from York is at the top of his game after being named the UK’s “beer-pouring connoisseur” by Belgian brewer Stella Artois.

Jordan McGuigan, who tends the bar at the Mercure Fairfield Manor hotel in Skelton, became the Stella Artois 2015 UK Draught Master after he won the national heats held in Leuven, Belgium.

He had already stood out in the regional leg of the competition, which involved a video application as well as a face-to-face demonstration of his so-called perfect pour and bartender finesse at a competition in Sheffield.

That put him right through to the UK finals in Leuven where he then outshone the other five competitors and won a hard-fought place in the international heats.

He said: “The two-day national final was an unforgettable experience.

"The competition was so fierce and the standard extremely high so hopefully with the finals being held in London in 2015 we can produce a British Champion.

“To be crowned UK champion is absolutely unbelievable and I can’t wait to represent my country in the Draught Masters final.”

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Jordan will now head to London to represent the UK at the 2015 Stella Artois World Draught Masters final in June, where he will compete with finalists from more than 30 nations.

The judges, who included two former winners of the international competition, all agreed that Jordan topped an exceptional field of competitors by demonstrating an outstanding level of artistry.

His boss at the hotel, general manager Gordon Stewart, praised Jordon’s initiative and flair.

“He did this off his own back. He’s a great guy, and the passion and the initiative that he has is fantastic.

“He’s a great example to the rest of the team with his dedication and his effort.”

The next step for 25-year-old Jordan is the global final, to be held in London in late June, when the prize is chance to set off on a global journey visiting more than 30 countries as a Stella Artois Brand Ambassador.

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According to the competition organisers, there is a "nine step pouring ritual" for Stella Artois:

  1. The Purification - The chalice must be cleaned and rinsed.
  2. The Sacrifice - The tap is opened in a single swift motion and the first drops of beer are poured.
  3. The Liquid Alchemy - The chalice must be held at a 45° angle, just under the tap.
  4. The Head - Lowering the chalice permits the natural formation of the foam head.
  5. The Removal - The tap is closed quickly and the chalice removed. No drips permitted.
  6. The Beheading - While the head foams up and threatens to overflow, a head cutter is deployed to smooth it gently.
  7. The Cleansing - The bottom and sides of the chalice are to be cleaned.
  8. The Judgment - The perfect amount of foam equals two fingers.
  9. The Bestowal - The beer should be presented on a clean coaster, with the logo facing outward.