Heineken Star Serve Bartender Finals 2019 @ S’mores, Jaya One
In December 2019, I headed to S’mores at Jaya One for the Heineken Star Serve Bartender Finals 2019. Eight of Malaysia’s best bartenders competed for the title of the country’s top Heineken bartender and a trip to the Heineken Global Bartender Final in Amsterdam, the home of Heineken.
The night opened with a mirror and laser dance performance that set a fun, high-energy mood before the competition began.
The Five-Step Star Serve
Before the finals, Heineken trainers toured eight cities and trained more than 600 bartenders in the Star Serve pouring ritual. It has five steps:
- Rinse – the glass is rinsed in cold water so it is clean and chilled.
- Pour – the beer is poured at an angle into the glass.
- Skim – the excess foam is skimmed off the top.
- Check – the head and fill level are checked.
- Serve – the beer is presented to the customer.
It was interesting to learn how much care goes into something as simple as pouring a beer. Technique alone was not enough, though; the judges were also looking for personality and charisma.
The Finalists and the Winner
The eight finalists came from bars across the country, from Penang, Ipoh, Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru, Malacca, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Supporters cheered loudly as each one attempted the perfect pour in the first round, and the final four then went head to head.
In the end, Jack Loh from Maze Eatery and Bar in Ipoh was crowned champion and won an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Malaysia in Amsterdam.
Final Thoughts
Watching a bartending competition made a fun change from the usual food event, and it was a good reminder that a well-poured beer really does taste better. Next time you order a draught, watch for those five steps.