Every sip of an ice-cold Belgian beer is an experience delivered from many years of brewing expertise. And for Stella Artois, each drop of beer must be poured with precision and perfection to offer an exquisite taste connoisseurs deserve. This is done through the brand’s nine-step pouring ritual that has stood the test of time.  

Born from the passion for delivering a full-bodied, authentic flavor of Belgian beer, the nine-step pouring ritual follows strict standards in beer pouring. To ensure that this ritual is preserved and will endure through time, Stella Artois hosted its 2nd Draught Masters Philippines Competition last June 22 at Fairmont Hotel, Makati City. Here, bartenders from various restaurants, bars, and hotels showcased their expertise in the nine-step pouring ritual. The top three performers will represent the country as finalists in the regional finals in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Our nine-step ritual is a dance between the Chalice and the Draught Master. It is observed properly to serve a pleasantly bitter beer flavor we’ve always loved,” says Chester Cabrera, Head of Marketing, Booze Online, Inc. “With the second installment of Draught Masters Philippines, Stella Artois would like to share the brand’s over 600 years of brewing expertise by keeping our time-honored, nine-step pouring ritual alive.”

Step 1: Purification 

The ritual begins with the bartender giving the signature Stella Artois chalice a cold-water bath, letting it reach the same temperature as the beer. For Stella Artois, the glass is a chalice designed to offer the authentic taste and aroma of the beer. 

Step 2: The Sacrifice

In a single swift motion, the tap is opened but the first drops of beer are drained away—a sacrifice to guarantee that each drop poured into the chalice delivers the freshest taste. 

Step 3: The Liquid Alchemy

The chalice is held at a 45-degree angle to ensure that the beer circulates as it enters the glass, resulting in the perfect combination of liquid and foam. 

Step 4: The Crown

As the beer pours, the chalice is gracefully straightened and lowered to form a perfect foam, which seals the beer’s freshness by preventing the exposure of liquid to air. 

Step 5: The Removal

Here, a smooth and fluid exit is guaranteed by closing the tap quickly and removing the chalice to avoid any last drops from entering. 

Step 6: The Beheading

The head is trimmed using a foam cutter at a 45-degree angle. This ensures that your glass of Stella Artois is void of large, loose bubbles that can speed up the dissipation of the foam. 

Step 7: The Judgement

The final head serves as a protection that keeps the freshness of the beer. Its thickness must be three centimeters (two fingers) to ensure that the flavors are locked in. 

Step 8: The Cleansing

The chalice is dipped in cold water to rinse the outside. The result is a neat, brilliant-looking chalice that is pleasant to hold. 

Step 9: The Bestowal

For full appreciation, the chalice is placed on a coaster with a drip catcher at the base. This caps off the ritual with a perfectly served glass of Stella Artois for a Belgian beer bliss.  

Each step in Stella Artois’ nine-step pouring ritual guarantees the freshest flavor and aroma of the Belgian beer. This process also ensures the best drinking experience for its patrons. With the brand’s dedication to offer the best tasting experience of a perfectly poured beer, this ritual will live on.