The winner beat 19 other aspirants in the competition held this morning in Valencia, and in which Francisco Javier Estornell from Bonestar’s Bistro, in Sueca (Valencia), was named runner-up. Nuria Liliana Torres from London Beer in Gandía, Vanesa Martínez from El Guiño in Valencia and Paula Corina Badea from Restaurante Bacus in Valencia were the three other finalists.
Nolich in Valencia was the setting for the Valencia edition of the VI Campeonato de Tiraje de Cerveza Estrella Galicia(Estrella Galicia Beer Pulling Competition) in Extremadura. A total of 20 aspirants competed in different rounds for the title of Best Beer Puller, supported by the attendees at the event.
After different phases during which they had to demonstrate their skill at serving both draught and bottled beer, and answering a range of questions about the world of beer, Manuel Barragán from GBM Coffee&Cocktail Club in Elda, has won the title of Best Beer Puller in Valencia. The winner highlighted the importance of these contests that help to continue spreading beer culture. “Winning this contest makes me extremely happy as it is a recognition of the daily and constant work that we, bartenders, carry out – helping to make our profession professional,” he said.
Francisco Javier Estornell from Bonestar’s Bistro in Sueca (Valencia) was the runner-up. Both will represent their region in the Spain Championship that will take place in May within the Salón de Gourmets in Madrid
Both champion and runner-up competed against each other alongside another three aspirants: Nuria Liliana Torres from London Beer in Gandía, Vanesa Martínez from El Guiño in Valencia and Paula Corina Badea from Restaurante Bacus in Valencia.
The five finalists took home their weight in beer as well as a cash prize. The winner won €600, the runner-up, €400 and other three finalists, €150 each. They were all also given a diploma certifying their participation
The participants were judged by an expert jury, presided over by Xabier Cubillo, Beer Culture Expert at Hijos de Rivera, who had to evaluate the quality, efficacy and speed of service, as well as the aspirants’ knowledge about the world of beer. The remaining members of the jury were Davinia Martínez, current Valencia runner-up and winner of the V National Championship; Francisco Martí, current Valencia Champion; and Francisco Calamonte, winner of the II National Championship.
The aim of the championship is to promote beer culture and reward the work carried out by bartenders as an essential part of our Estrella Galicia brand. The professionalism demonstrated by establishments when serving is essential in order to be able to offer our consumers all the possibilities that our beer has to offer.
