Kim Daniel Bergersen from Norway has tonight won Pilsner Urquell’s International Master Bartender (IMB) 2012 title, during a highly-competitive final in the Czech Republic, where he was victorious against an impressive group of finalists from 11 countries around the world.
The IMB quality assurance program was formed to celebrate this level of expertise, by bringing together talented bartenders from all over the globe in a showcase of their skill, passion and knowledge of the original Pilsner, Pilsner Urquell. Boasting a recipe that has remained untouched for 170 years, Pilsner Urquell’s fresh and unparalleled taste upholds the highest quality standards, something that is integral to the IMB competition.
The seventh annual IMB Final began its complex testing the moment the national finalists arrived in Pilsner Urquell’s home of Pilsen. The finalists had to impress the judges by completing a challenging written test, a thorough taste test, and an intense interview with the panel, held in the depths of the renowned Pilsner Urquell brewery. On the expert judging panel sat Alistair Gilmour, a renowned beer expert and beer writer, Fearghus McCormack, 2011’s IMB winner and a bar owner, Vaclav Berka, Pilsner Urquell’s famous Brewmaster, and Robert Lobovsky, Global Marketing Manager for Pilsner Urquell.
Bergersen is proud to take home the international title, “It is a huge honour to be named this year’s Pilsner Urquell International Master Bartender, I am thrilled. The competition was fierce and all of the bartenders are at the top of their game. I consider this year’s competition to be particularly special since it is Pilsner Urquell’s 170th anniversary; this is a moment that will stay with me forever.”
The Norwegian was awarded the esteemed title of International Master Bartender supported by IBA and Cicerone®, a majestic trophy, €10,000 cash, and a trip to one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities to experience the respective beer culture. The other top two finalists were Ota Haurythun of the Czech Republic, and Bryan Panzica of the United States, who both gave outstanding performances and demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge of Pilsner Urquell’s unique brewing techniques, as well as masterful displays in the art of pouring the perfect pint of Pilsner Urquell.
Petr Dvorak, Global Brand Director for Pilsner Urquell says, “Since the start of this competition, we have become continually inspired by the talented bartenders who have participated and the great amount of care, focus and dedication they put into each serve. This year’s competition has been very memorable, we could not have hoped for a better selection of bartenders to compete in the landmark year of Pilsner Urquell’s 170th anniversary.”
-Ends-
Notes to the editor:
IMB finalists:
Norway – Kim Daniel Bergersen
Czech Republic – Ota Haurythun
Finland – Meeri Saksman
Germany – Alex James Whitford
England – Paul Seagraves