Ottawa Bartender Wins Prestigious Draught Master Competition

Prime Pubs’ bartenders from across Canada pulled out all the stops in a fiercely heated competition for the coveted title of 2014 Prime Pubs Draught Master and a four day trip to Ireland. Jeff Taylor from D’Arcy McGee’s Sparks St. ended the evening victorious after wowing judges with his heartfelt Craic and talented Guinness pouring skills.

“Bartending is a real art and when it is done expertly the Guest experience is truly memorable,” says Nathan Cameron, National Beverage Manager, CARA Operations Ltd. “We host the annual Prime Pubs Draught Master competition to keep our bartenders at the top of their game. And with a four day, educational trip to Ireland, including a day at St. James Gate Brewery and $2,000 in spending money, as the prize it is our way of rewarding our top bartender for all of his hard work and dedication.”

Each competitor is given three minutes to showcase their skills, including demonstrating how to pour a perfect pint of Guinness, entertaining and engaging the crowd with their Craic – lighthearted Irish fun – and sharing a fact or story about Guinness or Ireland. Jeff’s genuine tale of experiencing his first pint of Guinness as an adult after growing up in a town so small it didn’t have a pub won over the judges.

To qualify for the competition, bartenders had to submit videos or earn points during a series of qualifying events that tested their knowledge of wine, beer and mixology at Prime Pubs’ annual Liquid Academy. The Draught Master competition, which was held at Fionn MacCool’s Brampton was the concluding event of the 2014 Liquid Academy. Of the 36 bartenders who participated in this year’s Liquid Academy or submitted video entries, only 15 won a spot to compete in the Draught Master’s Competition.

The task of choosing the winner was assigned to a panel of judges that included blogger Jennifer Cheung from Toronto lifestyle blog Dinosaurusrex.ca, W. Andrew Powell, editor-in-chief of online entertainment magazine THE GATE, Tim Kennelly, National Key Account Manager, Diageo Canada and Dean Campbell, Senior Director of Operations, Pubs.

“A great pub experience starts with a great bartender,” says Grant Cobb, SVP Casual Dining Brand, CARA Operations Ltd. “We run Prime Pubs Liquid Academy and Draught Master Competition annually to teach our bartenders the latest skills and trends so all of our pubs are always giving Guests a great experience.” ** About Prime Pubs ** Prime Pubs is a family of 28 premium operated by Cara Operations Ltd.  Prime Pubs are known by several monikers; Fionn MacCool’s , D’Arcy McGee’s, Paddy Flaherty’s and Tir nan Óg, all with the same high standards for food, drink and fun. Renowned for its extensive beverage selection, fresh, contemporary menu and live entertainment, Prime Pubs are one of Canada’s most revered families of pubs. For more information visit primepubs.com .