FROM THE NIGHTCLUB & BAR SHOW
“The Belgians have mastered the art of the perfect pour, which not only ensures the utmost enjoyment of their distinctive beers but also showcases the pouring process itself,” says Paul Byrne, product manager for Stella Artois. A classic Belgian lager, Stella Artois is golden in color with exceptional clarity and a spicy hop flavor. Other featured Belgian beers included Hoegaarden, a white beer with a unique, refreshing flavor and a spicy nose, and Leffe Blonde, an authentic and respected Belgian “abbey beer,” a category almost exclusive to Belgium.

The Belgian Pouring Ritual is a nine-step process that includes “purifying” the glassware, “sacrificing” the first beer poured from the tap, and “beheading” the beer for the perfect head of foam.

“We’re proud to highlight the country’s legendary gold standard of beer service for American consumers,” Byrne adds, “by holding the U.S. Stella Artois Draught Master Competition.”

The competition was held at PURE Nightclub at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. A combination of speed balanced with a steady hand and perfect form earned bartender Anthony Alba the title of U.S. Stella Artois Draught Master and a trip to Belgium to represent the United States at the Stella Artois World Draught Master Competition in October. Bartenders Darlene Perales and Genie Gene placed second and third.

DESSERT COCKTAILS
Cheesecake … chocolate … à la mode … combine one part of your spirit of choice with two parts of a Daily’s Creative Cocktail Mix from their new Divine Collection. One cocktail idea is Lover’s Cheesecake Martini: 4 parts Daily’s Divine Cheesecake, 1/2 part Daily’s Strawberry Mix poured into the bottom of a glass, and 2 parts vanilla rum. Shake well with ice and strain into a martini glass rimmed with a graham cracker crust. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a dollop of whipped cream.

NEW FROM HOLLAND
ChocoVine, a blend of chocolate and French Cabernet Sauvignon, was created by Team Products, a division of DeKuyper, and imported by Clever Imports, LLC. Europa, a new line of cream liqueurs also from Team Products, is available in tiramisu, lemon meringue, and piña colada.

WYNDHAM MARGARITA
Wyndham Hotels’ new signature margarita combines imported from Italy GranGala Triple Orange Liqueur with El Milagro Tequila and lime juice for a guest-pleasing cocktail.

ORGANIC SAKE
Momokawa Organic Nigori and Momokawa Organic Junmai Ginjo sakes will be introduced this summer. They are the first certified 100 percent organic sakes made in the United States.

Dave Steadman is editor of Hotel Wine, Beer, and Spirits.