What are Beer Stewards

What is the role of a beer steward?

They are the gatekeepers of the competition. Beer stewards make sure the beer is served in the right condition, the correct temperature, in the right category and it’s the correct beer. They must be objective. In cases where there is physical damage to the bottle or can, they will ask the judge whether they would like to try another sample from a different bottle or can.

Beer has varied packaging and there are many different opening and pouring methods. Stewards must pour the beer to the same standard (head retention, with bubbles or no bubbles) no matter which format the beer comes in. Some Belgian beer is highly carbonated, therefore if all beers are poured the same the Belgian beer might overflow. Only a steward knows the best method to pour each and every beer.

How to become a beer steward at HK IWSC?

Studied Beer Judge Certification Program or Cicerone Certification Program. To become a Head Beer Steward at HK IWSC one must be a well-recognised Certified Cicerone, of which there are less than 10 in HK.

Warren Yu Bar Manager, Carbon Brew, HK IWSC Head Beer Steward Certified Cicerone Certified BJCP Judge