Ricky Barbara (29), from Trout Bar and Restaurant, in Wanaka, took top spot at the Heineken Star Serve competition in Auckland on Wednesday night. Mr Barbara said practice set him apart from the other top pourers.
"It’s just practise, practise; just going through the motion and pouring all those beers for the boys in the kitchen and the regulars."
A perfectly poured beer had a nice head to keep the beer fresh until the last drop, he said.
There was also a distinct taste difference between a properly poured beer and one not poured with care.
"If it’s got a tiny little head the bubbles will leave very quickly and go flat unless you drink it super fast," he said.
Mr Barbara will travel to Amsterdam in September to compete against the best beer pourers from around the world.
"Hopefully, I can show New Zealand pours the best."
