With 162 bars competing this year in the Pintmaster competition it came down to 5 finalists from across the country who met head to head at the Classic Comedy Club in Auckland on 8th December.

An entertaining evening of Guinness, comedy and music, the Perfect Pour round saw one judge award full points to two of the bars. Across all four judges only 3 points separated the Pint scores. 

At the Halfway stage, newcomers to the competition, The Irishman from Christchurch, led by the smallest of margins in what was the highest scoring first round in the competition's short history.

"The confidence and standard of the pints poured were remarkable  - especially when you consider the amount of pressure on the teams" commented Laura Smith, Guinness Quality Manager for New Zealand.

With the audience entertained by the humour and banter of MC Paul Ego, the Guinness cocktail round saw a significant step up from previous years. 

Though the Fox and Hounds' cocktail based on coffee brewed from Guinness and spectacular dry ice theatricals stole the most gasps from the crowd it just wasn't enough. D4's 'Good Night and God Bless' complimenting their prevous year victory with 'Good Morning Guinness' also came close but the overall winner, Pog Mahones scored perfect marks for creative thought and originality with their cocktail entitled the 'Spirit of Guinness'.

"I really thought JD and Tom from The Fox and Hounds had edged us out" a jubliant but unbelieving Jim proclaimed, whilst a beaming Selena was more happy to heap praise on "the brilliant idea" that he team member had concocted for the cocktail. 

In a night too close to call, no one was able to sit with any degree of confidence as one by one the bars produced exceptional entries in both rounds. Whilst ecstatic to have achieved a spot in the final, Mike from the Irishman along with Sandy and Gayle from Waxy OShea's were both looking forward to repeating their regional success next year. "We'll be back!"

On behalf of Guinness in New Zealand, congratulations and thanks to everyone who took part in the 2010 PintMaster competition - from the Guinness pubs and bars to those who enjoy a great Guinness pint amongst friends at these fine establishments.


Slainte