Heineken has announced the results of their Star Quality Tournament, which saw state champion bartenders battle it out at Melbourne’s Middle Park Hotel on Saturday. Taking home the coveted Heineken® National Star Quality title was Mirco Tarducci of CY O’Connor in WA.

Bartenders from over 100 venues nationwide were rigorously evaluated on their mastery of the Heineken five-step Star Quality ritual: rinse, pour, skim, check, and serve. The tournament highlights a renewed focus on the 5-step Star Quality ritual from Heineken® Australia, following years of consumer research.

Country Manager Dino Bozzone commented: “We have over seven years of mystery shopping research which has identified that consumers are twice as likely to repurchase a Heineken® if the Bartender complies with the five steps. We want to ensure Australian consumers have a consistently premium experience wherever they purchase a Heineken®.”

The Heineken® Star Quality Tournament isn't just about pouring a beer; it's about creating an unparalleled drinking experience. Judges scrutinised each pour, ensuring that every pint adhered to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship and was served correctly. From the perfect head forming a seal atop the beer, to the meticulous attention to detail at every step of the process, these bartenders epitomise excellence.

"We brought the best of the best to Melbourne this weekend and we’re thrilled to see Australian bartenders’ commitment to excellence in hospitality, which certainly showed in their attention to detail with our five step Star Quality ritual”, said Tom Vos, Global Heineken® Star Quality Ambassador.

Each of the state winners were given tickets to attend the  F1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024 over the weekend, including two nights of accommodation, flights and their food and beverage, but as the national winner, Mirco Tarducci will also take home a $500 Lion voucher.