Who will become the Dutch Beer Tapping Champion?

Beer tappers from across the Netherlands will compete in local and regional competitions over the coming months for a spot in the national final, which is traditionally held at Horecava 2016 in Amsterdam. Following the regional competition at the Horecabeurs Goes earlier this year, the four other regional competitions are on the agenda.

Unable to participate in a regional competition or did you not make it to the final? Then you CAN ALSO participate in a local competition; double the chances! Approximately 20 local competitions are being organized. In total, over 1,500 professional beer tappers will compete for the coveted title of ‘Dutch Beer Tapping Champion’. The championship is an initiative of Stichting Tapwedstrijden.nl and is held to further improve tapping quality in the Dutch hospitality industry.

Regional competitions
Wednesday, October 7: Limburg Regional Competition at the BBB Fair Maastricht
Monday, October 12: Regional competition Hospitality Fair North Netherlands in the Martinikerk in Groningen
Monday, October 26: East Netherlands Regional Competition at the Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen
Monday, November 9: West Netherlands Regional Competition at A9 Studios in Uitgeest

Strict expert jury and tapping protocols
During the competitions, the national jury evaluates the tapped beer based on the head, presentation, and 34 other points. During regional competitions, the top three beer tapsters advance to the national final. Jury chairman Gerrit Verweij: “The interest is high, and therefore we have to be strict. The participants are judged based on strict tapping protocols. Ultimately, an expert jury consisting of former winners, hospitality heroes, beer sommeliers, and beer experts determines who will advance to the national final.”

Hospitality worker and 18 years or older?
Anyone who is 18 years or older and works in the hospitality industry can participate. You can register via the website. www.tapwedstrijden.nlDo that quickly, as there is a maximum number of participants per competition. The website also explains what is expected of the participants and the criteria the jury will use for evaluation. This tapping protocol can now also be viewed as a video on the site.

Craftsmanship and professionalization
Gerrit Verweij, Stichting Tapwedstrijden Nederland: “The enthusiasm from the hospitality industry to organize their own competition has increased further this year. This is logical, as it is a great opportunity to showcase your establishment and the craftsmanship of your staff. That is important for these businesses! The organization of the tap competitions has been further professionalized this year, making it even easier to participate. Our new website www.tapwedstrijden.nl is important support for the organizers.”