Sapporo is challenging Australia’s bartenders to prove they’ve mastered the art of the Sapporo Pour.
The Japanese beer brand has launched The Sapporo Pour, a bartender competition celebrating the traditional two-part pour used in Japan. It comes as more Australians are reaching for a Sapporo, with sales rising more than 11% in the past year alone.
The challenge is simple: bartenders at Sapporo tap venues are invited to film and upload their best pour, using the two-part-pour tap, from the initial pull through to the final push, and put their technique to the test.
If bartenders ‘DO NOT disappoint Shimo-san’, they could win a trip to Tokyo, on an all-expenses-paid trip.
Sapporo Marketing Manager, Amy Kearney, said one very serious judge would be watching on.
“Sapporo has been educating bartenders on the Sapporo Pour for some time,” she said.
“The technique is simple and hasn’t changed. This time, however, we’ve given bartenders an extra reason to get it right: Shimo-san’s disappointment. He’s not difficult to impress.
He’s just very, very disappointed when he sees a poorly poured Sapporo.
“Shimo-san is incredibly passionate about the two-part-pour tap because it’s been designed to deliver the best Sapporo experience, bringing out more aroma, flavour and a signature silky, creamy head.”
Sapporo Beer Sensei, Shimo-san said there’s pouring a beer, and then there’s pouring a Sapporo.
“I do not ask for much. Just that you follow the steps correctly,” he said.
“Start with a chilled Sapporo glass, pull the tap forward for cold, clear beer from the beer hole, and pour at a 45-degree angle. Slowly straighten the glass then push the tap to get foam from the foam hole, creating the fine-bubbled, velvety head that makes a Sapporo at its very best.
“When the steps are followed, I am very happy. When they are not… I am very disappointed.”
The ultimate prize on offer is a trip to Tokyo for the winning bartender and a guest, plus their bar manager or owner (and a guest) including flights, five nights’ accommodation, $1,000 spending money per person and beer vouchers for Sapporo’s bars in Tokyo.
Ten runners-up will win Sapporo beer and merchandise packs.
Entries are open now, with the winner drawn 11 March 2027. Enter The Sapporo Pour at https://sapporopour.com.au/
To request a back of bar promo kit, or to range Sapporo on tap, get in touch. Call 1300 555 166 (SA/NT 08 8440 1800) or email promotions@coopers.com.au
Shimo-San is watching: Aussie bartenders could win a trip to Tokyo – if they don’t disappoint him
