Kaikohe pub pours to be toast of Irish export

Kaikohe's Bank Bar had made the regional finals of a Guinness pint master competition.Photo / File.

A Kaikohe pub is in the running to be named New Zealand's best pourer of Ireland's most famous export.

The owners of Bank Bar on Broadway, Kaikohe, will be heading to Auckland on Thursday for the Guinness Pint Master regional final.

John and Gayleen Maurice will be taking on bartenders from three other upper North Island pubs: The Quadrant (Hamilton), Hennessy's Irish Bar (Rotorua) and Claddagh Irish Pub (Auckland).

They were selected during October when Guinness lovers around the country were asked to rate bartenders on their service, taking into consideration the pour, presentation and friendliness.

Mrs Maurice said they were "stoked" to make it to the regional final.

Every customer who ordered a Guinness was given a card and asked to rate the quality of the pint and the bar staff. By texting or emailing the grades to the competition's organisers, customers were also eligible for prizes. Two Bank Bar regulars won iPods.

On the night of the regional final the contenders will be scored on the quality of their pour and the experience they give the crowd, with organisers hinting that a quirky personality and touch of humour won't go astray.

Each will also have to present a Guinness-based creation for tasting. Last year's competitors created everything from cocktails to desserts and Guinness pot pies.

The Guinness Pint Master upper North Island final starts at 6pm on Thursday at The Paddington, St George's Bay Rd, Parnell, Auckland. The national final will take place on December 5.