Starwood launches Four Points Best Brews Program in Asia Pacific

Four Points by Sheraton recently launched the Four Points Best Brews program in Asia Pacific, with the visit of the group’s first ever Chief Beer Officer (CBO) – Scott Kerkmans. 

As CBO, Kerkmans serves as an ambassador for the brand’s newly-launched Best Brews program and shows the masses the pleasure of a perfectly poured glass of beer. Kerkmans will share his in-depth knowledge of the wide world of beer and help cultivate and promote Best Brews’ offerings at brewery tours, beer festivals, and on bar stools across the region.

Following the successful launch of Best Brews program in North America, Four Points is now launching Best Brews program in Asia Pacific in conjunction with the Four Points PR Roadshow, which included visits to Australia, China and Singapore (in conjunction with the Singapore Beer Festival, where Scott is one of the judges at the Asia Beer Awards).

Kerkmans earned a seat at the Four Points boardroom table by impressing not only the brand’s executives, but also the beer-loving public. Nearly half of the 12,759 people from around the world who cast their vote for their favorite finalist felt Kerkmans was the perfect fit for this fabulous opportunity. Since the night his brother gave him a home brewing kit, Kerkmans has been extremely passionate about everything beer, from its production and pairings to sampling stouts and sharing his rich knowledge. This unique and all-consuming commitment to crafts helped him successfully beat out over 7,500 applicants from more than 30 countries – and three other highly-qualified finalists – for this unusual opportunity.

Kerkmans has dedicated both his professional and personal life to beer. This 28-year old Phoenix resident and former Head Brewer / Brewery Manager spent the past year starting and growing DRAFT, a national lifestyle magazine focused on beer and beer culture, in which he reviews this glorious libation on a weekly basis. He is also a certified beer judge who spends much of his free time seeking out new brews.

“It is an honor to be Four Points first-ever CBO,” said Kerkmans. “I look forward to sharing my love for beer with the thirsty public and introducing this fun beverage to those who have yet to discover the joy that can be found in a perfectly poured cold one. Being named the Four Points CBO and working with the brand on its outstanding Best Brews Program is the job of a lifetime.”

Four Points received more applications for this opportunity than any other job in the brand’s history. Applications immediately flooded in with the position’s announcement in mid-November 2006. The diverse pool of applicants represented six continents, all 50 states in the USA, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.

“We are thrilled to have Scott join us as CBO,” said Four Points’ Vice President Sandy “Suds” Swider. “We took our search for our newest executive very seriously, and Scott’s passion for beer and brew eloquence is truly unparalleled. We look forward to working with him to further develop the Best Brews program and spread the word about this wonderful simple pleasure in the year ahead.”

Through Best Brews, each Four Points hotel around the world will provide a selection of local, regional and imported craft beers from the extensive list of almost 300 available brews in bottles and on tap. Participating properties will offer a minimum of four draught beers and a selection of up to 20 bottled beers, including imports representing Belgium, Germany, England and the Czech Republic, as well as regional crafts.

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