Katarina Van Derham is the newest St. Pauli Girl spokesmodel. Unlike her predecessors, the latest to carry this honor won through an online election. The people have spoken, and Van Derham will bring them their beer! The election was conducted via Maxim.com and consisted of four finalists. The competition was fierce, but one look makes it clear that beer goggles will not be necessary in 2009!

Van Derham is a native of Slovakia and grew up in a small village in the woods – a story that seems to add to the mystique. More than just a pretty face, she speaks five languages and bears a striking resemblance to the young lady on the bottle's label. As a result, she is now the 26th person to carry the responsibility of being the world's hottest ambassador of malted beverages. "Being named the 2009 St. Pauli Girl means the world to me," said Van Derham. "I am very honored and look forward to meeting St. Pauli Girl fans all over the country."

The latest beer gal moved to the United States when she was 22 years old and had no intention to become a model. As a waitress in Los Angeles, though, she caved to the peer pressure four years later, and the rest, as they say, is brewing history. Van Derham became a U.S. citizen last year and voted for the first time in the U.S. presidential election in November. Now, in addition to modeling, she works in web design for an architectural graphic design firm."

Let's all welcome her into our hearts ... and stomachs!

Gallery: 2009 St Pauli Girl

Filed under: Food and Drink, Europe, Slovakia