World of Beer kicks off Journey Through Pilsners today

Despite its young history, the pilsner has become one of the world’s most popular yet least appreciated beer styles, inspiring countless interpretations of the original. From the Czech-brewed Pilsner Urquell that started it all to the earthy German pilsners and contemporary varieties by American craft brewers, World of Beer (WOB) is taking its guests on a four-week “Journey through Pilsners” directly from their barstools — WOB being an awesome franchise of craft variety taverns currently open in 20 states.

Beginning Feb. 16 through March 15, WOB has assembled an excellent collection of world-renowned and local pilsners to give guests a firsthand experience of this iconic golden brew. A special tapping of unfiltered, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell beer on March 12 will give guests an exclusive taste of the golden original. What’s more, pilsner fans can enter for a chance to win a trip to Plzen, Czech Republic, home of the Pilsner Urquell brewery and birthplace of the world’s first pilsner.

“Our Journey through Pilsners event is the first of many one-of-a-kind craft beer experiences we have in store for our guests in 2015,” said World of Beer CEO Paul Avery. “No other beer in the world has the pedigree and staying power of pilsner. From the Czech traditions that inspired the brew to its modern-day interpretations by local craft breweries, our pilsner journey will take our guests to places unexpected.”

WOB’s specially trained servers will be on hand to guide guests through the “Journey through Pilsner” experience and enhance their appreciation of the timeless beer. WOB servers are knowledgeable beer enthusiasts passionate about helping guests learn more about the beers and the stories behind them.

Old World pilsners meet American ingenuity

The “Journey through Pilsners” starts where this classic style began, with the world’s first golden beer, Pilsner Urquell, available on tap throughout the event. On Thursday, March 12, WOB will tap the Czech brewer’s unfiltered, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell at all of WOB’s nearly 70 locations. Kegs of this special pilsner are typically only available in the Czech Republic and will be express-shipped to the United States for peak flavor and freshness. In addition, each tavern will serve Weihenstephaner German Pilsner on draft from the world’s oldest brewery, the Weihenstephan Monastery Brewery. This is the first time these varied and distinct pilsners have been available in the U.S. on this scale.

• American pilsners will be well-represented through local brewery partnerships at each tavern. While offerings will vary from tavern to tavern, each will provide guests with an opportunity to compare and contrast the nuanced styles contributing to the pilsner revival. Additional highlights of the “Journey through Pilsners” event include:A Pilsner Urquell flight featuring three unique pours courtesy of a fountain tap common in the Czech Republic. Pours include: Crème (three fingers of head, a classic Czech pour); Slice (light, sweet foam fills 3Ž4 of the glass); and Sweet (all foam, bringing out the beer’s sweet maltiness).
• A second flight will feature four different pilsner styles from around the world, including Czech, German, American and the bartender’s choice.
• WOB loyalty club members who sample both flights will earn a special badge, available through WOB’s mobile app, and will be entered for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to Plzen. To become a loyalty member and take advantage of all perks, guests can sign up at their local WOB tavern. Ask a WOB server to learn more or visit the website, http://worldofbeer.com, for more information.
• Free Pilsner Beer School sessions with local brewery partners will offer pilsner sampling and education for 30 guests at select taverns.