World of Beer is a chain focused on craft beer and a tavern menu featuring various bar bites, sandwiches, etc. The first WOB in NYC opened in Chelsea on Monday, 8/31, and I made it a point to check it out.
World of Beer has been on NYC's craft beer radar for months. They've had several false starts on their grand opening, spanning about a month and a half of changing dates, until they finally set, and stuck to, the 8/31 opening.
The entrance to the new WOB is unassuming, sitting on 8th ave between 25th and 26th streets. I actually walked past it as I got out of the subway, eventually realizing I was two blocks north of the location. Once I entered the bar I was pleasantly surprised at the design of the space. A long, wooden bar encompasses several beer fridges and an elaborate tap system plus a "randle" beer infuser. There are plenty of seats at the bar and as well as tables and couches. Theres also a stage for livd music. This WOB location also has food and spirits. The other location I've been to, in Florida, only had beer.
In any case, I wasn't there on opening night for the food or whiskey. No offense to food and whiskey, I'm a huge fan, but I was there for the beer. I took a look at the opening night tap list earlier in the day and was disappointed there wasn't anything that jumped out to me as special for a grand opening. Sure, they had dogfish head 120 minute IPA, but that was the only beer with some wow factor. I dug deeper into the list and landed on a few I wanted to try.
First up was bockor cuvée des jacobins rouge. It's a Belgian Flanders red aged for a year and a half. I've gotten really into sour beers this summer so I looked it up on beeradvocate.com. It was very well reviewed, 95 from ba and a 4.29 out of 5 reader average, so I made it my number one draft pick. It was probably the most sour beer I've ever had, yet it wasn't overpowering. I could still pick up tons of cherry and slight vanilla and wood notes. I agree with the 4.29 reader average, a very good beer and a great example of a Flanders red.
For my second beer I wanted something with a little more kick. It was between the Andean kuka white chocolate stout and Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan Brouwerij Straffe Hendrik Belgian quadrupel. After tasting both (WOB is always generous with their tasters) I opted for the quad. It was malty and had a good combination of yeast and fruit notes.
Overall I was glad to try two beers I've never had before and enjoy them both at a new easy to get to spot. The bar filled up and there was a good crowd overall. I spoke to one of the managers and he assured me they'll have some quality upcoming events and will be getting more rare kegs in soon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
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