Live Oak Brewing

Live Oak Brewing Company has been making beer in Austin, Texas since 1997.

We employ an old-world style of brewing rarely found in America but practiced extensively throughout central Europe. We source only the best authentic ingredients, and use a time-consuming mash, open fermentation, and secondary lagering process. The result has achieved both regional and national acclaim, but more importantly, the satisfaction of loyal beer drinkers who appreciate our beer-making efforts.

I got to try the majority of their regular lineup. Each of them were superbly well crafted and on point for their style.

Pilz is clean, crisp, and refreshing. It has a really nice balance of bready malts and grassy hops. A great example of one of my favorite beer styles.

Glassware: I Prefer Craft Beer Silhouette Series IPA Glass

Live Oak’s Hefeweizen has lots of banana flavor, a nice amount of clove, with grainy malts peaking through.

The Berliner Weisse is tied with the Pilz for my favorite of these brews. It has a delightful lemony tartness with bready malt in the background. I could drink this one every day.

Glassware: I Prefer Craft Beer Silhouette Stout Glass

I didn’t like the Grodziskie, but don’t let that dissuade you from trying it as I’ve yet to find a smoked beer I enjoyed. I can tell this is a well made beer. Under all that smokiness it is perfectly balanced. I just do not enjoy the smoked flavor.

Glassware: I Prefer Craft Beer Silhouette Stout Glass

Big Bark is a great example of the fantastic Vienna Lager style. Malty and flavorful, yet extremely smooth, clean, and refreshing. Caramel malts dominate with a hint of earthy hops.