Live Oak Brewing

From its humble beginnings in a repurposed sausage factory on East 5th Street, Live Oak Brewing has blossomed into a beloved Austin institution. Live Oak Brewing has always marched to the beat of its own drum. This dedication to traditional methods, particularly evident in their signature Live Oak Pilz, was a bold move in a market then saturated with Pale Ales. Founded in 1997 by Chip McElroy and Brian Peters, the brewery was almost an anomaly. They dared to specialize in lagers, particularly Pilsners, a style requiring time, precision, and a deep understanding of traditional European brewing techniques. Live Oak Brewing embraced the challenge head-on. McElroy and Peters believed that the key to brewing exceptional lagers lay in honoring the old ways. They employed decoction mashing, a labor-intensive process that involves slowly heating portions of the mash to develop complex malt flavors, a rarity in modern brewing. Today, Live Oak Brewing, nestled on 22 acres of picturesque land near the Colorado River, stands as a testament to their vision. The sprawling beer garden, shaded by the namesake live oaks, buzzes with activity, hosting everything from family gatherings to live music events. Visitors can savor Live Oak Brewing’s flagship Pilz, a crisp and refreshing testament to their dedication to traditional methods. The brewery has expanded its repertoire, embracing smoked beers like the Grodziskie, a nearly extinct Polish style, and the smoky Oaktoberfest. Live Oak Brewing’s story is an intricate blend of perseverance, passion, and unwavering commitment to quality. It’s a story best enjoyed with a chilled glass of their beer, beneath the shade of those enduring live oaks.