Live Oak Pilz - Live Oak Brewing Company

aggiearcher13

Texas

3.95/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the Draught House in Austin.

A: Slight head, a little bit of lacing but not much to speak of. Very light golden straw color, slightly hazy, moderate carbonation.

S: Kind of a sweaty doughy aroma, which doesn't sound good but actually is rather pleasant. Grassy with a little bit of floral and peppery spice to it.

T: A lot going on with the flavor, spicy and bready, and some good bitterness from the saaz. Quite enjoyable.

M: Medium body, easy drinking. Fairly dry on the finish.

D: Pretty solid session beer, I really enjoyed it and will have to keep an eye out for it from now on.

Serving type: on-tap

10-08-2009 23:10:45 | More by aggiearcher13

DeathbySexyBT

Texas

3.85/5  rDev -1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is a very nice pilsner. It is not great, but a very respectable offering. The Heffe still takes the cake at Live Oak.

A: Golden yellow with a decent head that pulls an impressively disappointing disappearing act. Zilch in the way of lacing.

S: Noble hops with a razor sharp crispness and a pinch of peppery floral aroma.

T: Biscuity beginning with a strong showing by the noble hops. Floral and spicy bitterness after the swallow on the finish.

M: A tad under the medium body mark with a healthy dose of carbonation.

D: Very much so. This, if you are into such a thing, is a beer worth pounding.

Serving type: on-tap

08-26-2009 00:32:29 | More by DeathbySexyBT

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4.47/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Screw-top growler received via trade from SSW117. Thanks for the opportunity.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1/2" white head over the slightly cloudy golden brew. Head recedes gradually, with a solid coating of lace. Aroma is spicy hops. Taste is pale sweet upfront, lots of spicy Saaz in the middle, which just keeps on keeping on through the close. Mouthfeel is soft over the tongue, with the biting hops keeping it interesting, and drinkability is great. Go find some, you won't be sorry.

Serving type: growler

08-21-2009 20:40:24 | More by ppoitras

Reagan1984

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at the "Whip In" in Austin, TX while there on business. Beer came with little to no head and did not leave any lacing to speak of. The beer was a very light gold or straw color with just a few strands of carbonation .

Aroma was of dough with some grains, minerals and slightly of yeast.

Flavor was very. Nice.slight sweetness, bread like, nice spice and hop presence. Yeast flavor does come through. A bit too much yeast for my taste..

Body is thin, the feel is slightly chalky and crisp.

Very drinkable and definitely a session beer. A nice pilsner, but not on par with Victory Prima or Stoudts.

Serving type: on-tap

06-09-2009 03:31:06 | More by Reagan1984

mynie

Indiana

4.4/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Nice pour, dark filtered gold coruscating like champagne with a bright white head.

Smells light. Saaz hops are present, but not all that strong, and the regular pale malt lagered smooth that you expect from a pils, but not really complex or intense.

Tastes great, a lot more lively than the aroma had led me to believe. Big saaz beginning, moving into a middle of dandelions and barley, ending on a less bitter, more spicy saaz node. A wonderful amount of complexity for the style.

Very good. This Live Oak place seems like quite the joint.

Serving type: growler

05-16-2009 03:06:00 | More by mynie

bobbrew

Washington

4.25/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Disclaimer - I've only had this beer once and it was after I survived 1+ hours trying to give Rahr's beers a fair taste at their Saturday tasting (read mad house with free beer) recently (March 2008).

I happened upon the Gingerman in Fort Worth and after trying about 5 tastes of nothing special, I LOCKED onto Live Oak Pilsener! Whow what a treat! It was my life ring in a day of swarming beer sloshers at Rahr. This beer is a true Bohemian Pilz. Arguably my favorite pilsener of all time behind Tony Gomes' Saxer Pilsener.

I brought in my own pilsener glass and after about the 4th try the bartender poured it in the proper way. Slam it to the bottom from maximum height. Let it sit for 4 or 5 minutes and then nurse more gently down the side. A rocky snow cone head formed and rose about 1.5 inches above the rim.

The color is golden (didn't pay that much attention) but was opalescent as I remember Saxer's legendary product. The taste was clean and refreshing but the aftertaste is the grabber. It didn't lock my jaws as Tony's did but it dig grab me mid pallet and LINGERED! That's what I look for in a Pils and Live Oak delivered! Could it be that this sensation requires a decoction mash, or maybe a double?

I've been searching high and low lo 10+ years to find a replacement for my favorite, and now defunct, Pils and I've found a worthy substitute. And, in all places, Texas! I'd written off anything brewed in Tejas until I had this beer. Here's to hoping my second encounter will equal the first! Truly a World Class Pilsener! Bob SNOB from Washington / Portland

Serving type: on-tap

04-28-2009 15:07:45 | More by bobbrew

omnigrits

Texas

4.03/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at Austin Ginger Man.

Wonderful golden yellow colour with a strong head that's leaving not just lacing but a coat of head on the inside of the glass. The nose is a bit doughy but don't let that deter you - this is a crisp, hoppy, refreshing pilsener. Good body and carbonation. Very dry, bitter finish. A fine beer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2009 21:53:40 | More by omnigrits

jujubeast6000

Texas

2.55/5  rDev -34.4%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Reviewed 10/19/2008 (draft @ Alamo Drafthouse Ritz, Austin, TX):

Pours a clear yellow colored body, with a white colored head, lastingish. Has some aroma, but not very much. Some grain maybe, it's hard to tell. Bitter taste, with some malt, watery palate.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2009 15:40:35 | More by jujubeast6000

JonathanL7890

Texas

4/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on tap at the Dig Pub.
Pours a 2 finger head that dissipated slowly.
Color is straw and very clear.
Aroma is floral, grassy, noble hops
Taste is malty, smooth bitterness, bready, spicy, grainy. Very well balanced. Not as bitter as most pilsners.
Mouthfeel is solid. You can feel the graininess, viscosity of the malt. Excellent for a 4.9% beer that it is.
Drinkability: excellent also, One of my favorite pilsners.
A quiet shining star from the live oak brewery...

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2009 03:16:00 | More by JonathanL7890

pmcgill10

Texas

4/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this pilsner on tap at Live Oak Brewery in East Austin. Served in a plastic pint glass. Has a golden appearance with a frothy white head. Smells like hop heaven with an abundance of floral notes. Made with mostly czech ingredients -- Hops from bohemia, barley from moravia -- this is as czech as you can get in Texas. Hop bitterness up front balances well with the bready finish, a very straightforward lager. This is my idea of a czech pilsner: slightly malty, very bitter.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2008 09:06:12 | More by pmcgill10

stephens101

Oklahoma

4.5/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at Opal Divines in Austin along with Sunday brunch. Pours almost pure gold with a pure white head. Had a very thick lacing which stayed throughout the life of the drink. Tasted of big hops and spice with a perfect unmistakable pis crispness. Was really surprised at the hop bite on this one. Behind all of that there was some grain, yeasts, spice and grass. The lacing was thick throughout. There was a quick burst of bubbles on a shake, displaying the high carbonation of the beer. Excellent and tasty pils, and like no other I've had before.

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2008 22:56:10 | More by stephens101

dill

California

4.1/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

served on tap into a pint glass

A - a nice golden color with a thin, white head.

S - grainy, yeasty smell.

T - yeasty with a touch of hops at the end.

M - light carbonation with a medium body.

D - this is a highly drinkable beer as most of the Live Oak offerings tend to be.

Serving type: on-tap

04-09-2008 02:16:18 | More by dill

JDV

Texas

3.6/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pretty nice golden color with a smallish white head on tap. Heavy, doughy, musty yeasty smelling It smells strongly of mushy yeast and dough which isn't my favorite as the style goes, but still okay. As far as the taste, it is a lightly bitter bite, with a smooth finish. I didn't find this refreshing like some pilsners but rather, gooey and thicker from the heavily yeasty smell present in the nose, and also somewhat present in the taste. If you like heavy yeast flavor this is a great pilsner for you. I still prefer Live Oak's other beers to this, I'd say.

Serving type: on-tap

02-06-2008 21:38:19 | More by JDV

jasonjlewis

Texas

4.22/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

I was busy during this review so it isn't as in depth.

Nice thick head with great retention. Nice amber color.

Taste is simple. some pale malts and nice hop bitterness. Pilsners tend to be good and simple, and this one is no exception.

Mouthfeel is crisp and refreshing.

This beer is ridiculously well balanced and easy to drink.

Not a whole lot going on, but really good.

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2007 02:05:07 | More by jasonjlewis

MUSHROOMCLOUD

Texas

3.55/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Dark golden pilsner. 1/4" white head that falls quickly and leaves no lace.

S - Typical pils. Crackery malt and spicy hops.

T - Bready pilsner malt backed by a spicy hop bite. Very simple, but very tasty.

M - Light bodied with a decent amount of carbonation.

D - Good drinkability, very refreshing and easy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

06-17-2007 23:29:31 | More by MUSHROOMCLOUD

brentk56

North Carolina

4.28/5  rDev +10%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Arrives at the table with a hazy golden color and a modest head that didn't leave much lacing

Smell: Crisp and grassy noble hop aroma wih a slightly floral quality

Taste: Bready start with the crisp noble hop flavors emerging by mid-palate; after the swallow, the floral element comes on strong and provides a balanced, but distinctly bitter finish

Mouthfeel: Light to medium body with prickly carbonation

Drinkability: Eminently drinkable - one of the better domestic pilsners I have tasted; not as big and bitter as Victory but easier to drink because of the floral elements

Serving type: on-tap

05-15-2007 02:06:55 | More by brentk56

BeerZack

North Carolina

4.68/5  rDev +20.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Crisp golden body with nice white head that fades after a few sips.
The aromas coming off this beer are intoxicating themselves. Very "grassy", spicy hops with some citrus, makes your mouth water.

Tastes just like you would expect from the smell- dry and crisp spicyness riding over a soft grainyness that allows the hops to win the tug-o-war just enough to keep you thirsty.

This is my second favorite LO beer and probably one of my favorite Pilseners of all time (better than any bottled import I've tried; not as hoppy as a Victory Prima, but still a real craft beer). Can drink this stuff like it was made from water!

Serving type: on-tap

04-15-2007 16:10:55 | More by BeerZack

MEsquandoles

Texas

4.55/5  rDev +17%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On draft at Crown and Anchor in Austin, but have had it all around town many times. $3 pint during happy hour.

Hands down my favorite pilsner. While I am a fan of the "big beers," this is the pilsner with the most taste I've ever had. Has some that green bottle skunky taste like a true Czech pilsner but much more more fresh and tasty (only coming from a few miles away). Grassy, floral, some peppered grain, slightly hoppier than most, authentic ingredients...I could easily drink 2 pitchers of this in a night. Highly recommended to get a keg of. If you're ever in Austin or Texas, definitely try all of the Live Oaks. If only they bottled and had greater marketing and distribution...

Serving type: on-tap

02-09-2007 01:38:13 | More by MEsquandoles

AustinBeerLvr

Texas

4.28/5  rDev +10%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On my previous review of this brew, I think my palate must have been slightly off due to previous tastings.

This beer has an excellent balance of strong grassy somewhat citrusy hops with a slightly sweet malt to balance everything out. The after taste is awesome as the hop bitterness leaves you wanting more.

As I said above, this is a great Czech Pilsner. If you like a highly hopped brew with some good balance, this is your brew. One of my faves brewed right here in Austin!

Serving type: on-tap

12-28-2006 04:19:17 | More by AustinBeerLvr

Morris729

Texas

4.33/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a pale golden amber color with a bright white head that has a nice retention. Nose is dominated by floral grassy hops but some fruity malt is detectable in the background. Taste mimics the aroma with spicy citrusy hops being the key players while kept in check by a solid malt backbone. A very hearty and thoroughly enjoyable Pils.

Serving type: on-tap

12-12-2006 22:18:46 | More by Morris729

Shultzerdugen

Missouri

4.1/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at The Ginger Man in Austin.

Clear straw with a small tight bubbled head.

Bubble gum and banana notes from the malts are paired with an assertive grassy hop note.

Light bodied with ample carbonation. The round malt center fades abruptly into a bitter German (Saaz) hop finish. Mild lemony citrus notes come into play for the finish, and the caramel and bubble gum malt flavors grow around mid-pint.

A very solid Pilsner.

Serving type: on-tap

06-07-2006 01:00:49 | More by Shultzerdugen

Redrover

Illinois

4/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this on at the Lovejoy Tavern in Austin. Served in a pint glass, the beer was a vibrant gold with a lasting head and nice lace.

The aroma is fresh, slightly spicy (pepper & floral tones)with a bit of cracker notes.

Nice brisk taste. The hops add some nice spice notes that are offset by a bit of sweetness. I bet this one would go great with food.

A solid mouth with great carbonation make this one an easy drinker. Nice beer here folks!

Serving type: on-tap

02-21-2006 16:55:47 | More by Redrover

GCBrewingCo

North Carolina

3.9/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer arrived on the table crystal clear pale golden straw with a white and low head which lasted well to lace the glass.

The aroma was very low with a light caramel and a slight fruitiness. Some hop presence developed that was slightly spicy and a low sulphur was present.

The flavor was malty with a light caramel and a nice bittering component that was almost grassy and was long lasting.

The finish was dry with a crispness and lasting hop flavor long into the aftertaste that almost became menthol in character. The body was medium light and well done. A nice pils with just a hint of diacetyl in the flavor.

Draft at the Flying Saucer in San Antonio. They were out of the O'fest so I opted for the Pilz.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2005 16:38:58 | More by GCBrewingCo

beerdiablo

Texas

4/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

“Don’t look for Live Oak at 7-11 anytime soon” remarked brewer Chip McElroy when asked if his draught only offerings were going to be bottled.

Focus is a good thing.

Live Oak’s Pilz carries a bit more hops than a regular Pils and in this day and age of American brewing, that’s not a bad thing. There’s a bit more malt presence, which combined with the hops has this beer nearing “big beer” territory.
I wouldn’t classify this as a session lager but is good for when you want to slow things down a bit.

Serving type: on-tap

11-15-2005 04:49:56 | More by beerdiablo

Gagnonsux

Texas

3.5/5  rDev -10%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Live Oak Pilz is a very good beer, but not something that gets me really excited. I'm pretty sure this is my first Czech pilsener, so I can't compare to anything. Appearance is a nice golden color, maybe a little hazy. Head is an average one-finger. Smell is a mix of mild piney hops and citrus. Wasn't quite expecting the pineyness. Taste is much like the smell, starts with mild pine hops and ends with a lemony zing. Fairly complex, but not too exciting. I usually like beers a little more malty. Drinkability is pretty good, this seems like the kind of beer that gets better after you get used to it after a couple pints. By the way, Live Oak beers are only available on-tap in central Texas, and in a few places in Houston.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2004 22:37:56 | More by Gagnonsux