Live Oak Oaktoberfest - Live Oak Brewing Company

GMB

Japan

3.83/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The name of this beer is a pun that plays on the name of the brewery ("Live Oak") and that of the German festival ("Oktoberfest") that has come to be synonymous with the beer's style (Märzen). I expected the beer itself to accord with its name; that is, I expected it to offer a slight spin on a traditional Oktoberfest.

The bartender handed me a pint of dark pumpkin-orange brew with very little head; so far so good. A few streams of bubbles appeared as I lifted the beer towards the ceiling lights. The lights brought out some yellow and red tones in the body. It was not until I reached the halfway point in my pint that I was able to produce a nice frothy off-white foam, which remained in place for a few seconds and slowly began to fall.

I wasn't able to detect any hops in the nose; I expect as much from an Oktoberfest. The aroma of roasted malt and mild lager yeast was familiar and pleasing.

The taste more or less followed the nose: Sweet medium-toasted malts, mild lager yeast flavors, and a clean finish. The flavor is sweet and malty, but not strong. Indeed, I had to take a second sip before I could begin to form an opinion about the beer's taste. I never tasted or smelled any aroma hops, but did begin to pick up the effect of the bittering hops as I moved on to the second half of the pint. The warmth and flavors of the alcohol were palpable in my last two sips. If this beer has an oakstanding characteristic--forgive the pun-ishment--it is its finish, which is slightly drier and cleaner than most commercially available American Oktoberfest beers.

The beer's mouthfeel improved as it warmed. Medium-bodied at first, it managed to toss up some creamy, full-bodied froth as the beer warmed. The creamy foam was a better match for the rich malty character of the beer, and as a result, the second half of the pint was more enjoyable in than the first.

This beer let me down in some ways. Its playful, witty name led me to expect a similarly playful rendition of the style, which it is not. But it is a solid, well-executed, and delicious Oktoberfest beer. It is nicely balanced and has the sweet maltiness and full-bodied feel that I expect from a good Märzen. There are no fireworks here, but perhaps the beer's simple deliciousness deserves more credit than my score affords.

My pint of Live Oak Oaktoberfest paired well with my lunch of smoked meat, sweet pickles, onions, and barbecue sauce.

Serving type: on-tap

09-30-2012 21:49:03 | More by GMB

chocosushi

Oklahoma

3.88/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On Tap at the Mellow Mushroom in Austin
16oz->Nonic
A ~ Pours a filtered copper with some lacing. Marginal head that ceases a quarter way through

S ~ Cereal grains, wheat toast, with subtle field-like aromatics.

T ~ Very dry toast & oatmeal w/ sugar with ripe yellow apple & notes of leaves/herby greens on the finish. Hint of pear at room temp.

M ~ Smooth & slightly nutty feel with subtle carbonation & a clean crisp finish.

D ~ Great American Marzen. Tasted very fresh & had a clean finish, unlike many other American Oktoberfests. Was hoping to have the Hefe that was listed on the drink menu, but this was a great substitute. that did not disappoint. Easy drinking, Went great with Pizza.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2011 18:48:46 | More by chocosushi

CuriousMonk

Virginia

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

On tap at the flying saucer in Addison. Pours beautiful deep clear bourbon amber, very clear like a lager. Dark, barely clear brown. No head or lacing. Aroma of sweet malt backbone and some mild fruit. Sweet oak aroma. Taste is full, sweet, juicy, reminds me slightly of fall. Flavor is apple, malt, a little tart and not too nutty, thank goodness. Finish is toasted oat. Medium body, pretty smooth. Kinda of bitter finish which is full and tastes a little like a typical harvest brew.

Serving type: on-tap

10-25-2011 15:03:23 | More by CuriousMonk

jamescain

Texas

3.68/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a pint glass at the Flying Saucer

Appearance: Orange-red with a white head about a finger thick which fades into a ring around the side of the glass.

Aroma: Sweet malts, toffee and caramel are the dominate aromas.

Taste: A little too sweet for my liking and not balanced enough. I don’t mind malty beers, but this one is a little too malty and unbalanced.

Mouthfeel: Medium carbonation and medium body with a sweet finish.

Overall: Pretty typical German Oktoberfest beer, more German than most American versions. I’m not a big fan of mäzen style beers, but this one does match up with the style.

Serving type: on-tap

06-09-2011 16:10:39 | More by jamescain

Mora2000

Texas

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

On tap at the Addison Flying Saucer.

The beer pours a reddish-amber color with a white head. The aroma is classic Marzen. I get a whole lot of toffee and bread as well as some grapes - which I get in almost every German lager. The flavor is more of the same with a ton of malt. This is a malt bomb of a beer. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. Another very nice beer from Live Oak.

Serving type: on-tap

10-28-2010 01:10:51 | More by Mora2000

Duttonic

Texas

3.18/5  rDev -18.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

From notes 09/30/10, on tap at Dancing Bear Pub

A- Copper, little to no head, mild bubbling.

S- Faint brown sugar, nutty, bready, malt.

T/M- Malty, bready, light/medium bodied, watery.

D- Disappointing. Live Oak usually has great offerings, this was thin and watery with not much going for it. Sadness.

Serving type: on-tap

10-06-2010 02:29:58 | More by Duttonic

whoneeds8

Texas

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

Poured into a pint glass Orange with a thin white head. Good lacing all the way down.

I was in a bar, so my already weak nose can't give a review of this.

The taste was full of malts with a nice orange spice. The end of the palatte had a nice hop bitterness to finish.

The body was very full for the style which was a nice bonus.

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2010 21:52:46 | More by whoneeds8

aggiearcher13

Texas

3.88/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Notes from a while ago. Had it on tap at the Draught House here in Austin.

A: Amber, a little hazy but for the most part clear. Off white head, not much lacing to it though.

S: Clean, malty, sweet. Pretty solid aroma, very yeasty.

T: Followed the aroma. Pretty neutral, a little spice, but mostly just some nice malts coming through.

M: Middle of the road body and carbonation. Very solid.

D: Not hard to drink, but doesn't have and "it" factor that would keep me around drinking it.

Serving type: on-tap

02-12-2010 04:52:25 | More by aggiearcher13

armock

New York

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

A - Poured a copper color with an off white head that leaves lacing behind

S - Is mostly of sweet malt

T - Follows the nose with sweet malt some caramel

M - This beer has a smooth lighter body with light carbonation to it

D - Yet another very good beer from Live Oak and one of the better ofests out this beer has a good taste thats worth trying if you see it on tap

Serving type: on-tap

02-01-2010 19:05:07 | More by armock

sprucetip

Alaska

4.05/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

From notes, on tap at Gngerman in Austin on $3 Texas pint night. Dark-ish amber/orange-ish, not much head, no lacing, clear. SMELL bit of booze, grainy, caramel malty, yeasty. Nice. TASTE alot like the nose. Smooth and balanced. Best Octo I've had in a while. FEEL thin side of medium body, pleasant, clean finish. OVERALL very easy drinking, tasty, not too big.

Serving type: on-tap

11-14-2009 03:16:23 | More by sprucetip

MrHungryMonkey

Texas

3.6/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Nose is sweet and malty with some cooked veg and grain. Smells pretty good.

Pours deep copper clear with mild head. Looks pretty good.

Flavor follows nose with solid grain and cooked veg notions. Softly sweet. Mildly spicy - autumn-like spices. Sweetness grows slightly. Soft bitterness. Very soft hops - noble and bittering. Tastes pretty good. Feels pretty good. Good drinkability.

Not bad, pretty good. Kind of unmemorable.

Serving type: on-tap

11-07-2009 21:01:57 | More by MrHungryMonkey

natelocc787

California

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

Highly drinkable and good example of the style. Same color as classic Oktoberfests. Not sure where the "oak" in the name comes from as I didn't taste anything close to it. However it was malty with clove, nutmeg and caramel toffee. Did I say the body was orange? Nice head color of the lightest shade of orange. Very tasty and drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

11-05-2009 09:06:39 | More by natelocc787

RobeyStreet

Illinois

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

I had this on tap at two locations last week during my trip to Texas. The first pint I had was at the Flying Saucer in San Antonio.

The beer was surprisingly smooth and had a malty flavor with a hint of caramel. Although I wasn't having it with food, I think it would have gone quite nicely with a burger or meat, maybe a stew even.

I'm not typically into most "Oktoberfest" brews, but this one was very drinkable.

The second place I had it was at the Shady Grove in Austin. Just as good as the first time, I was very impressed with it.

Serving type: on-tap

10-14-2009 21:12:32 | More by RobeyStreet

Riccymon

Texas

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

Served on-tap at B.B. Rover's in Austin. Arrived in a pint glass a clear, orangey-red with a thin layer of head; reported to be the last glass from the keg. For an octoberfest, the smell surprised me with notes of vanilla, bread, and lightly sweet malt.

Taste continues the same theme of a subtly sweet beer with honey, vanilla, a little clove, and call me influenced by the name, but almost a gentle woody note. Even tasted a little bubble gum from time to time. This Octoberfest isn't thick and syrupy sweet, like some, nor is it more pale lager than octoberfest, like others. Body is smooth and refreshing the whole sip through.

Really a drinkable beer. I'll have to try it again, but the flavors were just excellent.

Serving type: on-tap

10-11-2009 19:05:58 | More by Riccymon

champ103

Texas

3.45/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a clear orange color. A small white head forms and recedes in an instant. Light lace is left behind.
S: A light toasted malt and bread aroma. Cereal and grain.
T: Follows the nose. Sweet caramel malt and bread.
M/D: A lighter body than expected. Medium carbonation. Thin and watery. Not hard to drink. I can make this a session beer if the occasion calls for it.

Not a bad beer at all. Nothing special either. Worth a try, but not my favorite of the style.

Serving type: on-tap

10-04-2009 05:01:25 | More by champ103

Tilley4

Tennessee

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

Had on tap at the Dallas Flying Saucer...

Arrives a golden color with a thick creamy foamy white head... A little lighter than most O-fests but no biggie..

Wonderful honey and bread aromas on this... A terrific aroma of sweet malts roll off of this...

Well, I'm surprised at this brew... Its actually terrific.. Wonderful sweet honey-like bready taste with this has me drinking this one way too fast... Its terrific all the way around...very delicious example of the style...

Very impressed with this brew! Terrific example of the style and super delicious....

Serving type: on-tap

10-02-2009 17:36:33 | More by Tilley4

wagenvolks

Texas

3.9/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz draft at the Austin Flying Saucer.

Oaktoberfest pours a brilliant, fiery copper hue with tints of gold and a nice clarity. The custard head retains well and drapes some solid lacing along the insides of the pint. Biscuity malt and toasted grain in the nose, alongside a mild sweetness of apple, pumpkin, and grassy hops.

Flavor is solid for the style, with bread crust and toasted pilsner malts up front, followed by a crisp, spicy hop note and some lingering sweetness. Medium-thin body with an appropriate carbonation level. All in all a refreshing, tasty Oktoberfest bier by the ever-impressive Live Oak Brewery. Will definitely have again this season.

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2009 20:58:35 | More by wagenvolks

DeathbySexyBT

Texas

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

A: This beer looks just about perfect. Clear, but extremely rich amber with a cramy white head. Great lacing.

S: This was a big disappointment. After admiring the visual appeal of this beer, the aroma was extremely restrained. I can make out the sweet malts and some cereal odor.

T: Better than the smell, but a little on the sweet side. I am not going so far as to say this should be served on a waffle, but close. You do get a reprieve from the sweetness with a flash of hop bitterness. However, the finish is bready and, you guessed it, sweet.

M: The carbonation is good for the style. So no points off here, but I would actually ratchet up the bubble jets a but to help cut the excessive sweetness.

D: Let me say that through all of my whining about the sweetness, I still loved this beer. I recall having that tap pulled more than once.

From notes.

Serving type: on-tap

08-13-2009 20:32:10 | More by DeathbySexyBT

jujubeast6000

Texas

3/5  rDev -22.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Reviewed 10/18/2008 (Draft @ Opal Divines, Austin, TX):

Pours a brown-orangish colored body, with no head. Has a sweet malty aroma, some grain. Not very strong. Malty, grainy taste. A little spice, some fizziness. Real grainy taste. Interesting different kind of taste.

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2009 00:52:34 | More by jujubeast6000

TurdFurgison

Ohio

4.2/5  rDev +8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had this on tap at the Alamo Drafthouse in Katy. The tap handle was cool, just a wooden branch (maybe this is the case with Live Oak everywhere, I don't know). The beer was clear copper colored with a thin head, could have been thicker if poured with more abandon. The aroma was really good, clean and malty, not too strong, a little bready too. The taste was likewise clean and sweet, a touch of esters, maybe some hint of spice but mostly neutral as appropriate for the style. Good body, not too thin, very good all around. I liked this better than the hefeweizen (which I also liked but am a little mystified as to its place in the top 100).

Serving type: on-tap

02-23-2009 23:42:57 | More by TurdFurgison

techtatu

Texas

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

Dark amber pour with about a finger width cream colored head. Not much of a smell to it. It was a unique taste, not like most Oktoberfest.

It's a good beer, smooth drink but lighter than most Oktoberfest. Something to enjoy at a local bar on a Friday night.

Serving type: on-tap

09-26-2008 14:58:32 | More by techtatu

JDV

Texas

3.1/5  rDev -20.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Draught house pub
Pours a clearish amber with a smell of absolutely nothing other than apple juice. Had somebody else check because it was so over the top. Taste is apple juice, some toasty malt, similar yeasty flavor of their pilz beer. Bottom line is apple juice, and not very oktoberfest like, but at least it doesn't taste bad...

Serving type: on-tap

02-24-2008 18:09:38 | More by JDV

BigBry

Alberta (Canada)

3.88/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

One of the seasonal craft brews available on tap, enjoyed at the Ginger Man on a trip to Dallas.
Brownish amber color with a thin cream colored head. Foam shrank away quickly leaving minimal lace. Nice smell, nutty and slightly sweet caramel aromas. Malty sweetness with hints of smoke and toasted bread. A touch of fruity hops balancing the finish. Average body and mouthfeel, smooth going down. I thought this was a very good Oktoberfest, flavorful and drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

10-28-2007 20:06:45 | More by BigBry

SkeeterHawk

Texas

4.13/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I tried this at the Flying Suacer the middle of October. I am going through my notes, and I haven't posted this one yet, so why not now?

The beer was a clear pale orange color with a 1/4" white head. The head is creamy with some lacing left on the glass after drinking. The flavor and aroma is really malty with evident caramel. There is also a bit of toast in this beer that comes out a bit as it warms. There is no hops to speak of in the aroma. The flavor has a defined toast along with much more noticeable hops. The body is medium to light with a good bit of toasty sweetness to linger. This is a really nice Oktoberfest.

Serving type: on-tap

12-31-2006 02:14:13 | More by SkeeterHawk

AustinBeerLvr

Texas

4.2/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Upon looking at this beer, the first thing I noticed was the deep but clear amber color. Once I took a sniff of it, there was some scent of malt, but not that strong.

The taste of this brew is distinctive for an Oktoberfest style. It is very bready, fruity, but the bread flavors are defenitely dominant. On the first sip, I could have been drinking liquid ginger bread for all I knew. Once I took a few more sips and really stopped to appreciate all of the great different flavors this beer offers, I was impressed to say the least. This beer is very complex but at the same time very drinkable. I also liked the fact that the finish seemed to really balance everything out very nicely. As for the mouthfeel, it was nearly perfect for the style. Not too thin, but plently of body to keep things interesting.

If you are looking for a little bit of a different spin on an Oktoberfest brew, this is defenitely your beer. It is very complex, but very drinkable. I liked it a lot, and wish Live Oak would start selling their beers in bottles rather than just on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

09-16-2006 04:17:38 | More by AustinBeerLvr