Live Oak Hefe Weizen

Brewed by Live Oak Brewing Company
Style: German Hefeweizen
Austin, Texas USA

Hopefully as Live Oak expands distribution they’ll continue to spend as much time lovingly crafting this divine product. If it weren’t for the limited distribution around the Texas hill country I fully expect this would be touted as one of the best hefes in the country, if not the world. I’ve even had a pint off of a keg that had been shaken up, so it looked like I was about to drink a straight yeast culture, and even then this beer still walked all over the competition. It pours a beautiful golden straw hue, nice head. The perfect balance of citrus aromas greets the nose and the palate on first swallow, followed by a bit of spice with a hint of wheat. This is easily the most drinkable hefe I’ve ever had the pleasure to consume, even if there are bolder, more experimental hefes out there to compete in the knock-your-socks-off arena. This one is definitely a summer mainstay here in Austin. As others have stated, I hate to give this one a perfect five but it’s only fair since I can’t for the life of me figure out how this beer could be improved.

STOUTWIZARD IS JUST JEALOUS BC HE DOESNT TASTE LIKE ROTTEN FRUIT OR SCROTUM! this is my fav beer of all time! must try when in texas!

This is quite simply the best American beer I have ever had. Pure liquid joy. I had it on-tap at the Flying Saucer in Houston. Now I need to figure out how to get a growler....

I always thought Franzikaner Hefe would be the best hefe ever. Turns out that on a side by side comparison in Austin, TX, I chose Live Oak. The beer greets you with a slightly abundant sulphur smell. This is not a smell that I usually would enjoy on a beer. For this one, I cannot explain why - but it works and works really well! The rest of the aroma brings in clove and a bit of banana. The banana and clove follow throughout the the taste and with an ample amount of carbonation. Delicious. The mouth is left slightly bitter wanting another sip. This beer makes me happy.

Pours cloudy and golden. The aroma comes out to welcome you with esters all over along with faint yeast and bubble gum, a little cream butter as well. The taste is thick, rich, bready with a buttery sweetness. The flavors are mild with banana, white pepper and cloves present in the background, not overpowering. Subtlety is the watchword and fresh is best. Texture is smooth and velvety with a moderately heavy mouthfeel. Balance is what earns this brew a near-perfect score. I’ve had fresh hefeweizens with strong fruit and clove elements but this beer is so delicately made so as flavors come together in a symphony instead of individual components. Even as it warms, the flavors remained nuanced and complementary, never turning or tiring towards the inevitable warmer end. Nothing dominates, thus everything works. The palate never tires and I could drink this all day.

They just got this on tap at the Crown and Anchor in Austin. I had to drive home but it was real hard to limit myself to two pints. Very nicely done hefe with nice citrus notes. Now I’m going to have to petition the local to get it.

A great hefe!! Bubble-gum flavor in the finish or am I crazy?

Good head and lace, this was a surprisingly good find! Nice taste, not overly strong on the fruitiness, but very refreshing.