Austin, TX

[ziggy]

Where do I go to get good beer in Austin? If there's anywhere that specializes in the German styles that would be awesome.

[EllisTX]

I haven't been to the brewery but Hops & Grain has an Alt that I really enjoy and it seems that they have a few other German inspired beers. Might be worth checking out.

[Dirk McLargeHuge]

Live Oak Brewing specializes in brewing German style beers. They don't sell in bottles, so you'll have to hit some watering holes. Flying Saucer, Gingerman, and Draughthouse usually have it on tap. Most of the other breweries are going to be doing ales. The only other brewery in Texas that focus on German styles in Franconia, and they have just come to Austin. Again, not in bottles.

[ziggy]

OK Live Oak sounds like exactly what I was looking for. I will be sure to try the other beers when we go out to eat.

[ziggy]

Wow. Live Oak is an excellent brewery. I tried the Pilz, Big Bark, Dunkleweizen, Hefeweizen, Roggenbier, and liberation and they were all excellent. It makes me wonder if a decoction mash is really worth it.

[Dirk McLargeHuge]

Wow. Live Oak is an excellent brewery. I tried the Pilz, Big Bark, Dunkleweizen, Hefeweizen, Roggenbier, and liberation and they were all excellent. It makes me wonder if a decoction mash is really worth it.

According to them, it is.

[ziggy]

I read a lot of the new Brewing Lager Beer book on the plane and Noonan seems to think it is worth it. I've been trying to brew well attenuated German lagers that you can drink by the liter for a while now and I can almost get the 80% apparent attenuation but I can't get the mouthfeel right. Maybe this is the key.

[Vengeful Odin]

I thought a bump of this thread might be in order. I am planning a mini vacation to Austin in the next few weeks and wondered if there were any specific places I should consider.

I already have Jester King, Black Star, Austin Beerworks, and Hops & Grain on my list, but I was curious if there were any other "can't miss" places to check out. They don't have to be breweries - any recommended craft beer bars would be appreciated as well.

Also, I know that there was a segment on the Session about Austin as Justin went there, so I'm hoping someone can point me to the right date in the archive so I can redownload it to listen to his recommendations too.