Ep. 45: Chip McElroy of Live Oak Brewing - Decoction and Tradition

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What if brewing beer the traditional way wasn't just nostalgia, but the path to superior flavor? Chip McElroy, founder of Live Oak Brewing Company, has been proving this point since 1997 in the heart of Texas.

When most craft breweries were chasing new flavors and shortcuts, Live Oak doubled down on decoction mashing, traditional European brewing techniques, and styles that have withstood centuries of scrutiny. "These beers have already been crowd tested for a couple hundred years," McElroy explains with characteristic straightforwardness, "if you make them properly, you've got good beer." This philosophy has guided the brewery through nearly three decades of operation, from humble homebrew experiments to becoming one of Texas's most respected brewing operations.

The conversation takes unexpected turns through brewing history, revealing how Live Oak's Hefeweizen—now their bestseller—initially struggled to find an audience until they reduced its bitterness following feedback from none other than Georg Schneider himself. McElroy challenges common misconceptions about adjuncts like corn in American beer history and smoke beer characteristics, demonstrating how thoughtful brewing transcends trends. His annual pilgrimages to Germany and collaborations with Polish brewers have deepened Live Oak's connection to brewing traditions while refining their approach.

Despite losing 60% of their business overnight when COVID shut down bars and restaurants, Live Oak persisted, eventually transitioning from 28 years of self-distribution to partnering with a major distributor in April 2025. Through it all, their commitment to flavor-driven authenticity has never wavered. Whether you're a brewing history enthusiast, a dedicated craft drinker, or simply curious about what makes traditional beer special, this conversation offers refreshing wisdom from someone who's never compromised on quality in an industry often defined by its latest trend.