Grayson West
Some breweries aren’t just about stouts—they’re living legends of brewing. These establishments have perfected their craft of blending tradition with innovation for centuries. Here are 20 of the world’s oldest breweries producing exceptional ales.
Weihenstephan Brewery
Monks at Weihenstephan Abbey began brewing in Freising, Germany, creating a legacy that endures today. Renowned for its Hefeweizen, this brewery blends tradition with modern technology. Its claim as the oldest active brewery is more than history—it’s proof of timeless quality, dating back to 1040.
Weltenburg Abbey Brewery
Weltenburg Abbey Brewery is the world’s oldest monastic brewery. It blends centuries of tradition with stunning riverside views along the Danube. Established in 1050, Its signature Barock Dunkel, a dark sud with caramel notes, has won multiple awards, including gold at the World Ale Cup.
Affligem Brewery
Affligem Brewery traces its origins to 1074, when it was founded by Benedictine monks. Though the abbey’s brewing tradition faced periods of interruption over the centuries, including during the French Revolution, its impact remains significant. Today, Affligem ales are made under license by Heineken International in Opwijk, Belgium, preserving this historic legacy.
Schlossbrauerei Herrngiersdorf
Recognized as the world’s oldest privately owned brewery, Schlossbrauerei Herrngiersdorf was established in 1131 and has been family-run for nearly 900 years. The brewery’s ales are crafted under Bavaria’s strict Reinheitsgebot purity laws. Its signature ales include full-bodied stouts and refreshing wheat ales.
Brauerei Hofstetten Krammer
Brauerei Hofstetten Krammer has earned a reputation for its Granitbock. This stout is brewed using heated granite stones, a technique from medieval times that caramelizes the malt and enhances flavor. The brewery’s commitment to tradition keeps it central to Austrian brewing culture. It has been in business since 1929.
Bolten Brewery
Bolten Brewery, committed to traditional open fermentation techniques, was founded in 1266. It is the oldest Altbier producer, having preserved nearly eight centuries of brewing tradition. Altbier, a top-fermented, copper-hued stout with a rich malty profile, is a defining feature of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Aldersbach Brewery
Bavarian monks established Aldersbach Brewery, where the Aldersbacher Kloster Weisse still reflects medieval recipes. Located in a quiet town, the brewery has existed since 1268, and it draws visitors seeking a connection to history and authentic Bavarian craftsmanship. It’s not just beer—it is a living tradition.
Rhanerbrau
Rhanerbrau thrives as a family-owned brewery dedicated to small-batch authenticity. Its lineup includes seasonal specialties rooted in Bavarian heritage. Visitors to this rural brewery, created in 1283, often marvel at its ability to innovate without straying from its centuries-old brewing ethos.
Augustiner-Brau
Augustiner-Brau delivers unpasteurized stout straight to its iconic ale gardens, where every golden drop of its signature light beer captures Bavarian tradition. Established in 1328, this brewery remains Munich’s oldest independent establishment and continues to be family-owned, preserving its heritage with every carefully crafted batch.
Pivovar Broumov
The Czech Republic’s brewing legacy begins with Pivovar Broumov. The brewery was founded in 1348, and its flagship, Benedict Stout, honors its monastic roots. Surrounded by the country’s famed ale culture, Pivovar Broumov connects medieval brewing to today’s world, where Czech ales dominate global markets.
Brouwerij Het Anker
Gouden Carolus pints, including the malty Classic and bold Tripel, highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of Brouwerij Het Anker. This Belgian brewery bridges brewing tradition with innovation, even producing its own single malt dram distilled from ales. Located in Mechelen, it has operated since 1471.
Paulaner Brewery
Founded by monks of the Neudeck ob der Au Monastery in Munich, Paulaner has a long-standing brewing tradition that dates back to 1634. The brewery is renowned for its Salvator Doppelbock, a strong ale originally brewed by the monks. Today, Paulaner continues to produce a variety of beers, including Hefeweizen and Oktoberfest Bier.
Shepherd Neame
Spitfire Ale and Bishop’s Finger are just two examples of the classic ales crafted by Shepherd Neame. This brewery mixes traditional recipes with modern sustainability practices, such as solar power and water recycling. It has been brewing in Kent since 1698, making it the oldest brewery in England.
Warsteiner Brewery
Warsteiner Brewery adheres to Germany’s Reinheitsgebot purity laws, ensuring top-tier quality. Founded in 1753, its Premium Pilsner reflects the precision and craftsmanship German suds are famous for. Few breweries balance consistency and excellence like Warsteiner, which remains a global favorite.
Molson Brewery
This brewery introduced Canada to commercial brewing. Founder John Molson didn’t just stop at stouts—he pioneered transportation and health care. Molson Canadian has remained a national favorite since 1786, proving this historic brewery’s influence extends beyond the brewing industry.
Yuengling Brewery
America’s oldest operating brewery, Yuengling, opened in 1829 and remains family-run. Its Traditional stout became an icon of American stout culture. Surviving Prohibition by producing “near ale” and dairy products, Yuengling exemplifies ingenuity and perseverance in the face of industry challenges.
Brouwerij De Halve Maan
De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges is known for innovation, including its underground pint pipeline—stretching over two miles to transport drinks from the brewery to its bottling plant. The brewery has been active since 1856, and its flagship stout, Brugse Zot, is a golden ale beloved for its balanced flavor of fruity and spicy notes.
Tsingtao Brewery
Tsingtao Brewery’s flagship drink mixes Chinese ingredients with German brewing precision, creating an ale that has gained worldwide acclaim. This iconic brewery symbolizes China’s place in the global ale industry and its brewing innovation. Located in Qingdao, it has been crafting stouts since 1903.
Gaffel Becker
A pioneer of Kolsch ale, Gaffel Becker has been a vital part of Cologne’s brewing tradition since 1908. Renowned for its light, fruity notes, Kolsch is a protected regional specialty brewed only in Cologne. Gaffel Becker’s success comes from its commitment to these strict standards while adapting to modern palates.
Einbecker Brewery
This brewery, dating back to 1378, changed brewing history by introducing Bock—a potent, malty ale that captured the attention of European royalty, Martin Luther among them. The name “Bock” evolved when Bavarians mispronounced “Einbeck,” reinforcing its impact on ale culture and language.