Are These the Oldest Beer Breweries in the World?
Beer brewing has a long and rich history, and there are many breweries around the world that have been operating for centuries.
These breweries have withstood the test of time and have become iconic institutions in their respective countries, producing some of the world's most beloved beers.
From the oldest brewery in the world, Weihenstephan, to the first brewery in the United States, D.G. Yuengling & Son, these companies have been successful for generations.
Their long history and tradition have contributed to their enduring popularity, and their ability to adapt and innovate has helped them stay relevant in a constantly evolving market.
In this classic listicle, we explore eleven of the oldest beer brewing companies in the world, their history, and the types of beers they produce.
Each entry below includes founding date, location, signature styles, and a quick note on what makes the brewery historically significant.
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Founded: 1040, Freising, GermanyKnown for: Wheat beer and lagersWhy it matters: The brewery began as a Benedictine monastery and has brewed continuously since the 11th century, a cornerstone of German brewing tradition.
- Founded: 1050, Bavaria, GermanyKnown for: Dark beers, wheat beers, lagersWhy it matters: Set on a Danube River peninsula and housed in a monastery dating to the 7th century, Weltenburg is revered for traditional dark styles and scenic heritage.
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Founded: 1328, Munich, GermanyKnown for: Helles, classic lagersWhy it matters: Famous for serving beer directly from cool-cellar wooden barrels in its halls, Augustiner preserves Munich brewing ritual and precision.
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Founded: 1328, Duisburg, GermanyKnown for: Traditional German lagers and wheat beersWhy it matters: A long-standing regional pillar known for crisp, clean lager profiles that reflect Ruhr area brewing heritage.
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Founded: 1595, Rochefort, BelgiumKnown for: Trappist strong ales, including QuadrupelWhy it matters: One of the world’s great Trappist breweries, producing depth and warmth through centuries-old monastic methods.
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Founded: 1492, Salzburg, AustriaKnown for: Goldbräu and classic lagersWhy it matters: An Austrian mainstay with a playful marketing legacy, from beer can hats to a beer-themed advent calendar, all while maintaining quality lager traditions.
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Founded: 1759, Dublin, IrelandKnown for: Dry stout, nitrogenated serviceWhy it matters: A global icon of stout and modern brewery science. The brand’s cultural reach extends to the Guinness World Records, established by Sir Hugh Beaver in 1954. The Dublin brewery was once among the city’s largest employers and provided workers with medical care and education.
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Founded: 1758, Tadcaster, EnglandKnown for: Traditional British ales and stoutsWhy it matters: One of the few UK breweries still using slate Yorkshire Squares, which encourage slow, even fermentation and classic English character.
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Founded: 1821, Roeselare, BelgiumKnown for: Flemish Red Ale, mixed fermentation, foeder agingWhy it matters: A benchmark of sour red ales, famous for blending aged and fresh beer. Also known for fruit-accented variants such as Rodenbach Fruitage.
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Founded: 1845, London, EnglandKnown for: ESB, London Pride, traditional English alesWhy it matters: A classic of London brewing housed in a striking 19th century complex. The building was designed by George Saunders, a noted British architect.
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Founded: 1829, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, United StatesKnown for: Yuengling Lager, American amber lager traditionsWhy it matters: The oldest operating brewery in the United States, a living link between German brewing heritage and American lager culture.
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