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Key takeaways
What is the oldest beer in the world?
The world's oldest continuously brewed beer is widely recognised as Weihenstephaner from the Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan in Freising, Germany. The brewery has held an official brewing license since 1040 and has brewed beer without interruption ever since.
One important clarification: "oldest" refers to continuous brewing, not the oldest surviving recipe. That distinction belongs to an ancient Sumerian beer recipe dating back more than 3,900 years. Recorded in the Hymn to Ninkasi, it remains the earliest known written beer recipe and offers a fascinating look at the origins of brewing.
Beer has been around longer than most civiliZations
Beer has been part of human history for far longer than most people realize. Archaeologists discovered evidence of a beer-like fermented beverage at Raqefet Cave in Israel dating back roughly 13,000 years, making it the oldest known evidence of brewing. Rather than being an everyday drink, it was likely brewed for ritual feasts and ceremonies. According to the Smithsonian, it represents one of the earliest known examples of humans intentionally fermenting grain.¹
By around 1900 BCE, brewing was already well established in ancient Mesopotamia. The Sumerian Hymn to Ninkasi, written in honor of the goddess of beer, is the oldest surviving written beer recipe. Part celebration and part brewing instructions, it offers an extraordinary glimpse into how beer was made nearly four millennia ago.
From the 7th century onward, monasteries across Europe helped preserve and improve the art of brewing. Monastic brewers refined recipes, recorded brewing methods, and laid the foundations for many classic beer styles that still exist today. Breweries like Weihenstephaner are a direct link to that heritage.
That said, those historic beers would have tasted very different from today's versions. Before the mid-1800s, almost all malt was kiln-dried over open fires, giving beer a distinctly smoky flavor that modern drinkers usually encounter only in specialty smoked beers.
The 10 oldest beers in the world you can still drink
Ordered by founding date. Each brewery has been brewing continuously — no gaps, no revivals.
The world's oldest continuously operating brewery began as a Benedictine monastery and still produces some of Germany's best-loved beers. Its flagship Hefeweissbier is known for classic banana and clove aromas, while Original Helles is crisp, bready and refreshing.
Although brewing techniques have evolved over the centuries, Weihenstephaner has maintained an unbroken brewing tradition since 1040.
Nestled inside a Benedictine abbey on the Danube, Weltenburg is one of the world's oldest monastery breweries. Its award-winning Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel is smooth, malty and full of toasted bread, caramel and chocolate notes.
While modern brewing has refined the process, the brewery continues to honor centuries of monastic brewing tradition.
Affligem's brewing heritage began with Benedictine monks nearly 1,000 years ago. Today, its Blonde and Tripel remain faithful to that tradition with fruity yeast character, gentle spice and a dry finish.
Although the brand is now brewed under the Heineken group, its recipes continue to reflect the abbey's historic brewing heritage.
Grimbergen is famous for its phoenix emblem and the motto "Burned but not destroyed," reflecting the abbey's repeated rebuilding over the centuries. Rich Dubbel and Tripel ales remain the brewery's signature styles, balancing caramel, dark fruit and spice.
In 2019, monks revived brewing at the abbey itself, reconnecting the modern beers with their historic home.
Founded the same year Columbus reached the Americas, Stiegl has grown into Austria's largest privately owned brewery. Its flagship Goldbräu is crisp, lightly malty and easy to drink, with delicate floral hops and a clean finish.
Despite its size, the brewery continues to focus on traditional Austrian brewing and locally sourced ingredients.
Brewed by Trappist monks inside the Abbey of Saint-Rémy, Rochefort produces three legendary beers: Rochefort 6, 8 and 10. While ingredients and equipment have naturally evolved over more than 400 years, the monks still follow the same Trappist brewing philosophy rooted in quality and tradition.
Rochefort 10 remains one of the world's most celebrated dark ales.
Known as Czechvar in the United States because of its long-running trademark dispute with Anheuser-Busch, Budvar is the original Budweiser. Its unpasteurized lager is matured for around 90 days, creating a rich malt profile with delicate Saaz hop bitterness.
The brewery continues to use traditional brewing methods that have changed very little since it opened.
America's oldest brewery has survived fires, Prohibition and changing beer trends for nearly two centuries. During Prohibition, Yuengling stayed in business by producing near beer, dairy products and ice cream before returning to brewing.
Its flagship Traditional Lager delivers toasted malt, light caramel sweetness and a crisp finish that has earned generations of loyal fans.
Anchor Brewing helped spark the American craft beer movement, with its iconic Anchor Steam Beer becoming the defining example of California Common.
After closing in 2023, the brewery was purchased by Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya and is returning to production, ensuring one of America's most influential brewing legacies continues.
Dogfish Head's Ancient Ales aren't the oldest brewery on this list, but they may be the closest you'll come to tasting history. Working with biomolecular archaeologist Dr. Patrick McGovern, the brewery recreated ancient beers from archaeological discoveries, including Midas Touch, inspired by residues found in a 2,700-year-old drinking vessel linked to King Midas.
It's a fascinating bridge between the world's earliest beers and modern brewing.
What the oldest beers in the world have in common
These breweries have survived wars, changing tastes, and centuries of innovation because they all value the same things: patience, consistency, and great brewing. Many were founded by monks who carefully documented recipes and brewing methods, creating traditions that still influence the beers we drink today.
While ingredients and equipment have changed, the focus on quality has never gone out of style.
One idea has stood the test of time: fresh beer simply tastes better. From monastery breweries to today's breweries and taprooms, beer has always been at its best close to the source. That's why draft beer has remained a favorite for centuries - and why brewing fresh beer at home is one of the best ways to enjoy it at its peak.
Fresh draft beer at home - The way it was always meant to taste
The world's oldest breweries built their reputations on serving beer fresh, and Pinter brings that tradition into your kitchen. Brew fresh draft beer at home in days for around $2 a pint, with no kegs or specialist equipment required.
Better yet, you can get a free Pinter with an eligible Beer Plan, giving you a flexible way to keep fresh beer on tap whenever you want it.
The oldest beers still have a story to tell
The world's oldest breweries prove that great beer can stand the test of time. While ingredients, equipment and brewing methods have changed over the centuries, their commitment to quality has never wavered.
From German lagers and Belgian Trappist ales to America's oldest breweries, every beer on this list offers a taste of brewing heritage. If you're looking to explore beer beyond the latest trends, these timeless classics are a great place to start.
Ready to brew something worth remembering?
Experience beer at its freshest with Pinter. Brew fresh draft beer at home in days and enjoy every pint exactly as it was meant to taste.
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About the author
Jess D’Amico
Community Director
Jess D'Amico is one of Pinter's brewing experts, here to share everything she knows and keep the brewing community connected with the team behind the scenes.
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