The 5 Oldest Beers In The World

The origins of beer can be traced back to the Sumerians who occupied southern Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) in 6000 BC. Weihenstephan – founded in 725 AD Benedictine Weihenstephan Abbey in southern Germany has the oldest, functioning brewery in the world (built 1040AD). Augustiner – the Augustinian Brotherhood started brewing Augustiner beer in 1328, 600 years after Welhenstephan. The brewery soon moved to Neuhauser Strae. Stella Artois – a world renowned brand with global appeal, Stella Artois (Stella) is the most famous of all Belgian beers.

Standing The Test Of Time – The 5 Oldest Beers In The World

Modern life can often leave us tired and weary and some of us need the restoring effects of a stiff drink to keep us sane. Whether it’s a warm ale, a thick stout or a cold, refreshing lager you should give a thought to the ancient tribes who discovered your favorite tipple over 8000 years ago.

The origins of beer can be traced back to the Sumerians who occupied southern Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) in 6000 BC. The Sumerians are recognized as one of the earliest human civilizations but that didn’t stop them discovering a drink who’s popularity now spans the globe. The Sumerians were so happy with their discovery that they even invented a Goddess, Ninkasi, to watch over their favorite tipple.

With its history traced back to the ‘origins of man’ which beers have stood the test of time and are still in lining the shelves of your local store today?

These antique beer brands are officially classified as the world’s oldest beers still being brewed and bottled today:

Weihenstephan – founded in 725 AD Benedictine Weihenstephan Abbey in southern Germany has the oldest, functioning brewery in the world (built 1040AD). The brewery is now owned by the Bavarian State Brewery Weihensephan (otherwise known as Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan). It still produces beer to this very day although the product has changed remarkably over the last 1300 years.

Augustiner – the Augustinian Brotherhood started brewing Augustiner beer in 1328, 600 years after Welhenstephan. The first brewery was based within the monastery walls close to Munich Cathedral. After nearly 500 years of production the brewery was privatised in the early 19th century and the Augustiner Brau company was created. The brewery soon moved to Neuhauser Strae. Finally in 1829 the Wagner family took control of the business and moved it to it’s current location at the Landsberger Strae in 1885.

Stella Artois – a world renowned brand with global appeal, Stella Artois (Stella) is the most famous of all Belgian beers. The origins of Stella date back to 1366 and it’s distinctive flavour and high alcohol content remain traits from it’s early days that are synonymous with the Stella Artois brand.

Grolsch – a virtual newbie in the company of the early German breweries, Grolsch was founded in Holland in 1615 and has been manufacturing a beer that is renowned worldwide for its subtle flavour and distinctive swingtop stopper.. Grolsch is unique in the time it is given to ferment in a natural fashion with less manual intervention than many modern beers.

Kronenbourg – founded in 1664, modern day Kronenbourg uses this date as a key part of it’s marketing activity. Originating in southern France, the first Kronenbourg brewery was the Hatt brewery in Strasbourg. The brewery relocated in 1850 to Cronenbourg and adapted its name to reflect it’s new home. The company is now owned by Carlsberg but that hasn’t stopped it claiming international respect and remain the best selling larger in France.

Want to try some of these old beers then pay a visit to The Rose Pub in London. If you want an exclusive beer tasting you can hire their London Function Room for your private hire and party needs.