Crack open a cold one and dive into America’s brewing legacy with its oldest breweries, where hops meet history in a fizzy celebration! Since D.G. Yuengling & Son kicked things off in Pennsylvania in 1829, and Anheuser-Busch built its Budweiser empire in 1852, these pioneers have poured iconic brews through Prohibition, wars, and epic summer barbecues. With legendary lagers and historic taprooms, only Yuengling, August Schell, F.X. Matt, and Straub remain true family-owned gems from the pre-Prohibition era, serving up tradition as crisp as a chilled pint on a hot day.
D.G. Yuengling & Son
D.G. Yuengling & Son, founded in 1829 by German immigrant David G. Yuengling in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being America’s oldest operating brewery. Initially named Eagle Brewery, it survived Prohibition by producing near-beer and dairy products. Renowned for its Traditional Lager, Yuengling remains family-owned, now in its sixth generation, blending tradition with modern brewing techniques. Its rich history and regional popularity make it a cornerstone of American beer culture, with tours showcasing its historic brewery.
Address: 501 Mahantongo St, Pottsville, PA 17901, USA
Website: https://www.yuengling.com/
Minhas Craft Brewery
Minhas Craft Brewery, established in 1845 as the Monroe Brewery in Monroe, Wisconsin, is one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the U.S. Founded by Swiss immigrant Frederick J. Miller, it weathered Prohibition by producing malt-based products. Today, it produces a range of craft beers and contract brews, known for brands like Huber Bock. The brewery’s historic charm, combined with modern innovation, attracts visitors to its tours and tasting room in the heart of Wisconsin’s dairy land.
Address: 1208 14th Ave, Monroe, WI 53566, USA
Website: https://minhasbrewery.com/
Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch, founded in 1852 in St. Louis, Missouri, by Eberhard Anheuser and later expanded by Adolphus Busch, is a titan of American brewing. Famous for Budweiser and Bud Light, it introduced innovative techniques like pasteurization and refrigerated railcars, revolutionizing beer distribution. Surviving Prohibition by producing non-alcoholic beverages, it grew into a global brand under AB InBev. Its historic St. Louis brewery offers tours, highlighting its legacy and brewing process.
Address: 1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118, USA
Website: https://www.anheuser-busch.com/
Miller Brewing Company
Miller Brewing Company, established in 1855 by Frederick Miller in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a cornerstone of American brewing history. Originally a small operation, it grew through Miller’s German-inspired lagers, with Miller High Life becoming a flagship brand. Now part of Molson Coors, the brewery survived Prohibition by diversifying products. Its Milwaukee facility, known as “Brew City,” offers tours showcasing its heritage and modern brewing advancements.
Address: 4251 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53208, USA
Website: https://www.millercoors.com/
Stevens Point Brewery
Stevens Point Brewery, founded in 1857 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, began as a small operation by German immigrants George Ruder and Frank Wahle. Known for its Point Special Lager, it survived Prohibition by producing soft drinks and near-beer. Today, it crafts a variety of beers, including craft and seasonal brews, while maintaining its small-town charm. The brewery’s tours and tasting room celebrate its 160-year legacy in Wisconsin’s brewing scene.
Address: 2617 Water St, Stevens Point, WI 54481, USA
Website: https://www.pointbeer.com/
August Schell Brewing Company
August Schell Brewing Company, founded in 1860 by German immigrant August Schell in New Ulm, Minnesota, is one of America’s oldest family-owned breweries. Known for its German-style lagers like Schell’s Pilsner, it survived Prohibition by producing root beer and candy. Today, in its sixth generation, it blends tradition with craft innovation, offering tours of its historic brewery and scenic grounds, a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
Address: 1860 Schell Rd, New Ulm, MN 56073, USA
Website: https://www.schellsbrewery.com/
Frankenmuth Brewery
Frankenmuth Brewery, established in 1862 in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is one of the state’s oldest breweries, founded by German immigrants. Rebuilt after a 1987 tornado, it continues to produce traditional German-style beers like its Hefeweizen alongside modern craft offerings. Known as “Michigan’s Original Craft Brewery,” its Bavarian-inspired taproom and tours attract visitors to the town known as “Little Bavaria.”
Address: 425 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, USA
Website: https://frankenmuthbrewery.com/
Straub Brewery
Straub Brewery, founded in 1872 by Peter Straub in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, is a family-owned brewery known for its traditional German-style lagers. Surviving Prohibition with near-beer, it remains a regional favorite, with Straub American Lager as its flagship. The brewery’s “Eternal Tap” and visitor center offer a glimpse into its history, emphasizing its commitment to quality and community.
Address: 303 Sorg St, St. Marys, PA 15857, USA
Website: https://straubbeer.com/
Coors Brewing Company
Coors Brewing Company, founded in 1873 by Adolph Coors in Golden, Colorado, is iconic for its crisp, Rocky Mountain-inspired beers like Coors Light and Coors Banquet. Using pure spring water from the Rockies, it survived Prohibition by producing malted milk and ceramics. Now part of Molson Coors, its massive Golden brewery offers tours showcasing its history and sustainable brewing practices.
Address: 1301 Ford St, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Website: https://www.coorsbrewery.com/
F.X. Matt Brewing Company
F.X. Matt Brewing Company, founded in 1888 by Francis Xavier Matt in Utica, New York, is best known for its Saranac brand and Utica Club, America’s first beer sold post-Prohibition. This family-owned brewery has thrived through innovation, producing craft beers alongside traditional lagers. Its historic brewery offers tours, blending old-world charm with modern craft brewing expertise.
Address: 830 Varick St, Utica, NY 13502, USA
Website: https://www.saranac.com/
Spoetzl Brewery
Spoetzl Brewery, founded in 1909 in Shiner, Texas, by German and Czech immigrants, is famous for Shiner Bock, a beloved Texas beer. Initially a local operation, it grew under brewmaster Kosmos Spoetzl, surviving Prohibition with non-alcoholic products. Now part of the Gambrinus Company, its small-town brewery offers tours, celebrating its Texan and German heritage with a range of craft beers.
Address: 603 E Brewery St, Shiner, TX 77984, USA
Website: https://www.shiner.com/