11 Of The Worlds Oldest Breweries (Part 1)

1. Stepan Razin Brewery

Founded In: 1795
Location: St. Petersburg, Russia

No extant Russian brewery can claim seniority over this one. For those interested in learning more, its official museum has been entertaining and educating tourists since 1995.

 

2. St. James’ Gate Brewery

Founded In: 1759
Location: Dublin, Ireland

The home of Guinness (of which 13 million pints are consumed every St. Patrick’s Day), this brewery had fallen into disuse when Arthur Guinness acquired it by signing a “9000-year lease.” To commemorate that historic event, the company celebrated five annual “Arthur’s Days” from 2009 to 2013, which saw participants drinking in his honour at 17:59 (5:59 PM).

 

3. Smithwick’s Brewery

Founded In: 1710
Location: Kilkenny, Ireland

Billed as “Superior Irish Ale,” Smithwick’s has been brewed for over 300 years. For comparison’s sake, America’s best-selling beer brand— Budweiser—has only been in production since 1876. Advantage: Ireland.

 

4. Grolsch Brewery

Founded In: 1615
Location: Groenlo, Netherlands

Famed for generating what’s arguably the Netherlands’ most iconic lager,Grolsch is also that picturesque nation’s third-largest brewer.

 

5. Stiegl Brewery

Founded In: 1492
Location: Salzburg, Austria

Fun fact: When he wasn’t composing or writing about his tuckus, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart used to love chilling out with a pint of Stiegl.