America’s Oldest Breweries: A Historic Tour
The Birth of American Beer
The history of beer brewing in America is a long and storied one, dating back to the early days of European colonization. German immigrants played a particularly significant role in the development of the American beer industry, bringing with them their centuries-old brewing traditions.
One of the most important milestones in American beer history came in 1933, when Prohibition was repealed. This led to a resurgence of brewing activity across the country, and many of the oldest breweries in America were founded or reopened during this time.
The Oldest Breweries in America
Today, there are a number of breweries in America that can trace their roots back to the 19th century or even earlier. Here are five of the oldest:
- Yuengling & Son, Inc. (Pottsville, Pennsylvania) – Founded in 1829, Yuengling is the oldest brewery in America. It is still family-owned and operated, and its beers are distributed in 22 states.
- The Coors Brewery (Golden, Colorado) – Founded in 1873, Coors is one of the largest breweries in the world. It is known for its light lagers, such as Coors Light and Coors Banquet.
- Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – Founded in 1844, Pabst is one of the most iconic beer brands in America. Its flagship beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, is known for its affordability and its crisp, refreshing taste.
- Minhas Craft Brewery (Monroe, Wisconsin) – Founded in 1845, Minhas is the second-oldest brewery in America. It produces a wide variety of beers, including craft beers, lagers, and ales.
- The Anheuser-Busch Brewery (St. Louis, Missouri) – Founded in 1852, Anheuser-Busch is the largest brewer in the world. It is known for its Budweiser and Bud Light brands, which are two of the most popular beers in America.
Visiting America’s Oldest Breweries
Many of America’s oldest breweries offer tours to the public, giving visitors a chance to learn about the history of beer brewing in America and to sample some of the finest beers that the country has to offer.
- Yuengling & Son, Inc. offers tours of its Pottsville brewery on weekdays. Visitors can learn about the history of the brewery, see the brewing process up close, and sample some of Yuengling’s beers.
- The Coors Brewery offers tours of its Golden brewery seven days a week. Visitors can learn about the history of the brewery, see the brewing process up close, and sample some of Coors’ beers.
- Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer offers tours of its Milwaukee brewery on weekdays. Visitors can learn about the history of the brewery, see the brewing process up close, and sample some of Pabst’s beers.
- Minhas Craft Brewery offers tours of its Monroe brewery on weekdays. Visitors can learn about the history of the brewery, see the brewing process up close, and sample some of Minhas’ beers.
- The Anheuser-Busch Brewery offers tours of its St. Louis brewery seven days a week. Visitors can learn about the history of the brewery, see the brewing process up close, and sample some of Anheuser-Busch’s beers.
The American Beer Industry Today
The American beer industry is a major economic force, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. American beers are enjoyed by people all over the world, and the country is home to some of the most innovative and successful breweries in the world.
The future of the American beer industry is bright. With a growing population and a thirst for new and exciting beers, the industry is poised for continued growth in the years to come.