America’s brewing tradition stretches back nearly two centuries, long before today’s craft beer boom. While thousands of breweries now operate across the country, many of the oldest names have survived wars, economic downturns, Prohibition, and changing tastes. Their stories helped shape the beer industry Americans know today.
According to the Brewers Association, the U.S. beer market generated more than $72 billion in 2022. Many of the breweries that laid the foundation for that industry are still producing beer, while others live on through the brands they created. Here are 15 of the oldest breweries in America and the history behind them.
Yuengling (Pottsville, Pennsylvania – 1829)
Founded in 1829 by David G. Yuengling, Yuengling holds the title of America’s oldest operating brewery. The family-owned company has survived fires, Prohibition, economic downturns, and changing consumer tastes while remaining under family ownership for generations.
Its Traditional Lager remains the brewery’s best-known beer, and Yuengling continues to balance long-standing recipes with modern production, helping it remain one of the country’s most recognizable independent breweries.
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F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company (New York City, New York – 1842)
Founded in 1842, Schaefer Brewing became one of New York City’s best-known beer makers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was among the early breweries to adopt refrigeration technology, which improved brewing consistency year-round.
Although the original brewery no longer operates in New York, Schaefer Beer remains part of American brewing history and is remembered by generations of beer drinkers.
Pabst Brewing Company (Milwaukee, Wisconsin – 1844)
Pabst Brewing Company began in 1844 and grew into one of the largest breweries in the country. Its flagship beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, became famous after earning a blue ribbon award at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Pabst also became the first American brewery to produce more than one million barrels of beer annually, cementing its place in brewing history.
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Anheuser-Busch (St. Louis, Missouri – 1852)
Founded in 1852, Anheuser-Busch became a household name after Adolphus Busch introduced Budweiser in 1876. The company helped transform beer into a national product by embracing pasteurization and refrigerated rail transportation.
Those advances allowed beer to stay fresh over long distances and helped turn Anheuser-Busch into one of the world’s largest brewing companies.
Rheingold Brewery (New York City, New York – 1854)
Rheingold Brewery was founded in 1854 by German immigrants and became one of New York’s favorite beer brands for decades. Its dry lager earned a loyal following, while the annual Miss Rheingold contest became one of the country’s best-known advertising campaigns.
Although the original brewery closed in 1976, the brand returned years later, proving there was still plenty of affection for the historic label.
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Stroh Brewing Company (Detroit, Michigan – 1850)
Bernhard Stroh founded Stroh Brewing Company in 1850 using brewing methods he brought from Germany. During Prohibition, the company stayed in business by producing ice cream, soft drinks, and birch beer.
By the 1980s, Stroh had become America’s third-largest brewer. While ownership has changed over the years, the Stroh’s name continues to appear on store shelves.
August Schell Brewing Company (New Ulm, Minnesota – 1860)
Founded in 1860, August Schell Brewing Company is the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the United States. It has remained in the Schell family for generations while continuing to produce traditional German-style beers.
The brewery has stayed true to its heritage while introducing seasonal and craft offerings that appeal to modern beer drinkers.
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Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin – 1867)
Jacob Leinenkugel established his brewery in Wisconsin in 1867, and it quickly became known for dependable lagers rooted in German brewing traditions.
Today, Leinenkugel’s is especially famous for seasonal favorites like Summer Shandy, blending classic brewing methods with fresh flavors that have attracted new generations of fans.
Minhas Craft Brewery (Monroe, Wisconsin – 1845)
Established in 1845, Minhas Craft Brewery has survived fires, Prohibition, the Great Depression, and multiple ownership changes. Today, it ranks among the country’s larger craft breweries by production.
The brewery continues producing both historic recipes and newer styles while honoring its long history in Wisconsin brewing.
Hudepohl Brewing Company (Cincinnati, Ohio – 1885)
Founded by Ludwig Hudepohl II in 1885, Hudepohl Brewing Company became one of Cincinnati’s best-known breweries during the city’s peak brewing years.
Its Hudepohl 14-K Lager earned a loyal following, and many of the brewery’s historic buildings still stand as reminders of Cincinnati’s rich brewing heritage.
Miller Brewing Company (Milwaukee, Wisconsin – 1855)
Frederick Miller founded Miller Brewing Company in 1855 after emigrating from Germany. The company became a leader in brewing technology through advances in refrigeration, bottling, and large-scale production.
In 1975, Miller introduced Miller Lite, one of the first successful light beers in America, helping create an entirely new beer category.
Anchor Brewing Company (San Francisco, California – 1896)
Founded in 1896, Anchor Brewing earned renewed attention after Prohibition by preserving its signature Anchor Steam Beer. Many beer enthusiasts credit the brewery with helping spark America’s modern craft beer movement.
Although Anchor Brewing ceased operations in 2023, its influence on independent brewing remains difficult to overstate.
F.X. Matt Brewing Company (Utica, New York – 1888)
F.X. Matt Brewing Company has remained family-owned since opening in 1888. It is best known for its Saranac line of beers, though the company also produces popular soft drinks, including root beer and ginger beer.
Its willingness to experiment while preserving family traditions has helped it remain relevant for well over a century.
New Glarus Brewing Company (New Glarus, Wisconsin – 1993)
New Glarus is much younger than most breweries on this list, but it has earned a legendary reputation in American craft brewing. Founded in 1993, the brewery sells its beer exclusively in Wisconsin.
That decision has created an almost cult-like following, with beer fans often making special trips to the state to buy favorites such as Spotted Cow.
Spoetzl Brewery (Shiner, Texas – 1909)
Spoetzl Brewery was founded in 1909 by German and Czech immigrants in the small town of Shiner, Texas. Its flagship beer, Shiner Bock, has grown from a regional favorite into one of the country’s best-known craft-style lagers.
The brewery continues producing several Shiner varieties while staying closely tied to its Texas roots.
