They have been brewing this stuff for over 1000 years!
Weheinstephan Brewery: Munich, Germany
Recently, I had the chance to visit the oldest brewery on the planet. In a quiet little village called Weheinstephan. We trekked out there on the train and found it up at the top of what seemed like the highest point in town. They’ve been brewing for over 1000 years…yeah, that’s right, I said 1000 years. This place is no joke.
I’ll give it to you quick. Here is how the story goes: In the year 725, a monastery was built on Nahrberg hill in Weheinstephan. 768 was the first reference of hops at the monastery. 955, the Hungarians rolled through and looted and destroyed the place. Super mean. The monks and the locals started to rebuild after. In 1040, they became legit and got the first license ever to brew and sell beer in Friesing. This is where it gets crazy…
Between 1085 and 1463 the Weihenstephan Monastery burned down completely four times because of ongoing wars. It was destroyed/depopulated by three plagues, various famines and a great earthquake. Are you kidding me? These folks just cant catch a break.
Remember this whenever you think you’re having a bad year. Just when you think it cant be any worse, it gets worse. in 1336, the hungarians were back to destroy the place once again during a 30 year war. These bavarians weren’t quitters. They were hardcore. They rebuilt again and refined their brewing skills. 1516, things get even cooler. The king at the time, Duke Wilhem IV issued something called the Bavarian Purity Law, which is still around today. It simply means, that beer can only be brewed with 3 ingredients: Barley, Hops & Water. Pretty much keeping it as pure as it can be. 1803, the lawmakers took over and transferred all ownership to the state and they began to run the show from this point forward. 1852, the worlds most high tech brewing school/agriculture school moves in and breeds the worlds best brewmasters & students.
So as of today, this place is like the beer mecca of the world. Pumping out endless amounts of award winning and chart topping brews. True beer OG’s. Now THAT is a story. Im not a huge history guy but you cannot deny a story like this. Extreme passion, huge tragedies, centuries of rebuilding, work, hustle, tenacity & perseverance. This is truly a blood, sweat and tears story and I have to give it them. #respect
We had a bit of an unlucky day when we went (not as unlucky as they have been for the last 1000 years) we got lost on the train system, missed the guided tour we scheduled and the swag shop closed on us too. We were still able to get in, get some food & sample many of their beers so all in all, I am glad we were able to visit and are thinking about coming back in 2040 for the 1000 year anniversary! That would be a party! German brews will continue to be my favorite as they really are the purest of them all. Prost!