BEER

CHRONICLES

An Interactive Beer History Timeline

From:To:
10702023
113 events in total

2023

Styles

First Style Description of "Pastry Stouts"

The Brewers Association published the first official style description of the "Pastry Stout." The term itself, however, first appeared in the blog *Don't Drink Beers*,…

2023

People

Max Senner Passes Away

Max Senner passed away in 2023 at the age of 34. Yankee & Kraut was founded in February 2016 in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany, by Bryan France ("Yankee") and Max Senner…

2022

Breweries

Sudden Death Start Their Own Brewery

Sudden Death begins brewing in their own brewery in 2022. Prior to that, they were gypsy brewers. The brewery is located in Lübeck. The "Sudden Death" in the name…

2020

Styles

87 Million Hectoliters Sold in Germany

In 2020, 87 million hectoliters of beer were sold in Germany, of which 63% were Pilsner. Wheat beer comes in second at 8.8%. This wasn't always the case: after World…

2018

Breweries

Trappist Abbey of Mount Saint Bernard Starts to Brew

Tynt Meadow is the beer of the Trappist abbey of Mount Saint Bernard in Leicestershire, UK, which has existed since 1835. However, beer has only been brewed at this…

2016

Breweries

Yankee & Kraut Starts Brewing

Yankee & Kraut was founded in February 2016 in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. The founders were Bryan France ("Yankee") and Max Senner ("Kraut"). At the time, Max Senner…

2016

Breweries

Fürst Wiacek Starts to Brew

Fürst Wiacek from Berlin started in 2016. The name comes from the surnames of the two founders: Georg Fürst and Lukas Wiacek. Before brewing in their own brewery in…

2014

Events

First Beer Festival in Trier, Germany

Since 2014, an annual beer festival has been held each October at Blesius Garten. Now regarded as one of the finest beer festivals in Germany, the event showcases around…

2014

Breweries

Anheuser-Busch Acquires Budweiser Bürgerbräu

Budweiser Bürgerbräu is acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 2014.

2013

Breweries

Zundert Starts to Brew

The Zundert Trappist brewery in the Netherlands brews at the Maria Toevlucht abbey (roughly halfway between Antwerp and Rotterdam). The monastery has existed since 1900…

2013

Laws

"Bud" = US and "Budweiser" Belongs Budvar

In 2013, the Court of Justice of the European Union (in Luxembourg) rules that within the EU, the abbreviated name "Bud" belongs exclusively to the American product. The…

2012

Breweries

St. Bernardus Opens Brew Pub in Tokyo and Brews the "Tokyo"

In 2012, St. Bernardus brewed a beer called "Tokyo" to mark the opening of the first St. Bernardus themed café, "Brasserie St. Bernardus," in the Japanese capital…

2012

Breweries

Maisel & Friends Starts to Brew

Maisel & Friends started in 2012 as one of the first craft beer breweries in Germany. Originally, the company "Maisels" started as a family business established in 1887…

2012

Breweries

Two Chefs Brewing Started

Two Chefs Brewing in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, started to brew.

2010

Styles

Untappd Goes Online

With Untappd, the today most important and most used beer rating website/app goes online.

2008

Breweries

Founding of "Camba Bavaria"

Originally, "Camba Bavaria" was founded in 2008 as a showroom for the brewery equipment manufacturer BrauKon in Truchtlaching. Since 2016, the Camba brewery has been…

2006

Breweries

Hoppin' Frog Starts Brewing

In 2006, Hoppin' Frog (from Akron, Ohio, US) started to brew.

2006

Styles

First 0,0% ABV Beers

In 2006 and 2007, the first beers with 0.0% alcohol hit the market. Before, there already have been beers with low alcohol such as below 0.5% or 0.3%.

2002

Breweries

"Breakfast Stout" Release by Founders Brewing Co

Founders Brewing Co releases their "Breakfast Stout" in 2002. Today, it also exists as a KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) version, which has been aged in a Bourbon barrel.

2000

Styles

RateBeer Goes Online

With RateBeer, another beer rating platform goes online. They stopped their service in early 2025.

September 28, 1998

Breweries

Kraft Bräu Starts in Trier, Germany

The closure of Löwenbrauerei left a noticeable void in the city's brewing scene. Trier restaurateur Hans-Werner Kraft and his managing director Klaus Tonkaboni resolved…

1998

Laws

Munich Beer Receives EU Protection

Since 1998, “Münchner Bier” (Munich Beer) has been protected in the European Union as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Only those Munich breweries that are…

1996

Styles

BeerAdvocate Goes Online

With "BeerAdvocate", the first beer rating website goes online.

1993

Breweries

Löwenbrauerei Stops Brewing in Trier, Germany

Like Caspary before it, the Löwenbrauerei — known for its popular beer garden — was acquired and dismantled by a large brewing conglomerate. The brew kettles were shut…

1992

Breweries

Birth of the Beer Brand "St. Bernardus"

When Westvleteren terminated its contract with St. Bernardus in 1992, St. Bernardus continued brewing under its own name. So it is really only since then that beers…

1991

Breweries

Westmalle Renovates its Brewery

Westmalle renovates its brewery in 1991.

1990s

Breweries

Goose Island Starts Brewing the Bourbon County Stout

Goose Island starts brewing and releasing the Bourbon County Stout - maybe the first stout that we could call a "Pastry Stout"?

1989

Breweries

Caspary Closes Doors in Trier, Germany

The "Caspary Brauerei" from Trier, Germany, closed its doors for good in 1989. Caspary Brewery was the most prominent brewing name in Trier (based in the Heiligkreuz…

1988

Breweries

Goose Island Starts to Brew

In 1988, Goose Island (from Chicago, US) starts to brew. They are legends for the Bourbon County Stout barrel aged beer.

1985

Styles

Founding of the BJCP

The Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) is a non-profit organization formed in 1985 to recognize beer tasting and evaluation skills. The BJCP certifies and ranks…

1983

Laws

Repeal of the Vandervelde Act

As Minister of Justice, Émile Vandervelde ensured that Parliament passed the so-called “Vandervelde Law” (loi Vandervelde) on August 29, 1919, which was intended to…

December 22, 1981

Laws

Introduction of the Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatums

Introduction of the Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatums (best-by date) for beer In Germany. Here's the definition directly translated from German: "The Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum…

1980

Breweries

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

The Sierra Nevada brewery is named after the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California and started to brew in 1980. The first brewing equipment came from Germany and…

1978

Laws

Homebrewing Legalized in the U.S.

President Jimmy Carter signed H.R. 1337 into law, which legalized homebrewing beer in the United States.

1977

Styles

The First Classification of Beer Styles

Michael James Jackson published his book "The World Guide to Beer" in 1977. This is the first occasion in which we can find the term "beer style". He wrote, on page 14:…

1975

Styles

Anchor Brewery's Christmas Ale

Under brewer Fritz Maytag, Anchor Brewery released the first of its Christmas ales—marking the birth of the modern craft IPA movement. It had 40 IBUs and the hop being…

1972

Styles

First "Non-Alcoholic" Beer in Germany

The history of non-alcoholic beer in Germany dates back to the 19th century, but its modern development began in 1972 on the eastern side of the Berlin Wall. In Berlin,…

1966

Science

First Breeding of the Maris Otter barley variety

Dr G. D. H. Bell, director of the British Plant Breeding Institute (PBI), developed the variety in 1966 at the institute's original home on Maris Lane in Trumpington,…

1960

Styles

Cream Ale is Back

Since 1960, the Genesee Brewing Company in Rochester, New York State (USA), has once again had a Cream Ale in its product lineup.

1946

Breweries

St. Sixtus Stops Brewing Westvleteren

In 1946, the St. Sixtus monastery decides to cease production of the Trappist beer "Westvleteren." St. Bernardus subsequently acquires the licence to brew the Trappist…

September 9, 1940

Styles

The Last Porter Brewed in England for Some Time

By the 1920s, porter had fallen into steep decline — watered down, lacking body, and largely unpleasant to drink; it had become the preserve of older drinkers. The…

1935

Science

First Beer in a Can

The Krueger Cream Ale is the first beer to be sold in cans.

1934

Styles

Birth of the Westmalle Tripel

In 1933, Westmalle builds a new brewery. Brewing in the new brewery begins the following year, 1934 — marking the birth of the Westmalle Tripel. Initially it was still…

1934

Breweries

St. Sixtus Monastery Building

Evarist Deconnick took over the building of what is now the St. Sixtus monastery (at the time a former cheese factory) from French monks (of the Abbaye du Mont des…

1933

Laws

End of Prohibition in the United States

Prohibition (the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution) in the United States comes to an end after 13 years. Before Prohibition in the United States, there were…

1932

Breweries

Brewing Starts Again at Orval

Orval starts to brew again. The first brewer has been from Germany. The recipe was very different to the other Trappist ones: It was (most likely) dry-hopped right…

1926

Breweries

Abbaye d'Orval Rebuilt

The Abbaye d'Orval is rebuilt until it has been sacked by the French in the 1790s.

1922

Breweries

Westmalle Starts to Use Caramelized Sugar Syrup

In 1922, caramelized sugar syrup was used for the first time in the Westmalle monastery brewery — perhaps a response to the Vandervelde Law of 1919? The idea, however,…

January 17, 1920

Laws

The Start of Prohibition in the United States

The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution takes effect—marking the beginning of Prohibition, which lasts for 13 years. Before Prohibition in the United States, there…

1920

Breweries

Westmalle Sales Resume After World War I

The Germans loot the Westmalle monastery during World War I. Afterwards, sales resume in 1920, following the end of the war.

August 29, 1919

Laws

Vandervelde's Law in Belgium

As Minister of Justice, Émile Vandervelde ensured that Parliament passed the so-called “Vandervelde Law” (loi Vandervelde) on August 29, 1919, which was intended to…

1917

Breweries

Anheuser-Busch Only Allowed to Use the Name "Budweiser" North America

In 1917, it is agreed that Anheuser-Busch may use the name "Budweiser" exclusively in North America, but in return commits to sourcing the hops for brewing it from…

1907

Breweries

Anheuser-Busch Registers the Trademark "Budweiser"

In 1907, Anheuser-Busch registered the trademark "Budweiser" with the American patent and trademark office. This marks the beginning of the dispute over the rights to…

1907

Styles

Mackeson Stout: The 1st Milk Stout

Mackeson Stout was a milk stout first brewed in 1907 by a company founded in Hythe, Kent, England. One of its defining characteristics is the use of lactose, a…

1906

Breweries

Budweiser Budvar enters the US Market

In 1906, Budweiser Budvar began selling in the United States.

1895

Styles

First Munich Helles is Served

Münchener Helle is served in Munich for the first time (it had previously been exported to Hamburg to compete with Pilsner); brewed by the Spaten Brewery.

1895

Breweries

Budweiser Budvar Starts to Brew

Budweiser Budvar (Czech: Budějovický Budvar) is a classic Bohemian pilsner from the brewery of the same name. The brewery was founded in 1895 in competition with the…

November 22, 1887

People

Death of Joseph Groll

Joseph Groll died on 22 November 1887 in Vilshofen. He was born was born on 21 August 1813 in the same town.

1884

Breweries

La Trappe Starts Brewing

The La Trappe monastery in the Netherlands (near Tilburg) has been brewing beer since 1884. The name is derived from the French abbey "L'abbaye Notre-Dame de la Grande…

November 12, 1883

Science

Isolation of the First Yeast Cell

Emil Christian Hansen (born May 8, 1842, in Ribe, Denmark; died August 27, 1909, in Copenhagen) isolates and cultivates the first single yeast cell (called Saccharomyces…

1878

Science

Introduction to Beer Filtration

Lorenz Adalbert Enzinger (1849-1897) invented the beer filter in 1878. Enzinger was the brewer and director of the Worms Agricultural School.

1876

People

Beer Brewed Under the Name "Budweiser"

Adolf Busch (son-in-law of Eberhard Anheuser) was already brewing a beer under the name "Budweiser" in 1876.

1876

Science

First Reliable & Efficient Compressed-Ammonia Refrigerator

Carl Paul Gottfried von Linde (11 June 1842 – 16 November 1934) was a German scientist, engineer, and industrialist whose work transformed modern refrigeration. His…

1873

Science

Refrigeration Equipment at the Vienna Brewing Congress

Carl von Linde presents his refrigeration machines for breweries at the Vienna Brewing Congress.

1872

Breweries

Georg Schneider's acquisition of the Weisses Brauhaus

Georg Schneider takes over the "Weiße Brauhaus"—which remains in the Schneider family’s ownership to this day. It is located in the city center of Munich, very close to…

1871

Events

First Märzen at Oktoberfest

The first Märzen was served at the Oktoberfest in Munich in 1871. This marked the beginning of Märzen's era as the traditional Oktoberfest beer. However, this was…

1870s

Styles

Lager Beers Take Over in the US

The bright, light, thirst-quenching lager is increasingly causing problems for American ale brewers: by the 1870s, lager beers had already overtaken ales in sales.

1870s

Breweries

Budweiser Bürgerbräu Exporting to the US

Budweiser Bürgerbräu was already exporting beer to the United States in the 1870s.

December 27, 1863

People

Death of Anton Dreher

He died in Schwechat (where he was born as well) on December 27, 1863. He brewed the first Vienna Lager in 1841 and was one of the pioneers of the Lager beer revolution…

1860

Breweries

Westmalle Starts to Sell Beer at Their Gates

In 1860, beer sales begin at the gates of the Westmalle monastery.

1856

Styles

The First Dubbel in History?

The Trappists at Westmalle begin brewing the first stronger beers. Among them is a darker beer — perhaps the first dubbel in history.

1850

Laws

Lifting of the Summer Brewing Ban

After 297 years, the summer brewing ban was lifted. One of the most important reason for this was the invention of the refrigeration machine by Carl von Linde, which…

1848

Styles

Gold Rush in California

The 1848 Gold Rush in California, USA, leads to ever-increasing numbers of immigrants coming to the United States. From Germany too — and with them comes a growing…

1844

Science

First Mechanical Production of Ice by John Gorrie

John Gorrie began experimenting with artificial ice production, achieving his first mechanically made ice in 1844. After 1845 he abandoned his medical career to focus…

1843

Science

Balling Invents the Saccharimeter

In 1843, Karl Josef Napolean Balling invented the "Balling Saccharimeter" — a density spindle named after him, used to measure the concentration of aqueous sugar…

November 11, 1842

Breweries

First Serving of "Pilsner Urquell"

On 11 November 1842, the new Pilsner Urquell is served in 3 inns in Pilsen. The inns were called "Zum Goldenen Adler" (The Golden Eagle), "Zur weißen Rose" (The White…

October 5, 1842

Breweries

First Pilsner Urquell Brewday

On 5 October 1842, Joseph Groll brews the first Pilsner at the Burghers Brewery in Pilsen. This was the first brew day of the "Urquell."

1842

Science

Patent for a Pneumatic Dryer

In 1842, the Scottish maltster Patrick Stead patented what he termed a pneumatic malting process, in which the germinated grain is being dried with force-blown air.

1841

Styles

Invention of Light Märzen Beer in Munich

The first modern pale Märzen was developed in 1841 by the Spaten Brewery in Munich. In the same year, the first Vienna Lager was brewed by Anton Dreher in Schwechat,…

1841

Styles

Anton Dreher Starts to Brew the First Vienna Lager

Anton Dreher (senior) brews the first Vienna Lager at his brewery in Neuschwechat, near Vienna.

1840

Styles

First Lager Beer in the US

Lager brewing arrived in America in 1840 and rapidly reshaped the country's brewing landscape. Until that point, every beer produced in America had been a warm-fermented…

1840s

Science

Industrial Glass Production

The industrial glass production started in the 1840s. Prior to this, drinking glasses were very expensive and only accessible to the upper classes — who, however,…

1838

Styles

Undrinkable Beer Again in Pilsen

In 1838, the beer in Pilsen (Bohemia, Czech Republic) had once again turned sour and undrinkable. In their anger, the citizens poured several barrels into the gutter in…

1836

Breweries

Westmalle Monks Start to Brew

The monks who founded Westmalle fled from France due to the French Revolution (Napoleon). They took over the monastery in 1802 and began brewing in 1836. From that same…

1836

Breweries

Dreher Takes Over Klein Schwechat Brewery

Dreher takes over the Klein Schwechat brewery (close to Vienna)

1833

People

Dreher and Sedlmayr's Trip to London

Anton Dreher and Gabriel Sedlmayr (initially with Meindl and Lederer) traveled to London in 1833 and 1834 to study brewing techniques. They brought extensive knowledge…

1829

Breweries

Munich has 51 Active Breweries

The city of Munich had 51 active breweries in 1829. This is a lot and lead to following fun fact: During the 23 weeks of the summer brewing ban, an average of more…

1818

Science

Wheeler's Patent for Kilning and Roasting Malt

Daniel Wheeler, a British engineer and inventor of the 19th century, devised a groundbreaking method for kilning and roasting malt, securing a patent for his "Improved…

1818

Styles

End of the Wittelsbach Family's Bock Beer Monopoly

End of the Wittelsbach family's exclusive right to brew bock beer.

August 21, 1813

People

Birth of Joseph Groll

Joseph Groll was born on 21 August 1813 in Vilshofen and died on 22 November 1887 in the same town.

January 4, 1812

Laws

Birth of Bavarian Beer Gardens

Bavaria's first beer garden opened in 1812, after King Maximilian I Joseph granted brewers the right to serve beer outside the traditional framework of the "Krugrecht" —…

1810

Events

First Oktoberfest in Munich

The first Oktoberfest in takes place in Munich, Germany, to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Today, it is the…

1810

People

Birth of Anton Dreher

Birth of Anton Dreher (senior) in Schwechat, close to Vienna in Austria. He died in Schwechat on December 27, 1863. He brewed the first Vienna Lager in 1841.

1807

Breweries

Gabriel Sedlmayr Buys Spaten Brewery

The royal court brewmaster Gabriel Sedlmayr acquires the Spaten Brewery. At the time, it was the smallest brewery in Munich.

1802

Science

Patenting of Colored Beer

In England, brewers sought ways to darken their beers without relying solely on malt. One approach came from Matthew Wood, who in 1802 secured Patent No. 2625 for a…

August 6, 1798

Laws

Abolition of the Wheat Beer Monopoly

The wheat beer monopoly endured for around two centuries, finally ending in 1798 (by decree of Elector Karl Theodor) when a number of monasteries and civic breweries…

1703

Science

First Evidence of English Pale Malt

First documented evidence of English pale malt.

1656

Events

Trappist Order Starts

The Trappist order (the correct name for the Trappists is "Cistercians of the Strict Observance") emerged from the Cistercian order in 1656, once again in the pursuit of…

1635

Science

Patent for an Indirect Kiln

In 1635, Sir Nicolas Halse from Cornwall, UK, is granted the patent for an indirect kiln, meaning a kiln without contact with smoke. Prior to this, only direct-fire…

1628

Breweries

Brewing at Abbaye d'Orval Starts

First records of brewing at the monastery of Abbaye d'Orval. In the same 17th century, the monastery became Trappist

1614

Styles

First Bock Beer at the Hofbräuhaus in Munich

For the first time, a bock beer is being brewed at the Hofbräuhaus in Munich by a master brewer from Einbeck.

1612

Styles

Hofbräuhaus Sells its First Einbecker Beer

The Brown Hofbräuhaus sells the first Einbeck beer. The brewer named Elias Pichler was specifically brought from Einbeck to Munich by Wilhelm V of Bavaria, the son of…

1607

Breweries

Opening of the White Brewery in Kehlheim

Opening of the White Brewery in Kehlheim (which still exists today) by Maximilian I., who got back the right to brew wheat beer from the family Degenburg and all their…

1602

People

The Death of the Last Degenberger

Death of the last male member of the Degenberg family (without an heir). The wheat monopoly reverts to the House of Wittelsbach (to Elector Maximilian I, who was ruling…

1553

Laws

Summer Brewing Ban

The summer brewing ban was enacted in 1553 by Duke Albrecht V., the son of Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria who set up the "Bayerische Landordnung", i.e., the "Bayerische…

1548

Laws

Wheat Beer Brewing License for Degenburg

In 1548, Albrecht V (son of Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria who set up the "Bayerische Landordnung", i.e., the "Bayerische Reinheitsgebot" in 1516) granted the right to brew…

1540

Styles

Einbecker Beer for the First Time in Bavaria

The court of the Bavarian rulers in Landshut and Munich obtained Einbecker Brewery beer via traders in Nuremberg. The beer was not only of high quality but also very…

April 23, 1516

Laws

German Purity Law

Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria issued the “bayerische Landordnung”, which later became known as the “bayerischen Reinheitsgebot”. In particular, brewing was only allowed…

1378

Styles

Exports of Einbecker beer confirmed

An invoice from the Dukes of Celle (in northern Germany) for beer from Einbeck shows that the beer from Einbeck was exported.

1368

Styles

Einbeck Joins the Hanseatic League

In 1368, Einbeck joined the Hanseatic League, which facilitated the export of beer from the city. As a result, Einbeck replaced Hamburg, Bremen, and Wismar as major beer…

1351

Styles

First Mention of Einbeck Beer

The Einbecker beer is first mentioned in written records in the year 1351.

1132

Breweries

Re-Establishment of the Abbaye d'Orval

The Cistercians re-establish the Abbaye d'Orval that have been founded by the Benedictines in 1070.

1070

Breweries

Abbay d'Orval Founded

Benedictines founded the Abbey d'Orval in 1070 but left it soon after