Ale, a type of beer, is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages produced by the humans. Carbon dating and research reveals that the first beer was brewed 7000 years ago. However, commercial brewing of beer did not start until the first brewery was setup, still operating, in Germany in the year 1040.

Here is the list of the oldest functioning breweries in the world.

1. WEIHENSTEPHANER – GERMANY 1040 This is the first brewery that was ever licensed for commercial production of Beer. The unit was setup in 1040 and has been producing beer ever since. The brands of beer produced here are Weihenstephaner Weissbier, Infinium, Vitus and Korbinian to name a few.

2. WELTENBURGER KLOSTERBRAUEREI - GERMANY 1050 Weltenburg Abbey brewery (Weltenburger Klosterbrauerei) is by some reckonings the oldest monastery brewery in the world, having been in operation since 1050, although the title is disputed by Weihenstephan Abbey. Their ″Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel″ has won the World Beer Cup award in 2004, 2008 and 2012. The brewery also has a restaurant for the guests to feast on sumptuous classic German cuisine, cheese and freshly brewed beer.

3. AFFLIGEM - BELGIUM 1074 The abbey of Affligem was founded around 1074. The label "anno 1074" on the Affligem beer bottles is based on the foundation history. This is located very close to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The brewery is now owned by Heineken. Affligem Blonde, Affligem Dubbel, Affligem Tripel and Affligem Patersvat are some of the brands.

4. PRIVATBRAUEREI BOLTEN - GERMANY 1266 The brewery is located at Korschenbroich-Neersbroich. Brewery license was received in 1266 when it started brewing renowned beers as Bolten Alt, Bolten Ur-Alt, Bolten Ur-Weizen, Bolten Malz, Bolten Landbier and Bolten Helles.

5. AUGUSTINER: MUNICH, GERMANY- 1328 This brewery is located in Munich, Germany. This is the oldest independent brewery. The manufacturer operates a beer tent at every Oktoberfest and owns Munich’s largest beer garden. Their most popular beer is Augustiner Helles. The other brands are Edelstoff, Augustiner Dunkles, Augustiner Pils, and Augustiner Weißbier. Seasonal beers are Oktoberfestbier, a style of beer known as Märzen in German, specially brewed for the Oktoberfest. Augustiner′s Oktoberfest beer and Edelstoff are the only beers at the festival that are still served from traditional wooden barrels. Maximator is a seasonal strong beer brewed during the Lent season.

6. STELLA ARTOIS: LEUVEN, BELGIUM- 1366 Established in 1366, the brewery was called Den Hoorn brewery, until it was purchased by Sebastian Artois, a brew master, in 1717. The name was then changed to Artois brewery. Stella Artois is the name of the brand of Beer that is brewed here.

7. STIEGL BREWERY: SALZBURG, AUSTRIA- 1492 One of the most common brands of beer in Austria, The Stiegl, is brewed in the Stiegl Brewery since 1492. The brewery has a large museum and serves beer on the house when you visit. The brands of beer they produce are Stiegl Helles, Stiegl Hefeweizen. They also have a speciality grapefruit beer.

8. GROLSCH BREWERY: GROENLO, NETHERLANDS 1615 The Dutch brewery was founded in 1615 by Willem Neerfeldt in Groenlo. The brewery has been owned by the SAB Miller group since 2008. They have a vast range of beers produced on a regular basis. Some of them are Grolsch Pilsner, Blond, Light and Weizen. Speciality brews include Lemon and Cranberry Rose to name some. They also produce the Amsterdam Brand of beers which are mainly low priced strong brews.

9. ST. FRANCIS ABBEY BREWERY- 1710 The St. Francis Abbey brewery is the oldest in Ireland. The same was founded by John Smithwick in 1710. The brewery is known for their brand of beer, Kilkenny and Smithwicks Draught. This brewery is currently owned by Diageo, who purchased it along with Guinness.

10. ST. JAMES GATE BREWERY- 1759 St. James Gate brewery was founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759. The brewery was originally leased out to Arthur Guinness for 45 Pounds a year for 9000 years. It became the largest brewery in the world by 1886 selling 1.2 Million barrels of beer. Now it is still the largest Stout Beer Brewery in the world. This is spread over 64 acres now. The famous brand is Guinness which comes in various varieties and is also sold as a draught beer.