Zotler

Some breweries proudly mention being around for a hundred years. Zötler has been brewing since 1447, which starts to make most competitors look fairly new to the job.

Based in Rettenberg in the Allgäu region of Bavaria, the family-owned brewery is widely recognised as one of the oldest continuously family-run breweries in the world. More importantly, the beer remains worth drinking rather than relying entirely on the history lesson.

The brewery focuses on classic Bavarian styles including Helles, Pils, Dunkel, Weissbier, Bock and seasonal specialties. Brewing follows traditional methods, with long maturation times and a strong commitment to Bavarian brewing culture. Crisp malt character, clean fermentation and balance remain central throughout the range.

Part of the appeal comes from patience. Zötler remains associated with slow brewing methods and traditional lager production at a time when speed often dominates modern drinks manufacturing.

Bavaria has no shortage of historic breweries. Surviving for nearly six centuries while staying family owned is a fairly impressive way of standing out from the crowd.