Triple Rock Brewery, Nation's Oldest Brewpub, to Close After 40 Years

Berkeley's Triple Rock Brewery, a cornerstone of the craft beer scene and recognized as the nation's longest-running brewpub, is set to close its doors by the end of 2026. The establishment, which opened in 1986, has been a fixture for generations of students, alumni, and residents of the city.

Founded by brothers John and Reid Martin, Triple Rock Brewery was established with the vision of bringing more beer options to Berkeley. After four decades, the founders are retiring, and the business faces challenges common in the alcohol industry, including the absence of a family successor and declining alcohol sales.

Triple Rock Brewery has poured more than 10 million pints since its inception and has served as a training ground for brewers who have gone on to establish careers in the craft beer sector. The brewery's website describes it as Berkeley's "OG Taphouse" and notes it was the fifth brewpub to open in the United States and the oldest still operated by its original founders.

The brewery plans to continue normal operations through December, with commemorative events scheduled. These will include the release of classic brews and retro-themed nights, while its signature Monkey Head beer will remain a weekly Thursday offering.

The Martin brothers also own the building housing the brewpub and intend to either lease or sell the property. Employees are expected to be offered positions at other family-owned businesses, such as Drake’s Brewing, Bear Republic, and the Jupiter restaurant.

The closure marks another shift in Berkeley's beer landscape, following the May closure of Trumer Brewery's taproom after its acquisition and relocation of brewing operations.