The brewing of ale and porter in Pittsburgh began shortly after the city came alive with its first people. Pittsburgh's first record of a commercial brewery dates back to 1795, but, undoubtedly, beer was brewed in the city even before then. Early Pittsburgh brewing endeavors relied on plant locations near a hillside where caves could be dug for keeping the brew chilled. A Pittsburgh tradition since 1861, Pittsburgh Brewing Company represents the marked success of originality and quality brewing. As one of the country's oldest breweries, tours of the facility depict the time-honored brewing traditions.