The Old Zig Zag Brewery was first built around 1893 upon a well-known spring water source deep within a steep sandstone valley on the outskirts of the small Lithgow coal mining community. Occupying almost 40 acres, it is situated within a stones-throw of the famous Zig Zag Railway built in the 1800's to haul coal up and out of the valley.
The Old Zig Zag Brewery became one of the largest and most famous breweries west of the Great Divide and was also known as Terry's Brewery. It maintained its popularity until the late 1950's when the last brew was made. Even in its early years the spring water was considered to be a crucial ingredient in the delicate art of brewing a fine ale and the brewery achieved further distinction in the 1950's when its stout won a world championship award in London.
The brewery went on to be used for soft drink production as the home of Dales Soft Drinks in the 60's and 70's and in a rather tired condition was finally purchased by the Schindler family in 1981 as a holiday retreat and weekender, with the spring water business commencing in 1991.