The Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House has officially opened in Maryland after Diageo invest $90 million. It is to be the new home of Guinness in America whilst boosting brewing, tourism and employment in the local area.
The Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House took its name from Dublin’s Open Gate Brewery merged with the on-site use of wooden barrels. The site was formally a whiskey distillery, using oak casks for maturation. It is now a brewery and visitor center where the beer is also to be aged in barrels.
Situated 10 miles from downtown Baltimore and 30 miles from Washington D.C. the brewery has become a part of the areas exciting and expanding brewing scene.
“This brewery has long been a dream for Guinness, and an incredible amount of hard work has gone into getting these doors open,” said Tom Day, Diageo Beer Company USA Chairman and Diageo Global Chief Sales Officer. “I can’t wait to see people enjoying the fantastic beer our brewers have made in this historic and beautiful building. I’m proud that we have created something special and quintessentially Guinness here in Maryland.”
The site was opened by Guinness brewers, executives and guests from the local community. It has created 200 jobs.
The brewery now offers visitors free self-guided tours. Guided tours and tap room tastings are due to commence later this year. A restaurant will also open on the site alongside food trucks and a performance area for concerts and local events.
A selection of Guinness beers will be available for tasting to typically include 15 varieties. Whilst not all of them will be brewed in Maryland a selection of them will be, including the Blonde, IPA and Crossland’s pale ale, made with Maryland grown malted barley and hops. Other new Guinness beers that are being created for the American market will also become available.
To offer guests responsible rides home Guinness partner Lyft have set up a permanent pickup lane at the brewery, facilitating convenient and responsible rides home. This is also part of Diageo’s commitment to responsible drinking and Lyft’s Ride Smart initiative.
