Just 10 minutes from downtown Baltimore and short trips from Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York, Guinness‘s Open Gate Brewery welcomed more than 400,000 visitors in its first year.
About 65% of those visitors are from Maryland, but each of the 50 states (and beyond) have been represented by guests since last year’s Aug. 3 opening. The impact that the brewery has had on Maryland goes well beyond visitors, as more than 200 permanent, full-time employees from the surrounding area now work at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery.
“When we started working towards opening the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, we knew we were building something significant that would mean so much to millions of people around the world,” said Nuno Teles, President, Diageo Beer Company USA. “What we couldn’t fully predict is what being a part of the Maryland brewing scene would feel like. It’s widely accepted that the U.S. overall is the most dynamic beer market in the world, but the breweries in Baltimore, and Maryland as a whole, have created such a supportive and inclusive environment. Each day we’re more and more grateful to be here.”
A number of celebratory activities and daily live music will also be available at the brewery in the week leading up to the anniversary, including a special beer dinner on Wednesday, July 31st and a cornhole tournament with prizes on Friday, Aug.2. On the official day of the anniversary, Saturday, Aug. 3, country superstar Frankie Ballard will headline a free concert at 7:30pm EDT. Local confectionary legend, Charm City Cakes, will also be providing a special Guinness cake and thousands of cupcakes for the party.
In addition to all of the planned festivities, the brewing team has been working on a special beer to mark the milestone: First Anniversary Barrel-Aged Grand Cru. Available exclusively at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery on tap and in 12oz. cans for takeaway, this 10.5% ABV release is a blend of an imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels and a Belgian-style Golden Ale aged in rum barrels.