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Discover the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Tour in Maryland

Located in Halethorpe, Maryland, just outside Baltimore, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Tour offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look inside Guinness’s only U.S. brewery. This guided experience takes guests through a modern brewing facility where classic Guinness techniques meet experimental, small-batch American brewing.

Why it’s special:
This is not a museum—it’s a working brewery. The Open Gate Brewery serves as Guinness’s American innovation hub, where new recipes are brewed exclusively for the Baltimore taproom. Visitors experience both the heritage of Guinness and the creativity of contemporary craft brewing in one location.

History/Story of Guinness Open Gate Brewery

The Guinness Open Gate Brewery opened in 2018 on the site of the former Calvert distillery, marking Guinness’s return to U.S. brewing after more than 60 years. Designed as an experimental brewery, the Halethorpe facility allows Guinness brewers to create beers inspired by American styles while honoring traditional Irish brewing roots. Today, it stands as a centerpiece of Maryland’s craft beer scene.

What You’ll See & Do on the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Tour

Tour an active Guinness brewing facility and production areas
Learn about the brewing process, ingredients, and quality control
Discover how experimental beers are developed for U.S. release
See fermentation tanks and brewing equipment up close
Enjoy guided tastings of beers brewed on-site

Hands-On Elements: Guided beer tastings and sensory discussions
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in designated areas
Souvenirs & Extras: Taproom, restaurant, beer garden, and retail shop with exclusive Guinness merchandise

Pricing of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Tour

Brewery tours require paid admission.
Pricing varies depending on the selected tour or tasting experience.

Visiting information

Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes
Format: Guided brewery tour with tasting
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered year-round on select days
Audience: Adults 21+, beer enthusiasts, tourists
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
Safety & Restrictions: Valid government-issued ID required; 21+ for tastings
Languages: English
Group & Private Visits: Group tours and private experiences available by reservation
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable closed-toe shoes; bring valid ID
Facilities: Taproom, restaurant, beer garden, retail shop, restrooms, parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed select holidays
Working hours: Wednesday–Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; closed Monday–Tuesday

Nearby

Heavy Seas Brewery
Patapsco Valley State Park
Baltimore Inner Harbor

FAQs About Visiting Guinness Open Gate Brewery

Is this a working Guinness brewery?
Yes. Guinness brews beer on-site at the Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe.

Are the beers here the same as Guinness from Ireland?
Some classics are available, but many beers are exclusive experimental brews made only at this location.

Do tours include beer tastings?
Most standard tours include guided tastings; non-alcoholic options may be available.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially on weekends.

Is food available on-site?
Yes. The brewery features a full-service restaurant and outdoor beer garden.