Guinness Brewery Closure
Diageo to Close First U.S. Guinness Brewery in Maryland After Eight Years
Anonymous
Key Points
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Diageo invested about $90 million in the Halethorpe site, which initially included brewing, packaging, warehousing and visitor operations and generated more than 200 jobs.
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Guinness said it brewed more than 700 different beers at the brewery and invited customers to visit during its final month for “one final toast.”
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The Halethorpe property had previously been home to a historic whiskey distillery, which helped inspire the brewery’s original name, “Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House.”
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The brewery was designed to let local brewers experiment with beers influenced by American brewing traditions; Guinness Draught and the company’s other classic stouts continued to be brewed in Ireland.
Diageo is shutting down Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe, Maryland, with its final public day set for November 1, 2026. Breweries in PA reported the closure ends an eight-year run at what was Guinness' first U.S. brewing operation in more than 60 years. The company cited rising operating costs, changing consumer demand, and broader economic pressures as reasons for the decision.
The experimental brewery welcomed more than 2 million visitors since opening in 2018 but had already scaled back production in 2023, laying off about 100 workers. Herald Sun noted Guinness will keep only its Chicago location as a remaining U.S. site. Diageo plans to create a $250,000 community fund for Baltimore-area organizations.
A $90 Million Investment That Didn't Last
Diageo invested roughly $90 million into the Halethorpe site when it opened. Breweries in PA reported the brewery initially handled brewing, packaging, warehousing, and visitor operations, generating more than 200 jobs. The Open Gate Brewery was designed as an experimental hub where local brewers could create beers influenced by American brewing traditions while Guinness Draught and classic stouts continued production in Ireland.
The site had brewed more than 700 different beers during its run. Irish Star reported that Diageo struggled with mounting costs even before the final closure announcement, with large-scale production already ending in 2023.
Production Cuts Signaled Trouble Ahead
The brewery's problems became clear when Diageo halted large-scale production in 2023 and laid off around 100 employees. Global Drinks Intel noted that Guinness Open Gate was one of only four such visitor-focused brewery assets globally, making its closure significant for the brand's international strategy. The company has not disclosed how many additional jobs the final shutdown will affect.
Baltimore's Historic Brewing Legacy Disappears
The Halethorpe property had previously housed a historic whiskey distillery, which inspired the original name "Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House." ModBee reported that this location was meant to celebrate the region's distilling heritage while introducing experimental American-style Guinness products. The closure removes one of Maryland's most visible craft beverage destinations after less than a decade of operation.
Guinness invited customers to visit during the final month for "one final toast" before operations end. The company's decision reflects broader challenges facing premium brewery experiences as rising costs and shifting consumer preferences reshape the U.S. beer market.
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