Guinness Brewing - The Beer Thrillers

BrewDog’s James Watt Stepping Down as CEO

B. Kline — Wed, 08 May 2024 14:16:07 +0000

BrewDog CEO James Watt. Photo Courtesy of: BrewDog

BrewDog’s James Watt Stepping Down as CEO

The embattled BrewDog CEO and co-founder James Watt is stepping down from the helm of the brewery he started in a garage after 17 years leading the UK business. After numerous tumultuous years, the CEO of BrewDog – James Watt, is officially stepping down as CEO of the company he co-founded and created.

James Arrow will be stepping up and replacing James Watt. He took over the COO position in September of 2023.

I have decided to transition into a new role in the business, one of ‘captain and co-founder’ – and James Arrow will pick up the reins as CEO as our business pushes forward into our next phase of growth. In my new role, I will remain as a board member, a director and I will also be part-time strategic advisor to the business and to our leadership team.

-soon to be former CEO James Watt

Arrow joined BrewDog from Boots Opticians, where he was managing director. He joined BrewDog in September as COO.

James Watt spoke to me last year about continuing to play a role with the business while freeing up time to concentrate on his other projects and interests. We subsequently put in place a succession plan by recruiting James Arrow as COO and strengthening the wider senior leadership team.

-BrewDog chair Allan Leighton

The latest figures from Companies House show that BrewDog, a major UK beer brand and pub operator, reported revenues of £321.2 million ($401 million) in 2022, an increase from £285.6 million the previous year. However, the company incurred a loss of £24.8 million, a significant rise from the £10.6 million loss in 2021.

Under the leadership of CEO Watt, BrewDog has expanded internationally, exporting to 60 markets and establishing retail locations across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.

Despite its expansion, BrewDog has faced challenges, particularly in 2021 when it was criticized for fostering a “toxic” work environment. An open letter from a group named ‘Punks With Purpose,’ signed by 76 ex-employees, criticized the company culture as a “cult of personality” centered around Watt and co-founder Martin Dickie.

The letter highlighted widespread concerns across various departments, stating: “It doesn’t matter which part of the business we worked in; production, bartending, sales, operations, packaging, quality, marketing or HR, we all felt that in our day-to-day working lives, there were at best hurdles and, at worst, genuine safety concerns. In the wake of your success are people left burnt out, afraid and miserable. The true culture of BrewDog is, and seemingly always has been, fear.”

In response to these allegations, Watt expressed his distress and acknowledged the importance of the feedback, stating that BrewDog was apologetic, would not challenge the claims but would “listen, learn and act” to address the issues raised.

In January, it emerged the company was to stop paying some of its hospitality staff the UK’s so-called real living wage to tackle increased costs of company overhead. Watt had been overheard saying things like “we shouldn’t be relied on to let people make a living wage, that should be on them”, as well as several other comments indicating he didn’t feel like his workers should be able to fully live off what they make being employed by BrewDog.

In July of 2023 they had announced that they were wanting to set up a huge hospitality expansion, with up towards 300 bars, hotels, and other franchises worldwide, concluding them all by 2030. This would include locations in the UK, Netherlands, India, Thailand, Australia, Italy, and the United States.

Internal Memo

Dear Equity Punk,

You may have seen the big news. Seventeen years after he co-founded the business, James Watt has decided to step down as chief executive of BrewDog.

He will stay on the BrewDog PLC board in the role of ‘captain & co-founder’ and remains a major shareholder. I am honoured to have been asked by Allan Leighton, our chair, and the Board to step into the role of chief executive. Please find below the company announcement which gives more detail and context.

I am looking forward to building on James’s and Martin’s achievements and leading this business through the next phase of its development.

I hope to meet as many of you as possible at the AGM next month, where I’ll share more about my vision and the journey ahead.

James Arrow BREWDOG ANNOUNCES THAT JAMES ARROW WILL SUCCEED JAMES WATT AS CEO JAMES WATT TO MOVE INTO NON-EXECUTIVE ROLE

8 May 10.00, Ellon: BrewDog has today announced that James Arrow, currently COO, will succeed James Watt as CEO of the company, as part of a succession plan put in place last year.

Seventeen years after he co-founded the business, James Watt has decided to step down as chief executive. He will stay on the BrewDog PLC board in the role of ‘captain & co-founder’ and remains a major shareholder.

Allan Leighton, BrewDog chair, said: “James Watt spoke to me last year about continuing to play a role with the business while freeing up time to concentrate on his other projects and interests. We subsequently put in place a succession plan by recruiting James Arrow as COO and strengthening the wider senior leadership team.”

James Arrow joined BrewDog from Boots Opticians, where he was managing director, in September 2023. Prior to that he spent a decade at Dixons Carphone in a variety of senior roles including e-commerce, trading, operations, sales and transformation.

“James Arrow is a proven leader,” said Allan Leighton. “His eight months as COO have given him a great insight into the business. The Board is delighted to have him as CEO, to lead the Company into its next phase of growth.” Allan Leighton continued: “James Watt, alongside Martin Dickie, created this great business from a garage in Fraserburgh. Few have accomplished what he has. From very humble beginnings under his leadership BrewDog has grown to become the world’s leading craft brewer, employing 2530 people across its head office, four breweries and over 120 bars. I am especially pleased he will continue to offer his insight, creative genius and energy to the Board. We all wish him every success in his new ventures and in his NED role on the Board.”

James Arrow said: “James and Martin have created a fantastic business. I am looking forward to building on their achievements and leading this business through the next phase of its development.”

James Watt said: “I want to thank all the incredible people who have helped Martin and me create this unique business. I have loved co-founding this amazing business and leading it for the last 17 years. I am excited to take a bit of time off, to travel, to spend more time with my family and friends. I am also looking forward to being able to dedicate some more time to my other business interests.’

For more information contact brewdog@powerscourt-group.com

See Previous Article on Closure of BrewDog Pittsburgh

BrewDog Pittsburgh Has Closed

BrewDog Controversies

BrewDog is certainly not new to controversies, most of which have been well catalogued. From the recent Reddit post discussing the BrewDog Pittsburgh closure, you can even find a listing of some of their recent scandals:

Some examples:

stealing ideas from fake job interviews

the owner is a terrible person

more about the owner

open letter to the company and owner from former employees

BrewDog Pittsburgh is Closed Closed (/r/Beer)

From that same Reddit page, it also seems that BrewDog Pittsburgh employees were given no notice of the closure until heads up. A Twitter thread follows it here: It appears they also gave their employees no notice whatsoever, in typical BrewDog fashion.

BrewDog vs. Guinness

BrewDog marketing has been actively attempting to ‘sway’ drinkers away from Guinness using social media, ads, and other forms and attempts. Social media ads were designated to discourage drinkers from Guinness through means of discounts, and offering free beer if they didn’t drink Guinness. Their social media posts showed their workers and friends drinking BrewDog in front of Guinness locations and showing their displeasure for Guinness. They started the ad campaign around February of 2023.

This all comes on the heels of weeks after weeks of social media posts and advertisements of BrewDog branding all but calling out Guinness Brewing. With posts showing them drinking their own beer – Black Heart Stout – in front of Guinness locations and stating how much better theirs is. This ‘advertisement tactic’ has drawn much ire in the online community and there was much blow back on social media pages.

BrewDog Pittsburgh Has Closed (March, 2023)

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Beer Review: Guinness Draught (Guinness)

B. Kline — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 06:04:42 +0000

Having a Guinness Draught with Ming and Don on St. Patrick’s Day

A Timeless Classic Revisited: Guinness Draught

In the ever-evolving landscape of craft beers, with its kaleidoscope of flavors, styles, and innovations, there remains one stalwart that continues to command respect and admiration for its enduring quality and unique character: Guinness Draught. As we dive into this beer review, we revisit this iconic stout, exploring the depths of its rich history, distinctive pour, and the sensory experience it offers.

Guinness is oft an overlooked beer, especially by the craft beer drinkers, those fickle and funny group of “beer nerds”. For me its a standard, an old faithful, an old friend to revisit every so often. Particularly every St. Patrick’s Day I enjoy myself an Irish Car Bomb (or two or three), and then a straight up pint of Guinness. But there are other times and places I enjoy the delicious dark Irish brew. But there are other times as well when I reach for the old fan favorite. Dark, stormy, wintry rainy or snowy nights, at the Irish pub off the boardwalk in Atlantic City (A.C.), or when needing a nice roasty drink to go along with shepherd’s pie.

Colorado Beer Guy is currently doing a 40-Day Beer Only Lent Fast, where he is drinking only Guinness and water, and eating nothing. You can follow along with him at his beer group devoted to that task: 40-Day Beer Only Fast (Facebook Group).

Beer Review: Guinness Draught

Having a Guinness Draught with Ming and Don on St. Patrick’s Day

Beer: Guinness Draught
Brewery: Guinness
Style: Stout – Irish Dry
ABV: 4.2%
IBU: 45
Untappd Description:

Swirling clouds tumble as the storm begins to calm. Settle. Breathe in the moment, then break through the smooth, light head to the bittersweet reward.

Unmistakeably GUINNESS, from the first velvet sip to the last, lingering drop. And every deep-dark satisfying mouthful in between.

Pure beauty. Pure GUINNESS.

Guinness Draught is sold in kegs, widget cans, and bottles. The ABV varies from 4.1 to 4.3%.

Guinness Extra Cold is the exact same beer only served through a super cooler at 3.5 °C

Appearance

The appearance of Guinness Draught is nothing short of iconic, a visual poetry that captures the essence of what a stout should be. As it settles in the glass, the beer’s deep, ebony darkness is crowned by a dense, creamy head, starkly contrasting in its color. This head is remarkably persistent, lasting until the final sip, leaving a lacing that clings to the glass like a memory. The allure of its cascade, where the bubbles seem to defy physics, moving downwards before settling, is a unique spectacle. This visual allure is not merely aesthetic but a prelude to the sensory journey that Guinness offers, setting the stage for what promises to be an exceptional beer experience.

From the moment a pint of Guinness Draught is set before you, its visual appeal is undeniable. The beer’s performance begins with its signature cascade, a mesmerizing ballet of tiny bubbles dancing their way to the top, culminating in the formation of a thick, creamy head. This spectacle is not just a treat for the eyes but a testament to the nitrogen gas blend used in its serving, which sets Guinness apart from its carbon dioxide-infused counterparts. The result is a smoother, creamier texture that has become synonymous with the Guinness Draught experience.

Color

The color of Guinness Draught is almost as famous as the brand itself—a deep, opaque ebony that, when held up to the light, reveals a rich, ruby red hue. It’s a color palette that promises depth and complexity, inviting the drinker to delve deeper into what this stout has to offer.

Aroma

The aroma of Guinness Draught gently wafts through the air, a subtle yet intricate blend of scents that prepares the palate for the first taste. It’s a bouquet that doesn’t overpower but entices, with roasted barley taking the forefront, followed by undercurrents of rich coffee and a hint of dark chocolate. This trifecta of aromas is beautifully balanced, creating an inviting and warm olfactory experience. The slight earthiness and a whisper of hops add complexity, making each inhalation a discovery of layers that speaks volumes of the craftsmanship behind this legendary stout.

On the nose, Guinness Draught is subtle yet inviting. It offers hints of roasted barley, coffee, and a touch of chocolate, creating an aromatic profile that balances richness with approachability. This is not a beer that overwhelms; instead, it gently beckons you to take the first sip.

Mouthfeel

One of the most distinctive features of Guinness Draught is its mouthfeel. The use of nitrogen over the more common carbon dioxide in its carbonation process results in a beer that’s velvety smooth and almost silky to the tongue. This creaminess is a hallmark of the Guinness experience, making each sip a luxurious indulgence. Despite its robust appearance and flavor profile, the beer has a surprisingly light body that doesn’t weigh down the palate. This combination of smoothness and lightness makes Guinness Draught exceptionally drinkable, a stout that can be savored slowly over time without becoming overwhelming.

And what a sip it is. Guinness Draught delivers a taste that is both robust and nuanced. The initial flavors mirror the nose, with roasted malt and coffee notes leading the way. There’s a mild sweetness that rounds out the bitterness, and a faint, almost imperceptible smokiness that adds another layer of complexity. Despite its bold flavors, Guinness maintains a medium body that, when combined with its creamy texture, makes for an exceptionally smooth and drinkable stout.

Taste

The taste of Guinness Draught is where its true character shines through—a masterful blend of bitterness balanced with a subtle sweetness. The roasted barley that hints at its presence in the aroma comes to the forefront in the taste, delivering a rich, malted flavor with notes of coffee and a dark chocolate undertone. There’s a complexity here that is deceptively simple, with each sip revealing a new layer or nuance. The bitterness is perfectly pitched, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the malt’s richness, while the finish brings a dryness that cleanses the palate and invites further exploration. It’s a taste profile that is both satisfying and sophisticated, making each pint a journey in itself.

The finish of Guinness Draught is as satisfying as its beginning, with a pleasantly dry aftertaste that invites another sip. This beer does not linger overly long on the palate, but it leaves a memorable impression, encouraging a slow and savoring consumption.

In a beer landscape that often prizes novelty over tradition, Guinness Draught stands as a testament to the power of consistency, quality, and character. It’s a beer that transcends trends, offering the same rich, full-flavored experience that has captivated drinkers for generations. Whether you’re a stout aficionado or a casual beer drinker, Guinness Draught is a brew that deserves a place at your table. It’s not just a beer; it’s a piece of brewing history that continues to delight and surprise with every pint.

Overall

In the realm of stouts, Guinness Draught occupies a place of honor, a testament to its enduring appeal and the timeless quality of its brew. From its captivating appearance and inviting aroma to its smooth mouthfeel and balanced taste, Guinness is a beer that appeals to both the seasoned aficionado and the casual drinker alike. It’s a brew that transcends the ordinary, offering an experience that is both comforting in its familiarity and exciting in its depth. Overall, Guinness Draught is not just a beer; it’s a tradition, a piece of cultural heritage that continues to inspire and delight. Whether enjoyed in the bustling atmosphere of a pub or the quiet of one’s home, it remains a stout that stands apart, a classic that continues to define and elevate the very idea of what a beer can be.

In conclusion, this beer review reaffirms what many have known for years: Guinness Draught is more than just a stout; it’s an institution, an icon, and above all, a delightful drink that stands the test of time. Whether enjoyed in a cozy pub or at home, Guinness Draught remains a benchmark for quality, a beer that embodies the heart and soul of stout.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 3.77 (as of 2.3.24)

More Information on Guinness Brewing

The following comes via Untappd.

Guinness is a macro brewery from Dublin, County Dublin Ireland. They are a subsidiary of Diageo. They have 112 unique beers and over 2,900,000 ratings, with a global average rating of 3.52 (as of 2.3.24). Their Untappd description reads: “The Guinness® brand enjoys a global reputation as a uniquely authentic beer and the best-selling stout in the world. Famous for its dark color, creamy head and unique surge and settle, this distinctive beer originated at the St. James’s Gate brewery in Dublin, Ireland. Over 10 million glasses of Guinness beer are enjoyed every single day around the world, and 1.8 billion pints are sold every year. Guinness beer is available in well over 100 countries worldwide and is brewed in almost 50. About Diageo Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.”

You can find them at these social media platforms:

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Beer Review: Baltimore Blonde (Guinness Open Gate Brewery)

B. Kline — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 20:04:06 +0000

Baltimore Blonde by Guinness Open Gate Brewery (Baltimore, Maryland) – poured straight from the can

Guinness Brewery

Before we deep dive into the beer review, let’s do a little bit of a look back at Guinness Brewery, especially its involvement in Baltimore. Now, in light of their taking the production of this beer (the Baltimore Blonde) out of Maryland, and moving it up to New York, I think now is a good time to take a look at the beer and the brewery.

(For more information, on Guinness Brewery’s closing of their Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore, and moving production, check these two articles out: Guinness Brewing is Closing Their Maryland Production Facility and Guinness Baltimore Blonde Beer Production Moving to New York.)

The History of Guinness Brewery in Baltimore: A Rich Legacy of Craftsmanship

Guinness Brewery Open Gate Baltimore

The Guinness Brewery in Baltimore holds a rich and storied history that spans centuries. From its humble beginnings in Ireland to its expansion across the globe, Guinness has become synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and quality brewing. In this section, we delve into the captivating journey of the Guinness Brewery in Baltimore and explore the legacy that has made it a revered name in the world of beer.

A Heritage of Brewing Excellence

The roots of the Guinness Brewery can be traced back to 1759 when Arthur Guinness established the original St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. With a vision to create exceptional brews, Arthur Guinness laid the foundation for a legacy that would transcend borders and captivate beer enthusiasts worldwide.

In 2018, Guinness ventured beyond its Irish homeland and set its sights on Baltimore, a city known for its thriving craft beer scene and vibrant culture. The decision to establish a brewery in Baltimore was driven by a deep appreciation for the city’s rich brewing heritage and the desire to contribute to its dynamic craft beer community.

A Celebration of Baltimore’s Spirit

A can of Baltimore Blonde produced at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore, Maryland

The Guinness Brewery in Baltimore is more than just a place of production; it is a celebration of the city’s spirit and character. Nestled in the heart of the historic neighborhood of Relay, the brewery pays homage to Baltimore’s industrial roots while embracing the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines the city.

By incorporating local influences and engaging with the Baltimore community, Guinness Brewery has seamlessly integrated itself into the fabric of the city. The brewery acts as a gathering place, inviting locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the world of craft beer, experience the artistry of brewing firsthand, and forge lasting connections.

Reviving a Legacy of Collaboration

One of the defining aspects of Guinness Brewery in Baltimore is its commitment to collaboration. The brewery works hand in hand with local businesses, artisans, and community organizations to create unique and memorable experiences for beer enthusiasts. Whether it’s hosting beer festivals, partnering with local chefs for food pairings, or collaborating with artists to showcase their talent, Guinness Brewery embraces the spirit of collaboration and embraces the diversity of Baltimore’s creative scene.

Through this collaborative approach, Guinness Brewery in Baltimore continues to write a new chapter in the brewery’s long and illustrious history. It remains dedicated to upholding the values of quality, craftsmanship, and community that have been integral to Guinness since its inception.

The Guinness Brewery in Baltimore stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a brand that has shaped the beer industry for centuries. With its deep-rooted heritage, commitment to quality, and celebration of Baltimore’s spirit, the brewery offers a unique and immersive experience for beer lovers. Raise a glass and toast to the history, craftsmanship, and innovation that the Guinness Brewery in Baltimore represents. Cheers to the next chapter in the extraordinary journey of Guinness beer.

Guinness Baltimore Blonde: A Refreshing and Flavorful Craft Beer Experience

Welcome to the ultimate beer review, where we delve into the extraordinary world of Guinness Baltimore Blonde. In this comprehensive blog article, we will explore every facet of this craft beer masterpiece, from its captivating appearance to its perfectly balanced flavors. Prepare to embark on a sensory journey as we uncover the secrets behind this refreshing and flavorful brew. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply curious about trying something new, Guinness Baltimore Blonde is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Brewed by the renowned Guinness Brewery, a name synonymous with exceptional quality and rich brewing heritage, Guinness Baltimore Blonde pays homage to the vibrant city that inspired its creation. Born amidst the thriving craft beer scene of Baltimore, this brew captures the spirit and energy of the city in each sip. It is a testament to the dedication and innovation of the master brewers who sought to create a beer that would not only stand out in flavor but also celebrate the local community.

Crafted with precision and passion, Guinness Baltimore Blonde represents a harmonious fusion of traditional brewing techniques and modern creativity. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this beer, from the carefully selected ingredients to the precise brewing process. The result is a beer that not only satisfies the palate but also tells a story—a story of craftsmanship, community, and the pursuit of excellence.

So sit back, grab a pint of Guinness Baltimore Blonde, and join us on this remarkable beer adventure as we explore the nuances of its appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and pairing possibilities. Get ready to unlock a new level of appreciation for craft beer and discover why Guinness Baltimore Blonde has become a favorite among beer lovers and connoisseurs alike. Let us raise our glasses and toast to the artistry and flavor that Guinness Baltimore Blonde brings to the world of craft beer. Cheers!

Beer Review: Baltimore Blonde

Baltimore Blonde by Guinness Open Gate Brewery

Beer: Baltimore Blonde
Brewery: Guinness Open Gate Brewery
ABV: 5%
IBU: 19
Untappd Description: A light, crisp blonde ale brewed using Citra and Mosaic hops. This beer recipe was updated by the brewers at the Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House in Baltimore, MD, creating a drier, more drinkable beer.

Hope your ready, maybe even having a beer, possibly a Baltimore Blonde yourself, and ready to read about the beer. Lets go!

Appearance

As you pour Guinness Baltimore Blonde into your favorite glass, you’re greeted with a mesmerizing golden hue that immediately catches the eye. Its radiant and crystal-clear body resembles a picturesque summer sunset, evoking a sense of warmth and relaxation. Topping off the beer is a frothy, creamy white head that enhances its visual appeal. As the head settles, delicate lacing clings to the glass, adding an elegant touch to this already captivating beer.

Aroma

Before taking your first sip, take a moment to savor the enticing aroma of Guinness Baltimore Blonde. The beer presents a harmonious blend of floral hops, subtle citrus notes, and a gentle malt sweetness. Close your eyes and let your senses transport you to sprawling hop gardens and vibrant citrus orchards. The aroma sets the stage for the tantalizing flavor experience that awaits.

Taste

With your taste buds primed, it’s time to savor the flavors of Guinness Baltimore Blonde. The beer showcases remarkable balance, offering a crisp and zesty combination of citrusy hops and a delicate biscuity malt backbone. As you take your first sip, the hops deliver a pleasant bitterness that intertwines with the underlying malt sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Each subsequent sip reveals new layers of complexity, inviting you to explore the beer’s intricacies further.

Mouthfeel

The mouthfeel of Guinness Baltimore Blonde is a testament to its craftsmanship. The beer’s medium body glides effortlessly across your tongue, providing a velvety smoothness that enhances the overall drinking experience. The carbonation, lively yet gentle, imparts a refreshing effervescence that uplifts the flavors and invigorates your senses. As you reach the end of each sip, a clean and dry finish leaves you yearning for the next indulgence.

Pairing

Guinness Baltimore Blonde is a versatile beer that complements a wide range of culinary delights. Its refreshing nature makes it an ideal pairing for seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp or fish tacos, as it harmonizes with their delicate flavors. For a contrasting experience, try pairing this brew with spicy barbecue chicken wings, allowing the zesty hops to tame the heat and elevate the flavors to new heights. The possibilities are endless, and each pairing unlocks a new dimension of taste.

Final Thoughts

Guinness Baltimore Blonde stands as a true masterpiece in the world of craft beer. Its captivating appearance, enticing aroma, perfectly balanced flavors, and velvety mouthfeel make it a must-try for beer enthusiasts and novices alike. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny day, sipping it alongside a delicious meal, or sharing it with friends, this brew leaves an indelible mark on your taste buds. Raise your glass and immerse yourself in the brilliance of Guinness Baltimore Blonde. Cheers to exceptional craft beer!

My Untappd Rating: ***.75 / ****
Global Untappd Rating: 3.56 (as of 6.4.23)

Summary

In summary, Guinness Baltimore Blonde is a beer that effortlessly combines visual appeal, enticing aromas, harmonious flavors, and a luxurious mouthfeel. Its versatility in pairing with various culinary delights further enhances its appeal. This craft beer gem deserves a spot on every beer enthusiast’s list. So, go ahead and experience the refreshing and flavorful journey that Guinness Baltimore Blonde has to offer. Embrace the craft, embrace the flavor, and savor every sip. Cheers!

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Cheers.

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Guinness Brewing is Closing Their Maryland Production Facility

B. Kline — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Guinness Baltimore Open Gate Brewery

Guinness Brewing is Shutting Down Halethorpe Maryland’s Production Facility

Guinness owner Diageo will be closing the Guinness production facility in Halethorpe, Maryland. They opened the facility just three years ago in 2020.

The closure will not impact the Guinness Open Gate Brewery tap room and restaurant, also in Halethorpe. It will continue brewing beers to serve at the tap room in its. They are maintaining their 10-barrel innovation brewery on the ground floor of the visitor center that they use for ‘experimental ales’.

This all coming after announcements of Guinness Brewing opening a Chicago facility and brewery. (Read more here: Guinness Brewing Planning on Opening a Chicago Brewery.)

The closing of the facility in Baltimore will result in around 100 employee lay – offs. Diageo stated the reasoning for the closure is that the Halethorpe / Baltimore facility is “underutilized and unnecessary”.

“This decision will not impact our hospitality operations at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery taproom and restaurant. We have been part of the Baltimore community for many years and will continue to be active member through our work at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, contributing to local tourism and the economy, and supporting local charitable organizations.”
Diageo About the Closing

The Production Facility’s Closing

Guinness Brewing in Baltimore at Night

The company said the closure will not impact its popular Guinness Open Gate Brewery taproom and restaurant also located in Halethorpe.

The London based parent company, Diageo, released a statement on the closure. “After careful consideration and analysis of our supply footprint, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our manufacturing facility in Relay, Maryland,” Diageo said.

Customers who frequent the company’s taproom and restaurant in Baltimore have not to worry, as Diageo says the closure of the manufacturing plant will not impact operations at the Open Gate Brewery.
Owner of Guinness Open Gate Brewery closing manufacturing facility in Baltimore County

For many in Baltimore this comes as… not so shocking news. Stating the tap room’s decline in quality, issues with staffing, slow wait times, and differences in ordering and receiving drinks due to COVID – 19 protocols.

A taproom, a 270-seat restaurant and a smaller innovation brewery, which employ about 100 people, will remain open, according to a statement from Diageo, the beverage company that owns Guinness, one of the beer market’s most recognizable names, and liquor brands such as Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Baileys and Smirnoff.

The Relay plant was Guinness’ first brewing operation in the United States since the 1950s. The facility on the site of a former Seagram’s bottling plant was hailed as a key economic engine for the area, opening five years ago with the taproom and restaurant. The taproom has served more than 1.3 million visitors since opening, the company said.

The manufacturing plant is expected to close by June, the company said. After that, the brewery’s flagship Baltimore Blonde will be brewed at other locations. A company spokeswoman said Diageo is evaluating options to continue production of the beer.
Guinness beer brewing plant will shut down at site of Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore County

Baltimore Blonde

The biggest questions (and concerns) about the closure is what will become of the Baltimore Blonde Ale that Guinness has been making since opening the facility.

(Some online have been joking that it will become the Chicago Blonde Ale.)

Left in doubt is the future of Baltimore Blonde, the lager whose logo includes a Maryland flag, that Guinness began brewing in Relay in 2017 and has since become a popular offering everywhere from Camden Yards to local stores. It was originally called Guinness Blonde American Lager before the name was switched to represent Charm City.

Baltimore County officials say they want to keep the brew’s production local, and have reached out to area breweries to see if there’s a way to have them take it over.

The goal is to keep Baltimore Blonde from going the way of Natty Boh, which has long been symbolic of the region despite being manufactured elsewhere since the 1990s. “We’d hate for that to be the situation here,” said Sameer Sidh, deputy administrative officer of economic development and infrastructure for Baltimore County. “We’re exploring all options to keep Baltimore Blonde here. We’re going to turn over every stone that we can to keep Baltimore Blonde in Baltimore County.”
As Guinness manufacturing plant closes, officials scramble to keep Baltimore Blonde local

Guinness Brewing hasn’t declared a word yet on the eventual fate of the Guinness Baltimore Blonde Ale.

The closure is due to happen in June, so an answer should be provided by then.

For More News on the Closure

For more news on the closure from news outlets, you can read the following news articles:

Guinness Baltimore

The following information comes from Untappd. Guinness Open Gate Brewery is a macro brewery and a Subsidiary of Guinness, in Halethorpe, MD United States. They have 319 unique beers and over 174,000 ratings with a global average rating of 3.73 (as of 4.5.23). Their Untappd description reads: “The first Guinness brewery on American soil for over 60 years, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery is the home of Guinness Blonde Lager and the birthplace of new Guinness beers. Proudly brewing in Maryland.” Untappd – Guinness Open Gate Brewery.

You can follow them on their social media pages here:

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Interested in finding out about many other brewery openings, new locations, closings, movings, and in general brewery news? You can check out our links below:

Thanks For Reading

This makes several recent closing articles on the blog (even if some are ‘temporary’). Do I think the craft beer market bubble is about to burst? No. But I do think 2023 is going to be a rougher year for many breweries, and we’ll see who all will stand the test of time.

It is a very competitive market, with lots of great breweries making lots of great beer, as well as good food, and fun environments. So its taking more and more for breweries to stand out, and with the economy, consumers have less and less money as well.

There’s a lot of interesting forces at play right now affecting the craft beer market. I don’t think its all gloom and doom however.

hank you for everyone who read the article and made it to our blog. We pride ourselves on writing good content and to helping people learn about craft beer, breweries, non-alcoholic craft beer, and all things brewing related.

If you enjoyed this article please like, subscribe, and follow us. Share the content if you find it relevant and want to show it off. Leave a comment if you have any questions, concerns, comments, suggestions, or anything to say. We love hearing from our readers. Let us know what your favorite non-alcoholic beers are in the comments!

Currently right now we are in the Finals of our Battle of the Breweries (2023). You can check out the final four breweries left in the Finals Fatal Four Way here and vote:

The Battle of the Breweries (2023) – Finals Fatal Four Way (Voting Page)
The Battle of the Breweries (2023) – Conference Finals (Results Page)

In the upcoming two weeks I am going to do a more thorough look at the full tournament, breaking down the votes and how well each conference winner did. I will also do a full write up on each of the breweries in the Finals Fatal Four Way too, where I will list what articles we’ve done about them, and my visits to each of those places.

We are currently starting to work on creating maps of all the breweries in each state, starting geographically with Maine. So be on the lookout for these great resources to soon be popping up on the blog. Hoping to get a state done every 2 – 4 days. (Some will be quicker and easier than others, but 50 states, plus Washington D.C., will certainly take some time!)

I am nearly complete with the Maine map, that might get done Thursday (4.6.23) or Friday (4.7.23). Fingers crossed.

Thank you everyone for reading and please like, share, follow, subscribe, all that good stuff you see at the end of every YouTube video.

Cheers All!

-B. Kline

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

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Guinness Brewing is Closing Their Maryland Production Facility

Guinness Brewing is Shutting Down Halethorpe Maryland’s Production Facility

The Production Facility’s Closing

Baltimore Blonde

For More News on the Closure

Guinness Baltimore

Brewery News

Thanks For Reading