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Diageo plans to close its Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe, Maryland, to the public on November 1, 2026, with the site’s operations expected to wind down by the end of the year, according to Baltimore Fishbowl. The closure affects the Baltimore-area brewery and visitor venue; it does not establish that Guinness Draught or other classic stouts will stop being brewed for the U.S. market.
What is closing, and when?
The closure is at Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe, Maryland—not a shutdown of every Guinness operation or product in the United States. Baltimore Fishbowl reported on October 1, 2026, that the brewery announced the closure through its social media channels.
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- Public venue: Reported to close to visitors on November 1, 2026.
- Site operations: Expected to wind down by the end of 2026.
The public closing date and the operational wind-down are separate milestones. The report does not give a more detailed schedule for the final production or closure stages.
What reason did Diageo give?
A Diageo spokesperson told Baltimore Fishbowl that the decision followed a “careful review” of the company’s “operations and long-standing business priorities.” The spokesperson said: “This was not a decision we made lightly,” adding that Diageo was proud of what had been built in Baltimore, thankful to contributors, and committed to supporting employees and the community.
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- EASY CARE FOR BETTER TASTING PINTS | Hand washed glasses are recommended for the best Guinness pour. That’s why we recommend avoiding the dishwasher. Simply wash in warm water and allow it to drip-dry.
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The local report also describes rising operating costs, lower demand, and broader economic pressures as factors in the site becoming unviable. Those are the report’s characterization of the pressures; Diageo’s quoted statement does not specify individual cost or demand figures.
What was the Maryland brewery?
Diageo opened the Halethorpe site in 2018, describing it as Guinness’s first brewery on U.S. soil in 64 years. It was designed as both a production site and a destination for visitors, with a taproom, brewery tours, merchandise shops, grounds, and a restaurant, according to Diageo’s 2018 announcement.
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The brewery also had a role in Guinness’s U.S. beer lineup. Diageo said at the time that Maryland would take over production of Guinness Blonde and develop experimental beers. That history helps explain why the site mattered, but it should not be read as a current inventory of all beers made there or a statement about present supply arrangements.
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Does the closure end Guinness stout production in the United States?
No such conclusion follows from the Maryland closure. In its 2018 announcement, Diageo said Guinness Draught and other classic stouts would be brewed exclusively in Ireland and imported to the United States, while the Maryland team would make Blonde and experiment with new beers. That is a historical description of the announced arrangement, not confirmation of every current production or supply detail.
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In 2023, Diageo described the Chicago Open Gate Brewery as Guinness’s second U.S. brewery location and said signature Draught, Extra Stout, and Foreign Extra Stout served there came from Dublin. Its Chicago opening announcement provides that historical context; the sources available for this report do not establish whether the Chicago location is operating as of October 5, 2026.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What support is planned for employees and the community?
Baltimore Fishbowl reports that Diageo plans a $250,000 community fund and that its immediate focus includes employee resources and assistance. The report does not specify how the fund will be administered, who will qualify, or how many employees are affected by the closure.
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- CARE INSTRUCTIONS | Guinness Pint Glasses are machine washable and easy to care for to ensure you can enjoy them beverage after beverage.
- GUINNESS OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE | We stand by our products. That’s why we only use the highest quality materials, the best designs, and a passion for life!
- THE LEGENDARY BRAND | Guinness strives to celebrate an extraordinary brand. That’s why they make products that will live up to the legend. Guinness has set the highest standards for all their products that not only symbolize style and quality, but a way of life celebrating a little wit and good humor along the way.
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