The owner of Guinness plans to open the Irish brewer's first U.S. facility in more than 60 years.
Liquor giant Diageo on Tuesday announced plans to renovate its former bottling plant outside Baltimore to build an American version of Guinness' flagship St. James's Gate brewery.
The brewery would produce new beers for the U.S. market and house, along with packaging and warehouse space, a taproom and retail store in an attempt to attract tourists. The company's famed stouts will continue to be produced in Dublin.
“Given the success of our Open Gate Brewery in Dublin and the popularity of beer tourism in the U.S., we are confident that Americans will welcome the opportunity to come experience Guinness brewing in Baltimore County," said Tom Day, president of Diageo Beer Company USA.
Diageo officials said that the project would bring its total investment in the Relay, Md., site to $50 million.
About 40 jobs would be created in brewing, warehousing and packaging, while another 30 could be created through the tour, taproom and retail operations.
About 100 people worked at the historic bottling plant when it was closed in 2015.
Company officials hope to begin construction this spring and open in time to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Guinness' entry into the U.S. in the fall of 2017.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the facility would require Maryland lawmakers to alter the state's liquor licensing laws, which could draw opposition from distributors and retailers. Negotiations about establishing a new type of license are reportedly ongoing.
“Guinness’ plan to build a brewery at its historic facility in Relay, Md., is great news for job creation, manufacturing and tourism in our state,” Gov. Larry Hogan said in the statement. “Beer tourism attracts millions of visitors to towns and communities across the country every year and I look forward to welcoming Guinness to the roster of excellent breweries we have here in Maryland.”
