Only 2 States In The US Have A Guinness Brewery

Ever since 1759, when founder Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on a Dublin brewery, Guinness has been brewed in Ireland. While St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin continues to churn out Guinness beers, there are now Guinness breweries in over 50 nations across the world, including the United States. You might be surprised to learn, however, that there are only two such Guinness-making sites in the U.S.: one in Chicago and the other in Baltimore.

While Guinness is known for its stout, the pair of American breweries focus on producing other styles like Guinness Blonde American Lager. So, why brew in America at all? Well, the Chicago and Baltimore breweries are about more than just producing beer. Like the coffee cocktail called a baby Guinness, which contains no actual Guinness, the beer is somewhat of an afterthought at the breweries. Instead, they are more meant as places to eat, drink, hang out, and get exposed to the Guinness name. That's certainly what beverage industry analyst Robert Edward Ottenstein said was the whole point in an interview with CNN: "This is all about brand building. This is a way to make [Guinness] relevant."

Drinking beer may be strongly associated with St. Patrick's Day, but any day is a good one for sipping Guinness at the Baltimore and Chicago breweries. The Baltimore location was the first Guinness brewery in the United States in more than 60 years, and was christened St. James's Gate after its sister site in Dublin. Visitors to the brewery can take themed tours, buy branded merch, order beer tasting flights, and learn about the nuts and bolts of beer, like which components give the brew its characteristic bitter taste.

The Chicago brewery is also a hotspot for education and entertainment. The city's Open Gate Brewery focuses on many things apart from brewing. The OGB hosts private parties, trivia nights, and sport watching parties. It also hosts a bakery and café as well as a restaurant. Best of all, a visit is family friendly, as guests of all ages are welcome — though, obviously, you have to be of legal drinking age to sample the beer.