Guinness Open Gate Brewery marks two years with two new beers

The Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe is turning two on Aug. 3. And while the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the brewery to cancel events and limit the size of crowds, the production of delicious beer has continued on.

To celebrate its second anniversary, the brewery is releasing two new beers–including one inspired by a favorite Baltimore summer treat.

The Lemon Peppermint Stick Golden Ale is a mix of a kettle sour and a golden ale brewed with lactose. Guinness said the blend was made for “desired tartness” and aged in bourbon barrels.

It comes in at a strong 10.2 percent ABV, which should help cure your sorrows that there were no actual lemon peppermint sticks at FlowerMart this year because it was canceled.

The second brew is a Honey Pale Ale using ingredients from local companies: honey from local apiary Apex Bee Company and barley from Dark Cloud Malthouse.

Guinness said it has a sweet flavor that pairs well with cookout classics (burgers, hot dogs, etc.) and barbecue, two summer staples we can still enjoy while following health guidelines.

Both beers are available exclusively at the brewery, on tap and in cans. The outdoor lawn at the brewery is open for guests with distancing requirements.

Anyone who purchases a sixer of the Lemon Peppermint Stick Ale will get to take part in a Zoom tasting with Guinness Brewery Ambassador and Orioles public address announcer Ryan Wagner on August 13 at 6 p.m.

Since opening in 2018 as Guinness’ first manufacturing center in the U.S., the Guinness Open Gate Brewery has released more than 175 different beers. Under the guidance of head brewer Hollie Stephenson, the facility has experimented with ales, sours, IPAs and other styles that deviate from the Irish brewer’s signature stout.

In celebration of the big two, the brewery is partnering with District Donuts this weekend to give away doughnuts inspired by the second anniversary beers while supplies last.