Guinness is closing one of its two breweries in the U.S. as owner Diageo looks to aggressively cut costs and remain competitive amid a decline in alcohol consumption.
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore will wind down operations by the end of the year. Its last day open to the public will be Nov. 1.
The brewery, which opened in 2018 at the height of the craft brewing craze, was Guinness’ first U.S. brewery since 1954. Guinness spent $90 million to open the experimental brewery, which tested craft innovations that could potentially be scaled.
Diageo is undergoing a $1 billion savings initiative, which has included more than 2,000 job cuts. Savings from the cost-cutting plan will be reinvested into “relevant brands in competitive categories,” including Guinness.
In a statement, a Diageo spokesperson said Guinness remains one of its most important brands and it’s “committed to investing in its long-term growth and success.”
“While our Baltimore brewery will close, our commitment to bringing Guinness to consumers around the world remains as strong as ever,” the spokesperson said.
Guinness still has another U.S. brewery in Chicago, which opened in 2023.
Changing consumer behavior and economic pressures made the Baltimore brewery difficult to sustain.
“This was not a decision we made lightly,” the Diageo spokesperson said. “We are proud of what was built in Baltimore, thankful for everyone who contributed to its success, and committed to supporting our employees and community as we move forward.”
Diageo is putting a particular focus on revamping its business in North America, which saw an 8.4% sales decline for the 2026 fiscal year. Guinness generated 4% organic growth for the company’s beer business.
