In an innovative move, Guiness has launched a new brand of beer that is brewed in Dublin and aged in Bulleit Bourbon Barrels in Baltimore. The beer is formed when Dublin-brewed Antwerpen Stout is aged for eight months in Bulleit Bourbon barrels at the Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House in Baltimore.
“Our story as brewers began more than 250 years ago in Dublin, and those Irish roots will absolutely always be a key part of who we are, but beer has evolved in so many ways since then,” said Brand Director, Emma Giles. “It’s hard to deny that the U.S. is the center of the universe as far as beer innovation is concerned. Now that we have a permanent home here with some of the most talented brewers the country has to offer, the potential to blend our brewing expertise with American creativity is virtually endless.”
The new variety is only trying to re-create the traditional method of shipping in wood barrels, which was how beer used to have been shipped across the world. The new facility is located just 10 miles from downtown Baltimore, with the Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House being conveniently situated nearby. The location originally served as the Maryland Distilling Company, a post-prohibition distillery opened in 1933.
“The best part about barrel-aging any beer is that you get the chance to pull the flavors of the wood and liquid previously aged in it,” said Senior Brewer at the Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House, Sean Brennan. “We’ve already started to think about what we’ll be experimenting with next, but we couldn’t be more pleased with our first go at using barrels from our friends at Bulleit. This beer is something special, and one to be sipped slow and savored.”