Guinness plans to brew in America again

By the end of the year, Guinness lovers who want to sample beers fresh from the brewery's taps won't need to hop on a plane to Dublin, Ireland - they'll just have to get in their car and drive on Interstate 95.

Diageo Beer Company USA, the parent company of Guinness, announced today that it plans to build an American version of Dublin's Open Gate Brewery in Relay, Md., which lies between Ellicott City and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. The site, once home to the landmark Calvert Distillery, is now used for aging and storing Captain Morgan rum. (Captain Morgan is another brand in Diageo's wide-ranging international portfolio.)

Guinness Stout, the company's flagship beer, will still be brewed at the famous St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, while the new facility 'will be a home for new Guinness beers created for the U.S. market, including Guinness Blonde American Lager, as well as creations by the brewers here,” Diageo spokeswoman Alix Dunn said.

A press release from Diageo reiterates that 'finalization of these plans is still contingent on reaching agreement on several considerations,” including the issuing of construction permits.

But the target opening date is mid-October, which also will mark 200 years since the first Guinness was shipped to the United States.