Guinness Open Gate Brewery Visit

This past weekend, I finally had the chance to make the long overdue trip down to the Guinness Open Gate Brewery here in the Baltimore area. And I must tell you, it was definitely worth visiting and checking out. From the great feel of the exterior to the nice warm feeling of the interior to the well-designed space, the brewery itself definitely created its own tone to make it distinctive.

So I and my old friend Keith decided to connect up here to grab lunch and catch up now that we are both in Baltimore. You see, Keith is one of my longest-living friends that I still connect with as we go back to when we met many years ago when I was in 7th grade and he was in 5th, and we were pretty much neighbors growing up. There are many stories I could share of the fun we had back in the day as we reminisced but that's maybe for another time, but since moving back to the east this was a great time for us to catch up again and neither of us had a chance to check out the Guinness spot so it made a perfect choice.

So as we met and headed into the parking lot, it was easy to just be amazed at the look and the design of the brewery to which I alluded earlier. This huge entrance sits at the top of the steps and just beckons you to step inside. A large courtyard outside with a huge space that it would be easy for football or in America a soccer game to break out if it wasn't for the chairs and tables occupying it. Had it not been for the rain showers that we were underway on this afternoon, we could have easily enjoyed some of the spots outside as well.

This being said, we entered the brewery, and just as nice as it was on the outside, the inside did not disappoint. Funny thing on the way in, I was asked for identification. Lol. that hasn't happened for many years, it must have been the shave from the new razor, lol. But, walking in, Keith already had a good corner spot at the bar and so we were ready to rock and roll.

As we discussed the brewery, Keith like myself had been a Guinness drinker for a number of years. So talking with each other and knowing the parts of the Guinness history that I did, I shared some of that as we spoke, and Keith was intrigued as he himself had also been a Guinness fan to which I wasn't aware. 

Now the cool thing about going to a brewery and why I also recommend people to do so from time to time is that the brewery experience can be that much more for fans of beer. The tap list offered many offerings that you would not see in a store or even a bar, you have to go there and the collection of beers on tap they had was across a nice beer diverse spectrum. Also in talking about diversity., this also transcended into the staff as well which was great to see and all were welcoming.

So, getting into the beers, my buddy Keith pretty much kept it on the Guinness IPA which he was enjoying. I, myself, well, of course, had to mix it up. So as I almost always do, I decided to start with two flights that they were offering with one being more of a hop flight and the other being a mix of ales that included an amber, porter, brown, and stout. All of the flight beers were part of their experimental beers as also was my capper of the Old Fashioned-Inspired Ale which I went full size on. Although. full size on an 11.5% ABV meant 1/2 size of a large snifter, lol. It worked though.

We both went with the burgers for lunch although the English breakfast was almost the selection to go with which may be the choice the next time I go. For that, you must order between 11am and 2pm, but it looks to be a little loaded mini-feast. The burger though was done well though, came out medium as ordered and was juicy as can be. Coupled with their Guinness-style chips which were like french fries done in chip form and were perfect for dipping into their homemade ketchup, along with a good size pickle too.

Overall no real complaints about the food or the beer, although the one thing I will say about the pricing is that I do feel the beers were more costly than some of the other breweries that you may be accustomed to visiting. Maybe, this is just part of the Guinness experience but at $15.50 for one flight and $18.50 for another, they were the most expensive that I have ever paid anywhere on the flight level. The Old Fashioned-Inspired Ale wasn't bad at $11.25 considering and the burger at $18 was a little higher than average but not really too crazy. Overall, it was a great experience, and definitely would recommend a visit if you are in the Baltimore area and want a brewery to check out. Keep in mind, that it is the only Guinness brewery in the states so that alone makes it that much more attractive for a visit in my book.

Cheers! 🍻

New Resource Helps Consumers Find Ohio-Grown Beers

Fresh Hop Ohio Campaign Helps Consumers Drink Beer Grown Here COLUMBUS, Ohio – For craft beer lovers – especially the "hop heads" – this is the best time of year. Harvest season gives Ohio breweries an opportunity to showcase one-of-a-kind beers made with locally grown and freshly picked hops. To help consumers find these once-a-year beers at breweries across the state, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association and the Ohio Hop Growers Guild have launched Fresh Hop Ohio, a guide to the first beers brewed with the 2022 hop crop. Most of the beer consumed around the world is made with hops that are kiln dried and pelletized for longer shelf life and ease of storage. The beers featured in the Fresh Hop Ohio campaign are all brewed with fresh, unprocessed hops grown by Ohio farmers. Fresh hop beers offer uniquely robust aromas and flavors, and are only available during the fall harvest season. "As Ohio's craft brewing industry has grown to more than 400 independently owned breweries, Ohio's hop growers have also increased in number, acreage and available varieties," said Ohio Craft Brewers Association executive director Mary MacDonald. "Brewing beer with locally sourced hops, barley and other ingredients is a great way for our industry to further our commitments to supporting the local economy and practicing environmental stewardship." The beer list at the Fresh Hop Ohio page continues to grow as farmers around the state complete their harvesting and brewers schedule their brew days to use the hops at the peak of freshness. Consumers can see the name and location of the brewery, the name and style of beer, the name of the hop grower and varieties used in the beer, as well as an estimate of when the beer will be available at the brewery taproom. Additions are made to the list as new information comes in from the breweries. See the beer list at https://ohiocraftbeer.org/freshhopohio Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve, diversify and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; to promote safe, responsible enjoyment of Ohio craft beer; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.

Beer Diversity And The Need To Be Better On Both Sides

So one of the things that I have recently decided to do was to look at writing again and to provide a little something different than the video content that I often share. I mean, I do have a journalism degree so it kind of makes sense. I do hope you enjoy the writings which of course will still be focused mainly on beer, and my take on the various subjects that I look to share. These will be looking to be weekly and most will probably be short but some may be longer depending on the topic, but I will try to keep them all entertaining for sure. This being said, let's go ahead and dive in.

So what from beer has caught my attention recently? One thing has been still that I see is a lack of diversity still in beer, not just from the brewery side of things but also on the consumer side as well. Recently, Pittsburgh just held its Barrel and Flow Fest which, unfortunately, I was not able to attend as the date conflicted with previous family obligations. However, it looked to be another rousing success from what I saw read from the event. This is awesome in that it keeps pushing forward and each time since its creation has been growing, even as we faced a pandemic.

But seeing and knowing this and from what I know from my marketing background as well as advertising education which I gained under that journalism degree that I mentioned, I am still kind of but not totally surprised by missed opportunities to not just black people but all people of color that can benefit the brewing industry. There is a fondness for craft beer in Black, Latino, Asian, Native American, and anyone else that I may have missed communities. And if I missed your community then I do apologize as I was looking here at the major ones as a whole. But, as I sat in a brewery this past week for the longest time I was the only Black person there, staff or patron, and the thought just pondered my mind. 

The funny thing is that while there, the music being played was either hip-hop or r&b and I was like, well, this is interesting. Now music can be loved by anyone of any group and as a former radio DJ I will easily attest to this, but it just was one of those things that made me go hmmm. After a little time, I did see another Black male arrive as well as a Black female, they were with separate friends but in the time our numbers tripled, lol, so we were on a roll.

Now I will tell you that I never have had an issue being the only Black person anywhere, I think my early years in Catholic school probably laid the foundation for this. But still, it is funny more so maybe with craft beer than in other industry areas because there are so many touches of things that reflect on the Black community with everything from the ambiance at a brewery to the names of the beers and the culture kind of being taken for granted I feel in many cases. I feel this also happens a little with the Latino community as well with beers being called Mexican lagers, which there is not even a BJCP style as far as I know, and no one really has a definition for it. Tasting them, they are most often just the same as an adjunct lager made here in the states so what's the difference, adding a lime wedge?

But I digress and going back to my main point that drove these thoughts, how does diversity increase more? If we are having our cultures tapped into then we should also have some representation as well across the bar to which we can relate. Anything else can be seen as stealing and exploiting in some type of fashion. This doesn't mean that this is the goal of the brewery but merely, the perception that may be received. Maybe it's also on us to show up at these places that we enjoy and also ask these questions as patrons and consumers. I would like to see more people of color behind the bar, one because I used to be one back in the 90s, and is great for social skills building. And two, having other people will bring other views and other opportunities that can even help brewing grow more. Beer is a great unifier and what better place to build unity and have great conversations than a brewery? The Black Is Beautiful initiative started by Weathered Souls has been a great start for awareness, hopefully, we keep building on top of that and keep moving things forward to even higher success.

North Coast Brewing Company Releases Pacific Magic IPA

FORT BRAGG, Calif., May 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- North Coast Brewing Company (NCBC), an independent American craft brewery producing award-winning beers since 1988, is pleased to announce the latest addition to its beer line-up.

Developed in conjunction with NCBC's field teams, the brewmasters experimented with a multitude of modern hop varieties and hopping regimens to bring you their latest take on an American IPA. In the spirit of reaching for an icy bottle or a fresh pint at the end of a day spent trekking the rugged Pacific Coast, the aim is total satisfaction: refreshment without sacrificing complex flavor. "We are excited to introduce our latest India Pale Ale to the world. The flavors will wake up your tastebuds and leave you wanting more. West Coast IPA fans won't be disappointed."- Jennifer Owen, CEO/CFO. Tasting Notes: Golden straw in color with a dense thick head of foam. Very aromatic from heavy doses of dry-hops lending to tropical fruit aromas reminiscent of mango, papaya, and pineapple. The flavor reflects the tropical nose while adding hints of citrus and berry fruits. It wraps up with a clean, crisp finish that invites another sip. Style: West Coast IPA Straw in color 6.8% ABV 58 IBU's Hops: Azacca, Citra, Mosaic, Centennial, & Strata Certified Non-GMO Available in 4/6/12oz bottles, as well as 15.5- & 5.16-gallon kegs The label art was created by Michael Zontos, a local denizen of California's North Coast, talented artist, and active fisheries biologist. "One of our team members has been collecting his art, and when we contacted Michael to see if he would be interested in working on our next label, he was thrilled to be a part of the Pacific Magic IPA story"- Marty Compton, VP of Sales, and Marketing. About North Coast Brewing Company: Founded in 1988, NCBC, a certified B Corp, crafts a wide range of exceptional, award-winning beers, including Scrimshaw, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, Pranqster, Le Merle, and Brother Thelonious. NCBC beers are available in 48 U.S. states and internationally. NCBC's mission: "Making the World a Better Place, One Pint at a Time" For NCBC's sustainability report, visit: https://northcoastbrewing.com

Samuel Adams Calls on Craft Breweries to Become Safer and More Inclusive Spaces for All

BOSTON, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As Pride celebrations make a hopeful return, Samuel Adams is reinforcing its commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces that bring people together to share a beer, celebrate Pride, and support the LGBTQ+ community. Now more than ever, Samuel Adams recognizes the importance of implementing actionable resources for coworkers, drinkers, and LGBTQ+ community members at large, which is why the brewer is prioritizing inclusivity and taking its active allyship a step further. In partnership with GLAAD, Samuel Adams has identified, committed and signed the Safe Bars P.A.C.T. (Promise of Awareness, Compassion, and Trust) – a code of conduct for professional beverage organizations, trade associations, and non-professional beverage groups to sign and commit to – and is now calling on other craft breweries to do the same.  "Beer has a powerful way of bringing people together, and with that power comes responsibility. I believe craft brewers can play a critical role in providing safe and inclusive spaces for everyone to enjoy great beer, starting with our own taprooms and breweries," says Jim Koch, Samuel Adams Founder and Brewer. "Known for our revolutionary spirit, Samuel Adams is calling on craft breweries everywhere to join us in signing the Safe Bars P.A.C.T. so we can show our Pride everyday." Samuel Adams will also donate $100,000 to Safe Bars* to further support the organization's P.A.C.T. initiative and training programs in bars and craft breweries nationwide, with the goal of creating welcoming spaces for guests and safe and respectful workplaces for staff. "It's human nature to come together and celebrate. Everyone deserves to do that where they're safe, respected, and valued," says Lauren R. Taylor, Director of Safe Bars. "Safe Bars exists to train the hospitality industry in making nightlife safer and more inclusive, and we're thrilled to partner with Boston Beer and GLAAD to strengthen the craft beer community. Cheers to our diversity, and cheers to our pride." Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams, has already begun implementing Safe Bars de-escalation and bystander trainings as part of the Safe Bars P.A.C.T. commitment across its local breweries and taprooms. With continued support from GLAAD and Safe Bars, Samuel Adams invites all drinkers, no matter who they are, who they love, or how they express themselves, to celebrate Pride in bars and on parade routes across the country. "Gathering with community, laughing, dreaming, and enjoying a beer has the ability to change the world. As LGBTQ communities gather in safe spaces with our friends and allies, we recognize how our community has come through so much, with so much more work ahead of us," says Ross Murray, Vice President of the GLAAD Media Institute. "GLAAD is proud to join with Samuel Adams and Safe Bars to ensure that those gatherings are safe and welcoming." Craft breweries looking to commit to the Safe Bars P.A.C.T. can learn more by visiting www.safebarspact.com. BREWED BY AND FOR THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY: LOVE CONQUERS ALE First created by Samuel Adams LGBTQ+ coworkers and allies in 2017, Love Conquers Ale is brewed annually as a way to represent and showcase Samuel Adams' Pride, serving as a platform for togetherness, love, and inclusion wherever it is enjoyed and whoever it is shared with. This year's Love Conquers Ale brew is a welcoming beer with hints of hibiscus and yuzu for bright citrus and prickly pear creating a bold, pinkish hue that captures the joy and expression of Pride. Starting June 1 through August 31, Love Conquers Ale will be available in 6-pack 12oz cans for drinkers to purchase in select key markets including Boston, Cincinnati, Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, and Philadelphia. The brew will also be available on tap at the following locations: Samuel Adams Boston Brewery Samuel Adams Boston Tap Room Samuel Adams Cincinnati Tap Room Also starting in June, Samuel Adams and Safe Bars will be hosting local kickoff events in cities where Love Conquers Ale is available, including around DC's Queer Beer Fest and Chicago's Pride in the Park, to welcome drinkers back to bars and encourage safe and welcoming Pride celebrations. To learn more and find Love Conquers Ale in a city near you, visit: www.samueladams.com/loveconquersale ABOUT SAMUEL ADAMS Samuel Adams is a leading independent, American craft brewer that helped to launch the craft beer revolution. The brewery began in 1984 when Founder and Brewer Jim Koch used a generations-old family recipe to brew beer in his kitchen. Inspired and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking about beer, Jim brought the recipe to life with hopes drinkers would appreciate the complex, full-flavor and started sampling the beer in Boston. He named the flagship brew Samuel Adams Boston Lager in recognition of one of our nation's founding fathers, a revolutionary man of independent and pioneering spirit. Today, Samuel Adams is one of the world's most awarded breweries and remains focused on crafting the highest quality beers through innovation and experimentation in the relentless pursuit of better. Samuel Adams remains dedicated to elevating and growing the American craft beer industry overall, including providing education and support for entrepreneurs and fellow brewers through its philanthropic program, Brewing the American Dream, which helps others pursue their American Dream. For more information, visit www.SamuelAdams.com or follow @SamuelAdamsBeer. ABOUT SAFE BARS Safe Bars was born to help make bars, restaurants, breweries, other alcohol-serving establishments safe and welcoming for patrons, and safe, respectful workplaces for staff, ultimately changing industry culture. Drawing on our cadre of expert instructors with experience in hospitality and in ending gender-based violence, Safe Bars trains hospitality and alcohol professionals to prevent and interrupt sexual harassment and other violence. Safe Bars programs become part of the fabric of a community's nightlife — creating safe, welcoming, and fun spaces. Safe Bars does that by offering training in three areas: active bystander skills, empowerment and self-defense, and de-escalation. For more information, visit www.safebars.org or @safebarshq on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. ABOUT GLAAD GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with @GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter. *Donations are from Samuel Adams to Safe Bars. Safe Bars is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law. For more information on Safe Bars, please visit https://safebars.org/.

Labatt USA Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Michigan Boating by Donating Portion of Summer Sales

Department of Natural Resources to Receive $1 for Each Labatt Case Sold; Community Will Vote Online to Fund Improvements of Michigan's Trails and Waterways

BUFFALO, N.Y. , June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --  L­abatt USA today announced that it will donate a portion of its summer sales of Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light to support cleanup efforts and improvements around boat launches, harbors and water trails throughout Michigan. From June 1 to August 31, 2022, Labatt USA will donate $1.00 per case from every 15-pack and 24-pack and $0.50 from every 16 oz pint, up to $15,000, of Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light purchased in the state of Michigan to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "For nearly 15 years, Labatt has supported local nonprofit and community improvement projects in Michigan," said Scott Suppes, trade marketing manager, Labatt USA.  "Our Labatt team is committed to bringing families and friends together while positively impacting the environment in local communities that we serve."  The summer of 2022 is the 75th anniversary of the Michigan State Waterways Commission, which has been integral to providing safe, public access to Michigan's freshwaters since 1947. The Labatt donation will support boating-specific sustainability efforts throughout the state. By visiting Michigan.gov/DNR/CelebrateBoating, people can vote to designate these funds to specific areas of need including: Community grants to support paddling improvements Improved water trail signage Aquatic invasive species removal On-the-go recycling at boating access sites "Labatt has been a great partner in years past, and this is just another example of how the brand and the employees fully embrace the importance of clean and accessible public lands and waters," said Maia Turek, engagement and innovations specialist for the MDNR. "We are also excited to host Labatt staff during a river clean-up volunteer event and are humbled by the donation that will make a big impact for boaters, no matter how the votes are tallied." About Labatt's Commitment to Michigan From financially supporting state park clean-ups to providing meals to families in need, Labatt has a longstanding commitment across Michigan. In past years, Labatt has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to launch the "Great State of Mine" campaign to support the upkeep of Michigan state parks, trails and waterways. The brand has teamed with the Detroit Red Wings to provide volunteer manpower and financial support to renovating ice hockey rinks. Labatt has also invested in the Grand Traverse Baykeeper's efforts to preserve the water quality of Grand Traverse Bay's watershed. And, in the wake of the lead crisis in Flint, Labatt invested in The Community Foundation of Greater Flint and local Michigan nonprofits along with partnering with area wholesalers to provide 77,000 meals to families in need. Anyone interested in participating in or donating to Michigan's boating program can visit Michigan.gov/DNR/CelebrateBoating. About FIFCO USA Triple Bottom Line Commitment FIFCO USA, parent company of Labatt USA, is a triple bottom line company committed to impacting the community and environment. In partnership with its stakeholders, FIFCO USA seeks opportunities to create sustainable impact in the areas where we operate. The company focuses on promoting smart consumption; building strong communities; improving waterways, trails and parks, and workforce development. Additionally, FIFCO USA partners with grassroots, charitable organizations that create sustainable impact. Visit https://www.fifcousa.com/smart-consumption/ to learn more or to submit a program or project for consideration. About Labatt USA Proudly headquartered in Buffalo, New York, Labatt USA has imported Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light from Canada since 1951. Today, Labatt Blue is America's top-selling Canadian beer. With a clean, refreshing taste, good balance and slight hop aroma, Labatt Blue has become the premier Canadian pilsener in the Great Lakes region. First brewed in Canada in 1847, Labatt continues to carry on the tradition and heritage of the great outdoors.