The Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe, Maryland (just outside Baltimore), recently launched its latest beer, Over The Moon Milk Stout, and I had the opportunity to visit the impressive Baltimore location and taste the Milk Stout firsthand.
Guinness’ US brewing team displays creativity
Over The Moon Milk Stout is the second beer brewed and canned at the Maryland location (following the popular Guinness Blonde Lager) since it opened a little more than a year ago. The Milk Stout, with an ABV of 5.3%, is full-bodied, with a creamy mouthfeel, and hints of milk chocolate and rich coffee. I would describe it as having a warming bitterness offset with a cream-like sweetness. It’s the perfect beer to compliment the colder weather.
“Guinness Over The Moon Milk Stout was born from an idea to make a beer that could celebrate our stout brewing expertise, speak to a wide spectrum of beer drinkers, and also convey the creativity and versatility of our brewing team here in Baltimore,” said Hollie Stephenson, Head Brewer at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery. “The beer has notes of caramel, chocolate, and a light roastiness that might remind some people of our historic stouts, however it finishes with a sweetness characteristic of milk stouts, which we believe makes this beer very approachable and appealing to a wider audience.”
During my visit to Guinness, I had the chance to taste desserts made with the Milk Stout, including chocolate cake, cupcakes, and chocolate mousse. The brew enhanced the flavor and brought a chocolatey-roastiness to each dessert…..yum!
When I had spoke with Oliver Gray, Marketing Manager at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, he told me that the inspiration for the sky-blue packaging and artwork came from the iconic advertisements of the 1930s and 1950s depicting zoo animals interacting with pints of Guinness. The drawings can also be found on previous limited-edition Guinness Draught cans.
Guinness Over The Moon Milk Stout can be found on shelves now in select areas including the Baltimore, Boston, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia metro areas (as well as in the brewery’s taproom) as a permanent addition to the Guinness family. Beginning in November, the stout will also be available nationally for a limited time.
Guests of all ages are always welcome to visit the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Monday through Wednesday 3:00pm to 9:00pm, Thursday 3:00pm to 10:00pm, Friday 12:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday 11:00am to 10:00pm and Sunday 11:00am to 9:00pm and enjoy a guided tour of the brewing facility.
