For those who don’t know, there is a Guinness Brewery in Baltimore, Maryland. After years of saying how great it would be for my family to drive down to visit the brewery and go on a tour, we finally made it.

We made our way inside and checked in for our tour. We went with the brewing-focused guided tour and tasting. After checking in, we were each handed a pint of Guinness, all boasting a different design. We made our way downstairs to start the tour.

Our tour guide went over the full process of making beer from start to finish, including how different levels of roasting barley affect the flavor profile of the finished product. After the educational-heavy portion of the tour (not complaining, just stating the order of events), we were given the opportunity to try different beers available at the brewery. We also learned the Maryland location brews beers specific to that location.

Once the tasting concluded, we had an incredible lunch at the on-site restaurant, starting with the Guinness Beef Stew and Guinness Brown Bread.

We all agreed the stew was best enjoyed soaked into a piece of brown bread. In classic me style, too much food was ordered for the table. We shared a giant pretzel with Baltimore Blonde beer cheese, Old Bay wings and Reuben egg rolls.

Stuffed from lunch, we took turns checking out all of the Guinness merchandise available in the gift shop. I left with a cream quarter-zip sweater featuring the iconic Guinness toucan. I will definitely be back this summer to watch some of the World Cup matches and try a few new beers!

— Fiona Stewart, account executive