On August 3, 2024, Guinness Open Gate Brewery, just outside of Baltimore, opened its gates to breweries from across Maryland for the first Beer From Here Festival. I talked with Ryan Wagner, Guinness’ National Ambassador, and Jon Zerivitz, Union Craft Brewing Co-founder and Maryland Brewer’s Association Senior Marketing Strategist.

As the sun blazed down on another scorching summer day in Baltimore, the atmosphere at Guinness Open Gate Brewery was anything but stifling. Despite the heat, a buzz of excitement radiated through the air, with craft beer enthusiasts, brewers, and curious attendees gathering for the inaugural Beer From Here Festival. This festival, held in collaboration with the Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM), wasn’t just about the beer; it was about rekindling the spirit of community, innovation, and craftsmanship that defines Maryland’s beer scene.

Reviving Connections and Building Community

For Ryan Wagner, Guinness’ National Ambassador and Baltimore native, this festival wasn’t just a celebration of Maryland beer — it was a reaffirmation of Guinness’ commitment to the local brewing community. “We were welcomed with open arms in 2018,” Wagner reflected. “And six years in, this festival is a way to give back, to remind people that Maryland beer is as strong, diverse, and innovative as it has ever been.”

Coming off the heels of a challenging time, where Guinness had to close its 100-hectoliter production facility in Maryland and lay off employees, the festival marked a significant moment. It was a way to remind beer lovers that Guinness was still a vital part of the Maryland beer landscape, but it was also about showcasing the incredible diversity of breweries across the state—from stalwarts like Heavy Seas and Union Craft Brewing to newer names making waves in the industry. In all, over two dozen Maryland breweries showcased their beer on that day.

Union Craft Brewing, a major player in the Baltimore brewing scene for 12 years, stood as a shining example of Maryland’s beer evolution. Union’s co-founder and now serving as BAM’s Senior Marketing Strategist, Jon Zerivitz, reflected on the significance of events like these: “It’s really meaningful to a lot of the brewers in Maryland because we all grew up loving the Guinness brand, and it’s an honor to come here and pour beers that we made in our small breweries.”

Beer Festivals: Teetering on the Edge of Relevance?

With craft beer festivals popping up across the country, there’s been much debate about their relevance in the evolving beer landscape. Wagner acknowledged this tension, recognizing that festivals must reinvent themselves to stay fresh. “There’s still something there,” he emphasized, “but we’re going to have to reinvent.” For this festival, the focus was on quality over quantity—featuring just two dozen breweries and limiting ticket sales to create a more intimate and engaging experience.

The festival also became a way to showcase the ingenuity and creativity of Maryland’s brewing talent. One such standout was Checkerspot Brewing, which had recently moved into a spacious new facility. Their story, along with those of other participating breweries, was a testament to the resilience of the industry. The camaraderie among the brewers was palpable, with conversations sparking potential collaborations and friendships throughout the day. As Zerivitz noted, “Events like this bring brewers together to talk beer, catch up, and maybe even lay the groundwork for new partnerships.”

Guinness’ Contribution to Maryland Beer

One of the most significant aspects of the event was the collaboration between Guinness and BAM, with Guinness pledging a direct contribution of $50,000 to support the association. The funds were earmarked to assist with legislative efforts, organizational support, and initiatives aimed at bolstering Maryland’s growing beer industry.

Wagner made it clear that this festival was about more than just marketing—it was about showing up for the community. “We’ve been talking about this for well over a year now, and to see it come to life is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “We’re friends with a lot of these breweries, and we’ve long wanted to pour with them at our venue.”

For Zerivitz, the collaboration went beyond the monetary donation. “It’s an honor to come here and pour beers that we made in our small breweries across the state,” he said. “We’re strengthening bonds here, not only between Maryland beer lovers, but between all of us in the industry.”

New Beginnings and a Look to the Future

As the conversation shifted to the future of Guinness in Baltimore, Wagner was upfront about the changes. The closure of the production facility and the subsequent move of Baltimore Blonde production to New York left some Marylanders feeling disconnected from the brand. Wagner acknowledged the disappointment, especially for local employees and patrons who had supported the brewery. “There’s a lot of animosity and disappointment, not just from beer drinkers, but from us as well,” Wagner admitted. “But we’re still here, and we’re still committed to making an impact on this city.”

Guinness, despite its global presence, remains deeply rooted in Baltimore through its local employees, brewers, and partnerships with Maryland businesses. The brewery’s 10-barrel system continues to churn out innovative, small-batch beers, many of which were available for tasting at the festival.

One particularly exciting upcoming release is a collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery, celebrating Garrett Oliver’s 30th anniversary as their brewmaster. This collaboration will feature a stout brewed with fonio, an ancient West African grain that brings unique tropical fruit notes to the beer. For Wagner and his team, working with such an unconventional ingredient is a way to continue pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. “It’s a wild ingredient,” Wagner said with a grin. “We’re stoked about this one.”

Craft Beer and the Local Agriculture Movement

Another highlight of the festival was the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Zerivitz, who now works with Cultivate & Craft, a marketing agency focused on local brewing, stressed the importance of supporting Maryland’s agricultural community. “We’re all about Maryland-grown agriculture, value-added agriculture,” he said. One of the festival’s standout beers was made using malt from Bear Branch Malt, a fourth-generation farm in Carroll County. This emphasis on local sourcing not only supports Maryland farmers but also ties into the broader trend of consumers wanting to know where their ingredients come from.

For Maryland breweries, events like this are a chance to showcase not only their beer but also their commitment to sustainable and locally sourced production methods. The collaboration between brewers, local farmers, and organizations like BAM represents a holistic approach to craft brewing—one that emphasizes quality, community, and innovation.

A Festival with a Future

As the Maryland Beer Festival came to a close, one thing was clear: this hopefully wasn’t just a one-off event. Wagner and his team are already looking forward to making it an annual tradition. “Whenever you plan an event like this, what you’re most excited about is the second year,” he said. “We’ll have so many of these questions answered, and we’re excited to make it even better.”

For Maryland’s beer lovers, brewers, and the industry at large, the future looks bright. As Guinness continues to deepen its ties with the local community, and as Maryland breweries push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship, the Beer From Here Festival promises to be a cornerstone of the state’s beer culture for years to come.