Guinness might be one of the most iconic Irish exports, but did you know it's the number one selling draft beer in the United States? It’s growing at an impressive rate – so much so that Guinness Brewery Ambassador Zach Berger proudly shared the news at Iowa Irish Fest. That creamy pint? It’s not just a nod to Ireland—it’s a thriving, evolving brand with deep roots and global appeal.

And here’s something most people don’t realize: all Guinness Draft sold in the U.S. is brewed in Dublin at St. James’s Gate. While there are Guinness breweries in Baltimore and Chicago, those are innovation hubs – think limited-run beers and culinary pairings – not production sites for the classic stout.

This article is based on podcast episode 284 featuring Zack Berger, Guinness Brand Ambassador (follow on Instagram @guinnessinthecity).
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

Guinness has come a long way since the days when it was shipped in barrels and bottled in individual pubs. Back then, quality control teams traveled to those pubs to ensure the product remained true. If a pub was caught altering the beer? The punishment was a national ad outing the misrepresentation. A bold move, but effective.

The Guinness we know today, with its distinct pour and that classic “wait for the settle” moment, didn’t debut until 1959. Before that, a pub might have served a blend of casks to achieve that creamy result. Innovation has always been baked into Guinness and continues today through its American breweries.

There’s a reason the Guinness Storehouse is the number one attraction in Ireland. It’s more than beer, it’s legacy. Guinness has managed to stay true to its Irish identity while becoming a global brand. In fact, in some parts of Africa, Guinness is seen more as a local product than an import. That kind of cultural integration doesn’t happen by accident.

According to Zach, it’s Guinness’s authenticity, consistency, and connection to Irish craftsmanship that keeps people returning. Whether it’s music, film, or beer – Irish culture is having a moment, and Guinness is at the center of it.

And yes, that harp on the pint is the same harp you see on official Irish emblems – but with a twist. Quite literally. Guinness used it first. When Ireland became a republic and adopted the harp as a national symbol, they flipped it to avoid copyright infringement.

Even if you’re not a beer drinker (hi, me), the Guinness Storehouse is well worth a visit. It’s part museum, part cultural experience, and packed with layers of storytelling. You can expect:

The story behind the zoo ads is delightful. Artist John Gilroy drew inspiration from a seal balancing a ball, imagined it was a pint, and ran with it – eventually introducing the world to a whole animal cast and the famous zookeeper (a self-portrait, by the way).

There’s no “wrong” time to visit the Storehouse, but your ideal moment depends on your pace. Want a more relaxed, less-crowded visit? Go in the morning right when it opens. Interested in a livelier vibe with music and energy? Aim for the afternoon.

Visiting in the off-season? Try to time your Gravity Bar visit with the sunset. In winter months, the low light and city views are especially stunning.

And no matter when you go, don’t rush it. The tour is self-guided, and 90 minutes is a minimum if you want to absorb everything.

Guinness’s two American breweries – in Baltimore and Chicago – aren’t about recreating the classics. Instead, they focus on what’s next. These spots brew limited-edition beers like IPAs, lagers, and even fruited sours or barrel-aged stouts. If you’re visiting, don’t just order a standard draft – ask what’s new and local.

Baltimore offers a sprawling beer garden and open brewery feel, while Chicago delivers a more urban, culinary-forward experience, complete with beer cocktails and food pairings. Both serve as an introduction to the Guinness brand beyond the iconic stout and a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation.

Guinness may begin with a pint, but its story is so much more than that. It's about innovation, legacy, global identity, and great marketing. It's almost the story of Ireland – rich history with an eye to the future.

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