Maryland

Editor Picks: Baltimore Brewery Tours

by Cedric Pentonville  |  Published May 26, 2021

Baltimore is the epicenter of Maryland’s beer brewing scene, so it’s the best place to sample some brews right from the taproom on a guided brewery tour.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Craft beer may be all the rage, but there are all sorts of beers cranked out of Baltimore’s score of breweries. From the Guinness plant in nearby Halethorpe to the smaller craft microbreweries and taprooms that circle the city center, such as Mobtown and Suspended Brewing Company, there are lots of places to try. Below, we examine some of the best beer tours in Baltimore, taking into account numerous factors, including the duration, value for money, number of breweries visited and, perhaps most importantly, amount of free beer samples available.

Guided Tour and Tasting of the Guinness Brewery

Baltimore’s strong Irish heritage comes to the fore over in Halethorpe, to the southwest of the city. Here, you’ll find the Guinness Brewery, where small group tours of the classic stout’s manufacturing processes are available roughly twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays (although this is liable to vary). You’ll learn all about the brewing process and the history of the drink, then head to the barrel tasting room to try four different beers made by Guinness. Please note that, as with all tours on this list, participants must be aged 21 or over. From $37 per person.

Book at Guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com

Sip of Baltimore Brewery Tour

(Photo: Viator.com)

Baltimore’s various breweries are spread out across the city, which means any tour that incorporates two or more also needs to factor in transportation. Luckily, the Sip of Baltimore tour does just that, leaving the driving to somebody else so that you can do the drinking. You’ll visit four breweries on this tour, such as those of the Waverly and Heavy Seas brewing companies. At each you’ll get to sample their wares and chat about the various home brews and beer styles currently in production. Finish the trip with a lunch or dinner paired with, naturally, a beer at a gastropub. From $90 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Craft Brewery Tour of Baltimore

How does tasting 16 different beers sound? This tour, as with the above option, combines a trip to four different breweries with plenty of tastings and a full meal. This tour shows you the gamut of the Baltimore brewing scene, from the big factories like that of Guinness, to the smaller craft spaces, such as Diamondback Brewing. There is also a more compact tour option available that only visits three breweries. Please note that this tour generally only runs on Saturdays, with two departure times at 11:15am or 5:15pm. From $70 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com