The AleSmith Story
Founded in 1995, AleSmith Brewing Company is a San Diego based artisanal craft brewery that specializes in handcrafted ales inspired by the European classics. Deeply rooted in the amateur and craft brewing communities, AleSmith ales have continued to garner both national and international awards. This year, AleSmith will be celebrating its 20th year in production. And what better way to commemorate this momentous year than to open a state-of-the-art brewery in Miramar at 9990 Empire Street. Expected to open summer 2015, AleSmith 2.0 will feature an entirely new tasting room and brew system with the capability to pump out more than 100,000 barrels/year only two blocks west of the original location. Please come visit us and taste the legendary craftsmanship for yourself.
1995: Humble Beginnings
AleSmith Brewing Company is founded in a small single-unit space in the commercial district of Miramar, San Diego and packed with a 15 bbl brew system, tasting bar, office, and a three-man team.
1998: ***** Â Devil Starts a Trend
AleSmith's Belgian Golden Strong Ale brewed with Coriander wins over the crowd at Great American Beer Festival and brings home a shiny silver souvenir, paving the way for 17 more upcoming medals in future GABF Competitions alone.
2002: Change of Hands
Grand Master Judge and decorated home brewer Peter Zien takes ownership, solidifying AleSmith's reputation for brewing legendary, hand-forged ales.
2003: The Barrel Age
AleSmith rocks the world's beer community with its first release from the barrel, the epic Barrel Aged Speedway Stout. This 12% ABV beast hibernates in bourbon barrels and has been consistently recognized as one of the best beers in the world.
2008: The Big Year
AleSmith is awarded 2008 Small Brewing Company and Brewer of the Year at Great American Beer Festival. New brew system increases brewing capacity from 15bbl to 30bbl.
2012: New Image, New Bottler, Same Recipe
Updated logo and bottle art visually defines the AleSmith brand. Premium Prospero bottler is installed to increase efficiency, quality, and reach a new output level of 15,000 bbls/year.
2014: Artisanal Expansion
Rated #1 Best Brewery in the World and Rated #1 Brewery in California based on consumer reviews at RateBeer.com. AleSmith now includes over 30 dedicated team members, multiple departments, five spacious units, and an impressive line-up of award winning brews.
2015: Forging Ahead
AleSmith is positioned to expand into a new building, increase production, and launch new markets on a global scale. The new state-of-the-art brewery, located at 9990 Empire St. off of Miramar Rd., is currently under construction only two blocks west of the original facility which will showcase a custom Steinecker 80 bbl brew system.
