AleSmith Brewing Company

AleSmith Brewing Company is an American brewery founded in 1995 by Skip Virgilio and Ted Newcomb in San Diego, California. In 2002 the brewery was purchased by Peter Zien. AleSmith produces inspired range of beers.

They are predominantly brewing styles of Great Britain and Belgium. Many of their beers are known for their depth of character. Nearly half of all AleSmith beers available have an alcohol by volume measurement over 8.5%, compared to 4-6% ABV for most American-style pale lagers. AleSmith's strongest brew is its celebrated Imperial Stout, called "Speedway Stout", which has an ABV of 12%.

The beers have acquired a positive reputation among microbrew enthusiasts and hopheads. AleSmith Brewing Company is a craft brewery and has received awards for its beers and the bold approach of the brewer.The brewery has been the most popular on the RateBeer.com website in 2004 and 2005.

AleSmith's brewmaster, Peter Zien, is a BJCP "Grand Master level 1" beer judge, the only one in San Diego County. In 2008, AleSmith was awarded "Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year" at the Great American Beer Festival.