AleSmith Earns Highest Honor at GABF 2008

A message from AleSmith owner Peter Zien…

In our 13th year of operation, AleSmith Brewing Company garnished the highest honor awarded at the Great American Beer Festival 2008: Small Brewing Company of the Year and Brewer of the Year for 2008. These awards were earned as a result of the competition, where we entered five beers and earned four awards.

The winning entries were Vintage Speedway Stout (Silver; Aged Beer category), Decadence Old Ale (Gold; Old Ale), AleSmith Wee Heavy (Gold; Strong scotch Ale), and Old Numbskull (Silver; American-style Barleywine). We are honored beyond measure to represent the wonderful brewing city of San Diego with these prestigious awards.

As many of you know, AleSmith has faced some big challenges this year with the installation of our new, larger brewing system. Shortages and severe price increases of some of our raw materials used in brewing caused further problems, as we desperately tried to maintain production throughout the expansion process. With all that was going on, it was easy to overlook the contests, festivals, etc. where we usually have a significant presence. So you can imagine our surprise when the results of the Great American Beer Festival 2008 were released from Denver a few weeks ago!

I’d like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the hardest working individuals in brewing. The AleSmith Brewing Team is headed by Tod Fitzsimmons, and consists of Bill Batten, Matt Akin, Ryan Crisp, and Jessica Oliver. Over the years, I’ve watched these individuals grow, learn, and become some of the finest brewers in the world. I’m incredibly honored to work with them and cannot express just how grateful I am to have each here at AleSmith.

And to you, our most-valued supporters, I would also like to express my appreciation. I’ve made friendships with many of you that stretch well beyond the world of beer. You’ve made being in the beer business fun, enlightening, and satisfying for me. Please know that our mission has always been and will always be firmly focused on brewing the finest beer possible for your enjoyment. Thank you all!