AleSmith Brewing Company is an artisan, American craft brewery founded in 1995 by Skip Virgilio and Ted Newcomb in San Diego, California that specializes in handcrafted ales in a variety of styles. In 2002, the brewery was purchased by the company's brewmaster, Peter Zien. Zien is a BJCP "Grand Master level 1" beer judge, the only one in San Diego County. Deeply rooted in the amateur and craft brewing communities, AleSmith ales have continued to garner national and international awards, as well as following among beer enthusiasts.