AleSmith Brewery Spotlight.
In a year of hugely anticipated releases from the likes of Omnipollo, Cloudwater and Siren, here at Brew Cavern we decided it was the perfect time to highlight a series of understated breweries that deserve more exposure.
Over a series of Blogs we will feature amazing beers that keep outside of the limelight, brews which are hard to come by, and make unique gifts for Christmas.
The Brewery
AleSmith
You may have noticed the small tags on various bottles in store. These display the beers rating on respected beer review site ratebeer.com.
Based on these ratings the website then compiles a list of the best breweries each year, AleSmith were Ratebeer’s brewery of the year, twice!
Founded in 1995 by Ted Newcombe and, a man with possibly the best name in beer, original brewmaster, Skip Virgilio. The pair were later joined by Peter Zien and they ran the brewery, office and tap room between the three of them.
Zien bought the San Diego based brewery in 2002. With a craft beer scene now flourishing, there was stiff competition from local breweries like Modern Times, Stone and neighbour Pizza Port who incidentally were one of the first locations to sell AleSmith beers.
Having grown in size, Pizza Port’s old premises is now base of operations for acclaimed breweries, Lost Abbey and Port Brewing.
Having already made waves in the American beer world with a Belgian strong ale, Horny Devil, it was in 2003 that the brewery released the bourbon barrel aged beer, Speedway Stout.
AleSmith’s flagship brew raised their profile internationally and still ranks in the top five imperial stouts in the world.
The original brewery was based in Miramar, before success led them to move to a bigger premises only two blocks away. The former premises is now home to Mikkeller – San Diego, brewing collaboration beers as well as Mikkeller’s own brand. Zien, overseeing initially, still assists occasionally, holding a minority stake in the operation.
The Beers
AleSmith – Grand Cru
Grand Cru is a dark chestnut coloured Belgian-style Ale with vibrant fermentation aromas of fruity esters and spicy phenols. A sweet caramel malt, raisin, and plum-like character combines with the complex fermentation profile of the Belgian yeast strain and hints of bittersweet chocolate in the finish. Its full body and velvety mouthfeel make for a slow and satisfying drinking experience. Grand Cru is meant to be savoured and will age nicely.
Ratebeer 99 overall / 99 style
AleSmith – Decadence 2015
This Anniversary Ale was originally brewed in 2005 to celebrate a decade of brewing.
Each year since a special beer of a new style has been brewed.
A fresh take on the Belgian Amber, this big, complex, amber-hued ale was brewed with a substantial amount of Belgian and European malts that complement the spiciness imparted by Belgian abbey yeast. The result is a perfect balance between rich, toasty maltiness, Belgian Candi sugar and the light, floral profile of European hops. Enjoy this hearty Belgian-inspired brew now or age at a cool temperature to increase its complexities.
Ratebeer 90 overall / 86 style
Mikkelller and AleSmith – NY Verden (New World)
Brewed at Mikkeller San Diego the recipe was devised by Alesmith’s head brewer Anthony Chen.
Ny Verden is an old ale, that uses different sugars like piloncillo, maple syrup and dark agave syrup, working with a rich malt to a full bodied complexity, rich and filled with flavours of dark fruit, figs and maple syrup.
The beer will improve with age and will develop sherry like undertones.
Ratebeer 95 overall / 90 style
