About the AleSmith Team

	Peter Zien is an accomplished and highly decorated homebrewer who "always wanted to own a brewery." Since he began brewing in 1995, his beers have earned over 400 medals and honors. In addition, he is San Diego County's only BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) "Grand Master" Level One Beer Judge, one of their highest ratings.
	Tod Fitzsimmons, AleSmith brewer since 1996, is the heart and soul of AleSmith.  A former president of the National champion homebrew club QUAFF, Fitzsimmons has had a major role in the creation of many of the AleSmith beers including his masterpiece, Evil Dead Red.
	Bill Batten is an award-winning homebrewer and has been working at AleSmith since 2001 handling mostly sales and distribution.  Batten is a major force in getting things done at AleSmith and has a seemingly unlimited supply of energy.  He is also an experienced cellarman and takes care of the real ale casks at AleSmith. (see recent newsletter for more information on AleSmith cask events)
	Matt Akin graduated from the American Brewers Guild in 2005 and has been promoted to brewing duties at AleSmith.  In addition to brewing many of the batches, Akin is also responsible for the daily tasks of racking, filtering, kegging, and bottling.  A talented and versatile brewer, Akin is a major part of the AleSmith team.