In May, AleSmith Brewing introduced a passion project a long time in the making, its Anvil of Hope non-profit organization. Established to assist low-income families, young people in need and other San Diegans facing hardships, it will raise money primarily through sale of beers produced at its parent company’s Miramar brewery. With the pandemic dragging on, AleSmith Brewing owners Peter and Vicky Zien decided to make Anvil of Hope’s first order of business helping front-line medical workers assisting those afflicted with COVID-19. Their fundraising vehicle will be AleSmith for Hope Hazy IPA.
Coming in at 7.5% alcohol-by-volume with a tropical bouquet and flavor, this charity-driven Northeast-style IPA will be available at AleSmith’s gift shop at its Miramar tasting room. Following that, it will be distributed everywhere the company’s beer is sold. Proceeds from its sale will be earmarked to help frontline workers and their families. That spirit of charity stems from Vicky, who birthed the idea for Anvil of Hope.
“Growing up as one of five children, I saw what my mother went through as a Mexican immigrant to raise us o her own. We grew up combatting racist remarks from other children, which certainly added insult to injury for our family, as we were already struggling to make ends meet,” says Vicky, whose official title is Chief Culture and community Advocate. “I find comfort in knowing that Peter shares my passion for helping those in need, and frontline workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic felt like the right place to start.”
While many breweries are doing their best to manage during this global pandemic, we believe it is our duty to give back to members of the community who are giving it their all during these trying times,” says Peter. “It makes perfect sense for us to do what we do best, and through that, be able to lend a hand to others across the country.”
Peter Zien, Owner, AleSmith Brewing
Peter isn’t the only brewery owner who feels positive change can be achieved through brewing. Marcus Baskerville, the owner of Weathered Souls Brewing in San Antonio, Texas, has mobilized over 1,000 breweries nationwide (including AleSmith) to brew the recipe for his imperial stout, Black is Beautiful, and donate proceeds to organizations in their area fighting for equal treatment for African Americans.
So, it’s not surprising to see Zien and Baskerville team up for a beer created to celebrate AleSmith’s 25th anniversary. And given their love of classic West Coast IPAs, it’s no surprise that’s what they decided to brew. That limited-edition IPA is dubbed Diego Antonio after the names of the patron saints of San Diego and San Antonio. Coming in at 7.7% ABV, it’s big on Citra and Nelson Sauvin hops. Diego Antonio is currently available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans.
AleSmith Brewing is located at 9990 AleSmith Court in Miramar