Combing the North 40

A while back (nine months to be exact…time flies when you’re drinking beer), I reported that AleSmith Brewing Company was working on establishing a combination tap room and retail establishment. Referred to as an upscale “company store,” it was to be located within the City of San Diego’s urban core, most likely at the vacant spot next to Consortium Holding’s craft cocktail spot, Polite Provisions. The store project has since been shelved…and subsequently replaced with another endeavor that sounds even more exciting.

AleSmith will likely be one of three San Diego County craft brewing companies taking up residence at a collective operation called North 40. Located on 43 acres in close proximity to Carlsbad’s flower fields, this “urban farm experience” will include 110,000-square-feet of facilities operated by various artisanal businesses consisting mostly of food and drink interests. Those facilities will be flanked by fruit and olive groves, vineyards, and hop fields, providing a mix of urban and rural.

AleSmith beers will be available in a garden setting along with those of fellow prospective tenants, Iron Fist Brewing Company and Mother Earth Brew Co. Both of those operations are headquartered in nearby Vista. Hops harvested from North 40's fields will be given to the trio to brew with. What will set AleSmith apart is the fact that owner and brewmaster Peter Zien is aiming to have fromage from his CheeseSmith venture onsite as well. His dairy products also figure to be for sale at AleSmith’s upcoming, 105,000-square-foot headquarters in the Miramar area. That spot is scheduled to open this summer. A firm timetable has yet to be set for North 40’s debut.