Alaskan ESB Named Champion Ale at World's Oldest Beer Competition  JUNEAU - Alaskan ESB was named Champion Ale in London at the Brewing Industry International Awards 2002.  Alaskan Brewing was the only American brewery awarded champion status. Alaskan ESB also won the gold medal in class 3 of the International Ale Competition on its way to being named Champion.  Alaskan Smoked Porter won a bronze medal in class 3 of the International Specialty Beer Competition. "We feel incredibly honored to be recognized like this on an international level," Alaskan's co-founder, Marcy Larson tells HappyHours.com.  "Our crew takes personal pride in their jobs and it shows in every batch we brew.  This serves as a reminder that we make world class beer!"  This is the second international medal for Alaskan ESB and the fourth international medal for the Alaskan Smoked Porter. Both beers have been awarded numerous medals in domestic competitions. The Brewing Industry International Awards is global and recognizes excellence in 8 categories made up of 24 classes. The world's oldest beer competition, the awards have been occurring since 1886 and are commonly referred to as the 'oscars of the brewing industry'.  For more information about the Alaskan Brewing Company: http://www.alaskanbeer.com