Since 2003, the La Jolla Brew House has been providing the community with mouth-watering brews for the discerning beer lover. Now it has another hoppy surprise up its sleeve — new brewmaster Travis Smith. Owner Claudette Manix said she is excited to have hired Smith earlier this month, and to celebrate, she unveiled four of the brewer’s latest concoctions in a special “Celebration of Change” party on Oct. 22. Smith, a Sonoma State University graduate, began homebrewing while in college — a pastime he said almost didn’t ferment. “I started off as a criminal justice major. I actually thought I wanted to go into law enforcement,” Smith said. “After I finished up at the police academy, I entered a club-only beer competition and won.” That moment gave his primarily “liquid resume” a much-needed boost that paved the way for an apprenticeship at the Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, Calif. By 2005, Russian River hired Smith on as its lead brewer and a career was born. Now that he calls La Jolla home, Smith said looks forward to making his own beer and having some creative license in creating the Brewhouse’s products. “I plan on making great beer that locals will love, maybe even pushing the boundaries a bit,” he said. Smith will be rolling out what he feels are some creative, traditional brews that San Diegans tend to favor, such as his Pariah IPA. The IPA brew was one of his specialties while brewing at Russian River and The Bruery of Orange County, so he thinks locals will really enjoy its heavy hoppiness. As part of San Diego Beer Week, which takes place Nov. 5-14, the La Jolla Brew House will host a four-course dinner on Nov. 10. Smith will oversee the beer pairings, which include brews from the Airdale, Manzanita and Lightning brewing companies of San Diego. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit the La Jolla Brew House at 7536 Fay Ave., or call (858) 456-6279.