Well, if you are here, you have likely already met me or have at least seen me on the TagaBrew social media pages. If you haven’t, buckle up Buttercup, and allow me to introduce myself…

I’m Jan, one of the co-owners of TagaBrew, the largest brewery trail in the nation (click the link to the website for more information or follow along). I must confess that this was not at all in my life plan, not even close. When my now husband Russ and I got together, I RARELY drank beer. I thought it was gross, and I stuck with wine or hard ciders. We began collecting TagaBrew tags (and charms for me) after an evening at Short’s in Bellaire, Michigan. We had fun discovering different places that weren’t far from our typical bubble, and I was still able to find something at the majority of the places we visited. Then, one evening at a local brewery, I was introduced to a sour beer (Krampus), and the gateway was opened. I still wasn’t what you would call a craft beer enthusiast, but it allowed me to have more options. Imagine my surprise when out of the blue Russ asked me if I would be interested in buying into TagaBrew with him. I believe my response was something like, “And how many beers have you had this evening?!?” I was open to it, and we met with Debi and Jim who became our partners and friends. (There was another person involved at that point, but for the sake of all involved and to prevent some giant porthole to a dimension where only crappy beer is, that person shall remain in the bowels of history.)

As an owner of a brewery trail, I figured I may as well attempt to try more styles, although I still wasn’t completely a fan of beer yet. I ventured into the world of porters, stouts, amber ales, and more. I was willing to try pretty much anything other than an IPA (“because they taste like ass”). Russ and I registered for a two day Craft Beer 101 class at a local community college (shout out to Annette May at Schoolcraft College) with a friend and had a blast. I became fascinated with the science behind brewing and fermentation, and the questions began to spring forth from my mouth like a child full of wonder. Annette told me about a group called Fermenta (more about that in another post), and before I knew it, I was applying for scholarships, worked toward and earned my certified beer server credential, and am beginning to study for the second level of Cicerone certification. Oh, and I now appreciate IPAs.

While all of this (and more) was happening, Russ and I also became the primary owners of the company and took over all operations. We have grown the trail to over 520 breweries in multiple states, and we are continuing to grow! Prior to this, I was an early childhood educator for seventeen years… talk about switching fields!

Oh crap… I guess this has been more “ish” than brief. Well, you can’t say I didn’t warn you with the title – lol! I hope you join me for the ride!

Cheers!