Jordan LaFontaine

Father. Husband. Brewer. Tech Enthusiast. Musician. Rebel Artist.

Imagine stepping into an IT lab on an ordinary morning and stumbling upon the magic of brewing. That’s precisely what happened to me. There was Beau, my buddy, engrossed in a YouTube video watching a time-lapsed beer fermentation. And although my initial reaction was a mix of fascination and repulsion at the bubbling concoction before my eyes, I couldn’t help but be pulled into the rhythm of the krausen, rising and falling in a fermenter.

Soon, every spare minute was consumed by this newfound passion. Lunch breaks? Fermentation videos. Free time? The endless abyss of the Homebrew Talk forum. I was submerged in a sea of brewing jargon – from the intriguing nuances of hot side aeration to the peculiarities of hop creep. Admittedly, I may have had some detours, notably the ominous “glass carboy accidents thread.”

Everytime I thought I knew enough, another deep well of knowledge to be had presented itself.

By evening, I was already discussing equipment with my then-girlfriend, Marcella (now my VERY supportive wife!). December was approaching, and my wife’s generous gifts included my first brewing kits. Yes, it was the infamous Mr. Beer! And while it didn’t yield the best results, it marked the foundation of my brewing journey. With enthusiasm in tow, I equipped myself with brewing tools from Jasper’s Homebrew, setting forth on an adventure that was more than just a hobby. It was an identity.

About that untouched Mr. Beer kit? It sat fermenting for a year. The dare? To take a sip. And, as any proud brewer would, I faced the challenge head-on. Not just for the thrill but to stamp my commitment to this craft.

The Rest is History.