Beer preparer
Jouke Jan
Jouke Jan, beer preparer at Het Anker, shares his unique story of how he transitioned from software support in the Netherlands to a brewing career in the U.S., and eventually to Mechelen.
Why did you decide to work at het anker?
"I originally worked in software support, but after a while, I wanted something completely different," he explains. When his wife got a job in the U.S., the couple moved to Houston, Texas. There, Jouke Jan discovered his passion for brewing. "I had some homebrewing experience, and through a friend, I got in touch with a local brewery. I started working there right away, and within six months, I was responsible for brewing. It was a small brewery with a self-built setup—a fantastic place to learn." After a year and a half in Texas, the couple returned to Europe. "My wife wanted to move back to Belgium, and when she found a job in Mechelen, I started looking for work nearby. Eventually, through Mort Subite, I landed at Het Anker. It was an instant match."
What does your job as a beer preparer involve?
"As beer preparers, we are responsible for ensuring the quality of the beers. Our tasks include taking samples, checking yeast dosages, and optimizing processes. A typical workweek is a mix of physical and administrative tasks. From Monday to Thursday, we’re busy bottling beer, taking samples, and maintaining the system. Fridays are usually reserved for cleaning and preparing for the next week."
What do you enjoy most about working at Het Anker?
"The great thing about working at Het Anker is that you’re given the freedom to contribute ideas for improvements. For example, we installed a bypass on the filter, which saves us up to an hour of work per day. These kinds of optimizations make the job not only more efficient but also more enjoyable." For Jouke Jan, Het Anker offers the perfect balance between the structure of a large company and the flexibility of a smaller organization. "In the U.S., it was often ‘figure it out yourself,’ while my previous job was highly structured. Here, it’s a comfortable middle ground. Communication is direct, and there’s room for your own ideas. If you have a solid plan, you get the opportunity to execute it."
What is your favorite beer or whisky from Het Anker?
For Jouke Jan, beer is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. "Gouden Carolus Tripel is my favorite. It’s smooth, flavorful, and just a bit better than other tripels. It’s my go-to beer for quiet moments or a night out with friends."
