About James Tai
James Tai comes from a deep and varied professional background in beer that spans across all tiers and concepts within the beverage industry. Some include an Independent Craft Beer consultant and educator, a featured contributor and subject of countless web & print media, and organizer of private educational events to expand and empower beer drinkers to make more informed choices on beer. James also had the privilege of working with Alain Ducasse and Ducasse Studios, where he both developed and headed the beer program for the food outlets in the expansion of the Empire City Casino. He was part of the starting team at the Whole Foods Bowery Beer Room in the Lower East Side of New York City, a corporate “pilot” concept that yielded such success in providing a varied beer selection into the NYC beer drinking ethos that became replicated in Whole Foods stores across the United States, and conducted education and training for Guinness US as a Brewery Ambassador in the Northeast.
In addition to this experience, James has furthered his knowledge through professional extension pursuits at the Siebel Institute in Chicago, the UC Davis Brewing Studies program in Northern California, the Micromatic facilities in Southern California, and sensory training with Cara Technologies/AROXA developing a rich understanding of aspects ranging from brewing studies and draft system expertise to beer and food pairing and elements related to the business side of the industry.
He is an Advanced Cicerone®, as well as a BJCP Certified Beer Judge. James holds a Level 2 Certificate in Spirits from the WSET, and is a Certified Sake Professional with credentials from the Sake Education Council.