Amery is small town about 60 miles northeast of Minneapolis all the way in the western part of the state. But make no mistake about it: Amery, Wisconsin, is a place that truly deserves your attention, especially if you're into the craft brew scene. (And being in Wisconsin, of course you are!)

You see, tucked into a barn in this small, out-of-the-way town is one of the best breweries in Wisconsin. This beautiful old barn in Amery fell into the hands of Jenna Johnson, who, a handful of years back, found herself newly single and, due to a sequence of events, in possession of a barn. So she rolled up her sleeves and did what entrepreneurs do best, drawing up plans for what would become Amery Ale Works. Today, this Wisconsin brewery is a warm and welcoming place that's a cornerstone of its community, with a story that reminds us to make lemonade out of lemons -- or, in this case, beer out of hops and yeast.

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There's a well-known saying about lemons and lemonade that's a testament to the power or facing challenges head-on and with a growth mindset.

This saying could be modified to talk about "hops" and "beer" -- if, that is, you also have a determined home brewer who found herself suddenly single and in ownership of a big red barn.

It sounds like the set-up for a Hallmark movie, but it's the very real place wherein Jenna Johnson found herself a few years back.

"The story of Amery Ale Works really starts with the barn. I love the history of barns and really wanted to start a business in one. Lucky for me, I stumbled across this amazing property," she muses.

The story gets a bit more complicated, however.

The barn in Amery, Wisconsin, was on a piece of property Johnson and her then-husband had fallen in love with, seeing it as the perfect venue for weddings and special events. So when she found herself newly single and in a moment of self-discovery and re-invention, the barn, in all its weather-worn beauty, spoke to her.

Not only was the barn truly one of a kind, but the property itself was "its own little oasis," says Johnson.

For her, the property and its charming red barn became a symbol of something more after a divorce. Faced with an uncertain future and present, Johnson let herself explore her hobbies and find inspiration. Her home-brewing hobby and tract of wondrous Wisconsin acreage paved way for what would ultimately become Amery Ale Works.

Just like her former vision of transforming the farmstead into an events venue, Johnson imagined Amery Ale Works as a place for community.

"Our business serves our community in the space that we provide. We offer a family friendly gathering spot, event space for special occasions, corporate meeting space for local business and catering," she says. She adds that the brewery focuses on bringing events to the community, too, such as trivia nights, an annual Oktoberfest celebration, and car show. "We work with local clubs to host their meetings and fundraisers and we support local community activities through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer activities," she explains.

Because of this community-minded ethos, the list of things to love about this Wisconsin brewery is long.

In just a few short years, this small-town spot has quickly become a local favorite, earning the love of its community and attention of out-of-towners. More than just a bar, this place has become a community gathering spot. In fact, when Amery Ale Works often calls itself a "Bar(n)," which sums up the experience perfectly. Yes, it's a rustic barn on a small-town farm, but it's also a beloved local bar and true community cornerstone.

It's this community that fills Johnson's bucket and makes work a joy.

"The best part of being a business owner is the people!" she says. "I've gotten to meet and surround myself with such incredible people - whether it be the Ale Works team or our customers or the kind souls who have taught me something along this journey."

Of course, Amery Ale Works wouldn't exist were it not for its fantastic product. You'll find a massive array of stouts and ales, all brewer in-house and rotating regularly.

In addition a robust menu of beer, you'll also find a locally-sourced menu at Amery Ale Works with nibbles and noshes that pair perfectly with what's on tap.

It's also worth noting that, in a historically male-dominated industry, Amery Ale Works is female owned and operated.

Jenna is a bonafide brewster that's changing the narrative of what it means to be a craft brewery, which is especially important in a beer-loving state like Wisconsin.This is all part of a day's work for Johnson, though. "For me, success in business comes down to doing something you're passionate about and seeing that passion resonate with your customers and your team. It's being able to stop for a moment and say, 'I am proud of what we're doing, I am having fun doing it, and others feel the same.'" she says, adding that the success of Amery Ale Works truly is a team effort -- including the "team" of Amery, Wisconsin, a tiny-but-mighty town of just under 3,000!

Everybody faces obstacles; that's just a part of life. It's how we respond to challenges, then, that shows our mettle -- and predicts our success.

Viewing obstacles as opportunities is paramount to "pushing through" and persevering. This is exactly what Jenna Johnson did, during a rough time that called on her to reach deep and summon her strength.

The result? Amery Ale Works, a wonderful Wisconsin brewery that's a resounding success, and a true testament to the grit and determination found in every small business owner.

Cheers to that!

Many thanks to Jenna Johnson for sharing the story about her amazing Wisconsin brewery. Learn more about Amery Ale Works at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. And be sure to visit the brewery at 588 115th St, Amery, WI, 54001.

Of course, Amery Ale Works is just one of the many small businesses affecting positive change in Wisconsin; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In Wisconsin article. And be sure to follow Only In Wisconsin on Facebook and Instagram to learn about the many incredible places, attractions, and events in America’s Dairyland.