Sun May 13, 2012 6:09 am
I almost never make the same beer twice. As a result, many of my beers are drinkable, but sub-par in quality to a pro beer. I have dumped a couple of batches due to sanitation issues back when I was a noob. I guess I don't get discouraged because I have no end goal. I just like tinkering. Every once in a while I make one that is outstanding, so it helps with morale. I have yet to dial in my process well enough to be able to create a clone that holds up against the commercial version, but agian, that's not my goal. I know that my IPA's aren't as good as ones I can buy, so I focus mostly on beers I can't buy.
Where I live there is a terrible lack of any decent lagers. Only one local brewery doing it, and they don't bottle. I can get a few German imports such as Augustiner, and Ayinger, but they are expensive, soo... I make lagers. I do a decent job with them. I think they are easier than ales, you just have to be patient and consistent. Also, not much in the way of Belgians, and no sours here. Again, most of my efforts are on these styles.
So my goal is to make drinkable beers and I do a decent job of it. If I get a off batch , but it is still drinkable, I enjoy it. I don't get too discouraged.
That said, I did give it up for the past two years because of my work schedule, but I am back on the horse this year! Next up is a Belgian dark strong with whilte labs sour mix!
