Brewing Slump

[John Sand]

As noted, I cut my hand pretty badly in early May. I've brewed once since then, an extract APA. It was nice to remember how quick and easy a 2-3 gallpn extract batch can be. But that's not the slump. My last two batches before that were, not very good. And the two before that, while good in the keg, suffered in the bottled half from indifferent sanitation. I'm losing my edge, and maybe my confidence.
Okay, it's not that bad. I just hope the extract batch is really good. Or I'll have to resign from the Borg in disgrace.

[RedBEERd]

Just send your slumpy beer to me I'll take care of it for you

[Dawg LB Steve]

Even the Pro's go thru slumps! Shake it off, rub some dirt on those wounds and get back out there, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

[Beer-lord]

I go thru a slump about once a year. Mine should be coming up soon.
Brew on bothers!

[D_Rabbit]

Whether good or bad as long as you learn something from it you can move forward. I have had some mediocre beers that with some feedback I have turned in to very good beers.

[Inkleg]

Sorry to hear that John, but we all go through slumps.
My Vienna Ooops Lager wasn't named that because it was a great beer. I hope this next beer raises your spirits. How is the hand doing?

[John Sand]

Thanks guys. BeerLord, you may be right, this could be my annual slump.
Ink, the hand is improving slowly. It's still weak and swollen, but I can nearly close it now. I went rowing last week, not too bad.

[Foothiller]

Here's hoping your hand heals and your brewing is on track! Looking at my own brewing log, it's hard to believe that I haven't bottled a beer since April, but a small series of them coming up cures that thought -- now giving me logistical planning of the order of what to empty to make room for the next in the series, and seeing the meads and ciders that are in process.

[mashani]

I as well hope that you have better luck soon, and that your hand heals fully.

[FedoraDave]

It happens to everyone. I've had infections, gushers, and just plain "blah" batches. I found that going a different route often helps overcome a slump. Try brewing a different style, or try a different ingredient or technique. It helps you focus a bit more, even on the stuff that's become routine, like sanitizing or bottling.

I haven't hit a slump recently, but I'm intending on taking the month of August off as far as brewing is concerned. I don't want it to get stale or become a chore, and I'll be able to resume after Labor Day with renewed enthusiasm.

[John Sand]

Well, feeling a little better. Kegged the Single Hand APA, looks, smells, tastes good warm and flat, fwiw. Bottled two pints of the Super ESB to use the keg. That tasted good warm too. We'll see. It also helps that I sailed this week on my own boat for the first time this year. And solved the engine alarm problem.
Thank you for your support.

[joechianti]

Glad to hear you're doing a little better, John. They just can't keep a good man down. I've had a few small slumps and one really big one, myself. We always find our way back into the groove eventually. My last slump was a short one, thankfully. I got a Viagra pill stuck in my throat and had a stiff neck for days.

[Beer-lord]

Good to see you again Joe. I see you lost another tooth.
I hope you went to the doctor if your throat was stiff for longer than 4 hours.

[John Sand]

Glad to see you Joe. You're as funny as ever, and I mean that in a nice way!

[braukasper]

Right there with you on the slump. Just cannot get motivated!! Glad to see you are feeling better and got a brew in the keg!