These are my beer and brewing resolutions for this year, which I got from Beer Simple.
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1. Brew at home!
This has been my goal for two years now and I really hope this is the year I can pull it off. I need to get my kettle modified and acquire a few more pieces of equipment and also nail down my processes that I want to use. But I either need to do this or give it up.
2. Revisit (one of my) least favorite breweries and drink at least 4 of their beers
There are several local breweries who I almost never think about–we are that blessed here in Bend, Oregon thankfully–but perhaps they have improved. It is only fair to give them another chance. Perhaps I’ll find a new favorite beer or at least be able to give more up-to-date info to others regarding them.
I also hope to be making a trip to Salem, Oregon this spring and let me just say I trashed every post I started to write after my trip to Salem two years ago. I am not a “If you can’t say anything nice” kind of guy but had to keep deciding that was best in this case. I am looking forward to giving pretty much all Salem breweries another chance.
I want to do this locally too, though, as there are several new(er) breweries in town I have never even visited, although I have had some of their beer. Ergo, no visit previously.
3. Read at least 3 new-to-me beer or brewing books
This one should be extremely easy but it is still important. I am already well into Beer, In So Many Words.
4. Attend a new-to-me festival
I would really like it to be something like the Oregon Garden Brewfest (June 16-18, 2017) or the Hood River Fresh Hops Fest (September 23, 2017) but I will take any new one that interests me.
5. Find a new appreciation for a passé or overlooked beer style
Bock or malt liquor perhaps, although it will be tough to find many of either.
6. Write a letter to a brewery making one of my favorite beers and thank them
Do it!
7. Learn one scientific lesson that will improve my brewing
Water profiles, perhaps?
8. Attend a homebrew club meeting other than my own (COHO)
Cascade Fermentation Association in Redmond I expect.
9. Participate in at least 2 group brews
I definitely need more experience and watching and/or helping others and seeing other systems and processes in action is a great way to get it.
10. Re-take BJCP tasting exam
This is scheduled for July and I am hoping to get a 70 or above. I got a 68 last year on my first go, which was better than I expected, but I want to be eligible to take the written exam even if I never do.
There are other things I hope to do but I need a better formed idea in the first place for one, or more ideas to expand on another, or simply to remember/realize some things for others.
What are you hoping to accomplish in 2017 in your beer drinking, writing, appreciation, etc. and/or in your brewing? Cheers and Happy New Year!
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