For starters, I'm not dead...
I debated waiting a few days before posting this, but it has been 2 years since I last posted here. Sorry to leave you all hanging. I believe an update is in order.
Brewing:
I've progressed in my brewing career quite well, in that I've reached a level I am happy with as far as my process goes, and my results as well. I can reliably brew a few styles of beer that I quite enjoy, and feel confident enough to brew almost any style. Recently I won a gold medal in the Canadian Amateur Brewing Association competition for a Porter my brother and I brewed, and a Bronze in the IPA category at the Because Beer festival.
Are there a few things I like to upgrade? Sure. But right now I can haul out my gear and brew great beer without compromise.
Projects:
My big project ongoing now (aside from the perpetual project of ripping up potions of my backyard and replacing it with gardens or patio) is a fermentation chamber. This will allow me to ferment my beers at very precise temperatures, something that is essential to repeatedly good results (I'm told). I'll post another entry on that once I am complete...hopefully before the next 2 years are up. Also I just ordered a keg setup, so that's going to be fun.
Other stuff:
I started playing guitar a lot more lately. It feels good (my fingertips may disagree). I even started playing at my church on Saturday nights. I also coach rugby again and am looking at possibly playing again next year. Funny how things come full circle.
The Future:
I think for all intents and purposes this blog should have a bit more direction to it. So I will focus more on beer and beer culture. I'lll still post the odd bit about my general doings and transpirings, but I'll try to focus things a bit more in the hopes of more frequent posts.
Stay tuned!
