I took about 6 months off after being disappointed in my first three batches ever. I think I started with recipes which were too advanced and had some poor brewing techniques. My first three consisted of an Alt kit from the local shop and two Belgian Ales from online recipes. The Alt was so so...
I brewed this recipe and it turned out great (flavor wise). It was only my second batch when I chose to brew this so my technique was not there. I think that I may have mashed at too high a temp and I did not use a yeast starter. My hydrometer was broken and I think my attenuation was off...