First batch pour

I just finished pouring a case and a half down the drain: I thought I would feel a little sad inside, knowing all the hard work that went into the beer, but really, I'm more relieved than anything else. I won't have to drink another pint of it !

For the record, it was a Scottish Export which I mashed way, way too high due to a reading error on my new thermometer, leaving piss poor conversion, watery taste and astringency. It was like sucking on a malty tea bag and gave me the nastiest burps.

That's a bummer! I hate relying on thermometers. I use two or three different ones during my brew day. I have a digital, dial and bulb thermometer. I usually boil 2 cups of water in a small sauce pan and calibrate the thermometer that way. Good luck with your next batch.