I brew every 2-3 weeks because of my fermentation freezer limitations (2 buckets). I can turn around a simple blonde in a couple of weeks, but the darker, more complex girls take a bit more time.
Do you throw in loose hops? I have had some hops clog my bottling wand. Make sure you clean it thoroughly after bottling. Remove the spring and nipple, rinse with hot water and sanitize with Starsan or equivalent.
The bottle bombs may or not be related. Did you stir in the priming sugar or...
I have never had their Drop Top Amber Ale, but anything with Simcoe in it is interesting to me. Subscribing.
I did frequent their brewpub in Portland back in their hefeweizen days (1998) and loved their stuff.
I've done two AG BIAB quick brews: 30 min mash, 30 minute boil, 2 week ferment. Efficiency sucked at 69%. They were both Blondes, but I expect them to be okay. Will report back...
Depends on how much brew you have on deck. Do you have something to drink when you get back, or should you bottle this and have it ready when you get back?
I've heard nothing but horror stories with these Big Mouth fermentors. Sigh.
I would try to tape, hot glue or super glue until you can transfer the beer.