Stuck in my ways

[sixstringedd]

So, I've been brewing for about a year now, but I'm the only person I know who brews beer. My fear is that because I don't get to experience other people's brewing methods, except for what I see on youtube or read on forums like these, I'm not going to be able to progress well in my brewing abilities, and that I'm going to get stuck in a rut, doing things the same way over and over again, and perhaps continually making the same mistakes or not taking advantages of things that I could, in order to make my homebrew better and the process more efficient.
So my question is, Does anyone else feel like their in the same position and what do you do, other than make use of online resources, to overcome this disadvantage?

 

[Yooper]

I live in a rural area. The nearest homebrew store is over 150 miles away. If I can brew, and progress in my brewing, I'm pretty sure you can too!

You have many resources- this forum, homebrew stores, homebrew clubs, other brewers, and so on. You can certainly progress in your brewing if you have a desire to do so.

 

[kaconga]

I suggest looking at craigslist and seeing if there is anyone looking for brewing stuff. Bet you they would love to share some brews with you. I notice people looking for keggles and cornies pretty much once a week.

 

[WesleyS]

I brew alone as well, and my wife doesn't even drink beer either. But I don't feel like I've become stagnant in my brewing. I don't think I'm missing anything by not experiencing other brewer's methods. I brew for myself and enjoy doing it. Brew days are my time to relax and have a good time by myself. With my anxiety I wouldn't be as relaxed with assistant brewers.

 

[djt17]

Another lonely brewer here. I don't feel it has impeded my progress at all. I started with Mr. Beer, then partial mash & now AG. I have tried a lot of different process' in my brewing. BIAB, mash tun, FWH, no-chill & water chemistry. With a forum like this; I don't feel so lonely.

 

[Phunhog]

LOTS of internet resources to make you a better brewer. Check out the Brewing Network...their podcasts are invaluable!!

 

[Calder]

I see you are new to the forum.

Question what you do, and find out what others do. There is a wealth of information on this forum that can help. You will find new ways of doing things that you will want to incorporate into your set-up, and other times you will find that what you are doing, may not be what others do, but is the most practical way for you.

 

[unionrdr]

There are also a lot of home brewers that do videos on youtube. Craigtube is one of the better known ones,but there are many more. Do a search & you'll find plenty of them for all levels of brewing.

 

[Subsailor]

This is avery interesting hobby and you don't have to be limited by anything even as a lone brewer. I like to experiment and try different things not necessarily follow the manstream guides or rules. This helps to avoid falling into a rut or becoing stuck in my ways.
Reading other folks thoughts here is an excellent way to keep the momentum going!

 

[ElyIrishBrew]

We have a LHBS 50 miles away and a local HB club as well.

I don't mind brewing alone. Probably prefer it, actually. Given the wealth of info, techniques and recipes here on HBT, I should easily be able to progress in my brewing. A more social person maybe needs that extra camaraderie to keep him moving forward.

Fact is, I got lots of social contact, forum style, when I had questions previous to, during and now after my first brewing. That works for me.