What do I want to be known for?
Here I am, over 2 and a half years into Simply Beer and this question has been on my mind a lot lately, “What do I want to be known for?” For my long time readers you have seen a progression of the site as I’ve been trying to figure out what I want Simply Beer to be. I had a realization a couple of minutes ago as I’m brewing this Saison. I need to start molding this site to what I want to be. If I can do that and not get caught up in what everyone else is doing, then I will have answered this question.
When I started Simply Beer it was all about the Beer Reviews. There is definitely a place on the internet for beer reviews, especially the more creative ones, but the more I did them the less I was enjoying the beer I was reviewing. Furthermore, I’m not a gifted writer, not even an average one in my opinion which makes writing more of a challenge. Plus, I really didn’t enjoying grading or giving scores. So about a year and half ago I stopped scoring beers and just started giving formatted reviews. Still I realized I really didn’t want to be know as a critic. Why? This goes back to my question, What do I want to be know for? I didn’t want to be a beer critic, beer review, or beer writer.
What do I want to be? I want to be a Brewer. It is now the precipice of my career, do I stay the course or take the plunge? I love making beer and sharing my beer with who ever wants to drink it, more so then drinking what ever commercial beer I have on hand. Also, I felt I couldn’t make that transition from Reviewer/Homebrewer to Homebrewer on course to a brewery career if I kept writing the reviews.
It was a quite a realization for me, probably easier for friends and family looking at me to see then for me to see myself. While I’ll still write some beer opinions because sometimes a beer is inspiring to me and I’ll write about it, but you will see more and more homebrewing on Simply Beer and some new post as I transition my career over the next five years to a Professional Brewer. That’s right, Time to take off the diapers and put on the big boy pants, I’m officially working towards a brewpub.
Right now I’m finalizing my application to the American Brewers Guild, taking the first steps to a formal brewery education. Words cannot express how excited I am to have a clear direction in my professional career. I’m taking the first steps in making my dreams a reality. I’m ready for the hard work and dedication.
So, What is it I want to be know for? I want to be respected as someone who makes great beer!
Loved this post Peter. Gaining focus and weeding out all the stuff that gets in the way of your goals really brings in a breath of fresh air. One thing about making your goals public is that you’re more likely to stick to them. I’d personally love to see more brewing posts on here, and can’t wait for the day when I can buy your beer in your brewpub. Congrats on the new direction.
Great post Peter. I really look forward to following you as you make the plunge and can’t wait to get a chance to sit at your bar!
Thanks Billy and Ray. It definitely feels refreshing to have a clear(ish) goal and the start of a plan to get there. There is a ton of hard work in my future, but hard work you can enjoy and reap the rewards fun is much better then thankless hard work! Can’t wait to pour you a glass of my finest one day, Cheers!
Good read. I recently started a blog, and am having a hard time trying to decide what direction I want to take it. I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who has struggled with this decision.
Best of luck with your brewpub! Cheers!
Good luck Danny, It’s taken me 2 years to decide what to do with the blog, but the brew pub has been kicking around for years. My advice is to write about what you want not what everyone else is doing. There are so many beer bloggers now its hard to find your voice among the masses.
Great post. I wish you the best of luck! I too have a passion for learning about beer. Recently, I started a blog to document what I learn about beer as I further my knowledge. I look forward to reading more on your blog! 🙂
Thanks Beer Brew Erika. I hope to have more posts about the process.
Go for it Peter. I’m confident you be successful. BTW, in my circle you are already known as a brewer of fine beers.
Thanks Steve!
Good luck, man – looking forward to hearing/reading about the adventure!
Thanks Dave! How’s your homebrewing going?
A moderately successful Oktoberfest (cloudy and a little estery) and a very successful Canadian Cream Ale later, I’m going to brew a Dunkelweizen this weekend. A friend was unloading his beer gear and hooked me up with a 12 gallon pot and a wort chiller. I’m bigtime now…
So glad to hear it. My hope is for us to being talking about this in future from our brewery sites.
Thanks Michael, I wish you the best of luck on your plans as well. Be sure to let us know when you get a location and timeline!
Peter. I think its GREAT you’ve decided to take the plunge and I look forward to following your progress here @ Simply Beer. Hopefully, your Brewpub is someplace in Jersey!
Thanks Scott. AS of now, all “plans” are for an essex county NJ brew pub! I expect you to be a regular 🙂
Great Peter! I can hardly wait to go into @Brewforia and pick up a bottle of Peanut Butter Porter! Now if only Jim and I could figure out what we are doing, things would be great!
Thanks Don! I can’t wait to be serving my own beer. Hopefully in the need future when you come visit Jim, you’ll be able to come by my Brewpub.