Excited about their first batch, most brewers jump into the second batch. The first batch wasn't hard. Maybe they get a little ambitious or sloppy, and that's when the second-batch heartbreak hits. It's usually a cleaning or sanitation problem, so start by double-checking your gear.

As you continue, you'll hate these moments, but you'll know to pull out all of the stops in an attempt to be a hero. To be successful, you must understand what you smell and taste and their causes. Then you can then formulate a plan of attack.