iGulu Launches the S1 on Kickstarter - the Ultimate Next-Gen Smart Beer Maker

The S1 is innovative all-in-one smart brewing machine. It allows home brewers to integrate all aspects of the brewing process. From fermentation, cooling, and dispensing it delivers to you the ultimate high-quality drinks at home.

iGulu, a leading pioneer in home brewing technology, is justifiably thrilled to announce the launch of its latest innovation, the iGulu S1, on Kickstarter. 

It's a wonderful all-in-one smart brewing machine. The S1 integrates fermentation, cooling, and dispensing, making it much easier to produce high-quality craft ales in your own home.

Available now on Kickstarter with a crowdfunding price of $299 and a superb early bird price of only $259, the iGulu S1 brings professional-level brewing to the home enthusiast at a really affordable price. The final MSRP will be $549.

The iGulu S1 will allow you to enjoy your own personal brewery as it turns homebrewing into a seamless, enjoyable experience. 

You can simply just select a brew kit that suits your taste. Then you merely allow the advanced technology in the machine take care of everything else. 

It doesn't matter if you are a brewing novice or a seasoned homebrewer, the iGulu S1 smart brewing machine empowers all users to create unique, memorable brews that are sure to impress your friends and family members, and all from the comfort of your own home.

Launching with in excess of ten craft beer brewing ingredient kits, the iGulu S1 uses only ingredients sourced from renowned century-old brands globally, ensuring that it provides an exciting, diverse home brewing experience. 

But there's much more to the S1! It opens up a wide world of homebrewing possibilities, as its innovative high tech design doesn’t limit you to just making beer.

The S1 allows for the production of a wide variety of fermented beverages, such as Kombucha, Cider, White Wine, Mead, and many more to ensure it caters to all those who like to experiment with different drinks and flavours.

How hard is it to brew beer with the iGulu S1? It's as simple as brewing your morning coffee. The RFID-enabled recipe recognition allows users to start the entire brewing process with just one tap, ensuring a hassle-free experience and consistently delicious results every time.

So, how does it work?

The iGulu S1 simplifies the brewing process with an easy to follow three-step method:

MIX: Add ingredients into the fermentation keg.

BREW: Scan the RFID tag or select a recipe from the preset menu.

POUR: Enjoy freshly brewed drinks.

Guaranteeing optimal flavour and quality through precision PID fermentation control, the S1 accommodates a temperature range of 37.4-86°F to suit a variety of brewing requirements and strains of yeast. This ensures the perfect environment for every unique brew.

The dedicated iGulu App also offers total control over the entire brewing process, from fermentation to carbonation for a simple, easy-to-use homebrewing experience. 

Users have the ability to easily monitor each stage, customise the ingredients, share unique recipes, and explore global flavours with the DIY Master Mode Brewing to keep producing the perfect drinks as well as gain inspiration for future brews.

The iGulu 1-Gallon Brew Tritan Keg, which is carefully made with premium food-grade material, features a pressure relief valve that allows carbon dioxide to escape while preventing outside air from entering during fermentation, thus ensuring a high-quality brew every time.

The safety of users is prioritised with the iGulu S1, which features a three-step built-in safety system that automatically adjusts the pressure for constant and safer fermentation. 

This includes a safety valve for rapid pressure relief, a built-in safety pipeline for automatic pressure release and high and low-pressure reminders.

The S1 is designed for to be versatile and innovative, employing optional multi-functional components available to enhance the brewing experience including:

Kegerator compatibility: Connect with shop-bought 5L kegs easily.

CO2 cylinder connection kit: Keep beer fresh for up to 30 days.

Isobaric filling kits: Enjoy freshly brewed beers on-the-go.

Available now on Kickstarter with a crowdfunding price of $299 and a super early bird price of just $259, the iGulu S1 brings professional-level brewing to the home enthusiast for an affordable price. The final MSRP will be $549.

For more information and to support the iGulu S1 on Kickstarter, visit

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1487983457/igulu-s1-the-next-gen-smart-home-brewing-machine

iGulu is a leading, innovative brewing technology company that is committed to delivering exceptional product experiences. With enviable expertise in hardware, software, and brewing R&D, iGulu's innovative products have garnered justified acclaim in the smart brewing sector.

For more details on the iGulu S1 and to join the brewing revolution, visit www.igulu.com.

To learn more please watch this video presentation:-

Crafting Your Own Lager: A Beginner's Guide to Home Brewing

For many beer enthusiasts, the idea of crafting their own brew at home is a tantalising prospect. Among the myriad styles, lager stands out for its crispness, clarity, and refreshing taste. 

While brewing lager may seem daunting at first, with the right guidance and patience, it's an achievable feat for any aspiring homebrewer. In this beginner's guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of brewing your own lager in the comfort of your home.

Understanding Lager:

Lager is a beer type fermented and conditioned at lower temperatures. It's known for its clean, crisp taste and typically has a lighter color compared to ales. The key to brewing a great lager lies in the fermentation process, which takes place at cooler temperatures than ales, usually between 45°F and 55°F (7°C to 13°C).

Ingredients:

Malted barley: The base of your beer.

Hops: For bitterness and aroma.

Yeast: Lager yeast strains are essential for fermenting at lower temperatures.

Water: The main component of your brew.

Optional additives: Depending on your recipe, you might include additional ingredients like spices or fruit.

Equipment:

Brew kettle: For boiling the wort.

Fermenter: Where fermentation takes place.

Airlock: To allow gases to escape during fermentation.

Thermometer: Essential for monitoring temperature.

Hydrometer: Measures the specific gravity of your beer.

Bottles or kegs: For storing and serving your finished lager.

The Brewing Process:

Mashing: Start by heating water in your brew kettle to a specific temperature and adding crushed malted barley to create a mixture called "wort."

Boiling: Bring the wort to a boil and add hops at different intervals for bitterness and aroma.

Cooling: After boiling, quickly cool the wort to the desired fermentation temperature using a wort chiller or an ice bath.

Fermentation: Transfer the cooled wort to a fermenter, pitch your lager yeast, and seal with an airlock. Place the fermenter in a cool, dark place and monitor the temperature regularly.

Conditioning: After primary fermentation, lager your beer at near-freezing temperatures for several weeks to enhance its flavor and clarity.

Bottling or Kegging: Once the lagering process is complete, carbonate your beer by bottling it with priming sugar or force-carbonating if using a keg.

Enjoying: Chill your lager to the perfect serving temperature and savor the fruits of your labor!

Tips for Success:

Sanitation is key: Ensure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent contamination.

Patience pays off: Lagering takes time, so resist the urge to rush the process.

Keep it cool: Maintain consistent temperatures throughout fermentation and lagering.

Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different recipes and techniques to find your perfect lager.

Conclusion:

Brewing your own lager at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to tailor the flavor to your preferences. While it requires attention to detail and patience, the end result is well worth the effort. So gather your ingredients, fire up your kettle, and embark on your journey to crafting the perfect pint of homemade lager. Cheers!

Brewing Beer at Home: A Beginner's Guide to Crafting Your Own Brew

In recent years, homebrewing has surged in popularity as enthusiasts embrace the art and science of crafting their own beer. Whether you're drawn to the idea of experimenting with different flavours, saving money, or simply enjoying the satisfaction of creating something from scratch, homebrewing offers a rewarding and fulfilling hobby. 

If you're new to the world of brewing and eager to embark on your own brewing adventure, this beginner's guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and steps to get started on your journey to brewing delicious beer in the comfort of your own home.

Understanding the Basics:

Before diving into the brewing process, it's important to have a basic understanding of the key ingredients and equipment involved in brewing beer.

Ingredients:

Malt: Malted barley is the main source of fermentable sugars in beer. It provides the foundation of flavour, colour, and body.

Hops: Hops add bitterness, flavour, and aroma to beer. They balance the sweetness of the malt and contribute to the beer's overall complexity.

Yeast: Yeast is responsible for fermenting the sugars in the malt into alcohol and carbon dioxide. It also plays a crucial role in shaping the beer's flavour profile.

Water: Water makes up the bulk of beer and affects its taste, mouthfeel, and clarity. Using quality water is essential for brewing great beer.

Equipment:

Brew Kettle: A large pot used for boiling the wort (unfermented beer).

Fermenter: A vessel where the wort is fermented into beer. It can be a plastic bucket or a glass demijohn.

Airlock: This lets CO2 escape during the fermentation process whilst at the same time stopping while outside air from entering.

Thermometer: To monitor the temperature during brewing and fermentation.

Hydrometer: A tool used to measure the specific gravity of the wort and monitor the fermentation process.

The Brewing Process:

Now that you have a fundamental knowledge of the basic ingredients and equipment you will require, let's take you through the whole process.

Mashing: Mashing involves steeping crushed malted grains in hot water to extract fermentable sugars. This process typically takes place in a brew kettle or a dedicated mash tun at a controlled temperature (usually between 145°F to 158°F) for about 60 to 90 minutes.

Boiling: After mashing, the liquid extract known as wort is boiled in the brew kettle. During the boil, hops are added at different times to achieve bitterness, flavor, and aroma. Actually, this is an important stage because boiling sanitises the wort and assists in concentrating the flavours.

Cooling: Once the boil is complete, the wort needs to be rapidly cooled to a temperature suitable for fermentation (usually around 65°F to 75°F). This can be achieved using a wort chiller or by placing the brew kettle in an ice bath.

Fermentation: The now cooled wort is moved to a fermenter, and the necessary yeast is added. The fermenter is then sealed with an airlock, allowing the carbon dioxide produced during fermentation to escape while preventing outside contaminants from entering. Fermentation typically takes place for one to two weeks, depending on the beer style and yeast strain used.

Bottling or Kegging: Once fermentation is complete, the beer is ready to be carbonated and packaged. For bottling, priming sugar is added to the beer before bottling to facilitate carbonation. The beer is then bottled and allowed to carbonate for another one to two weeks. Alternatively, the beer can be transferred to a keg for carbonation and serving.

Homebrewing is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that allows you to explore your creativity while producing high-quality beer to enjoy with friends and family. While this guide covers the basics of brewing beer at home, there is always room for experimentation and refinement as you gain experience and confidence in your brewing skills. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients and equipment, and embark on your own brewing adventure. Cheers to brewing your first batch of homemade beer!

Embark on Your Winemaking Journey: A Guide to the First Steps in Making Wine at Home

There's something enchanting about the idea of crafting your own wine at home. From selecting the perfect grapes to nurturing them through fermentation, the process is both art and science. 

While winemaking might seem daunting to beginners, taking the first steps can be incredibly rewarding. So, let's uncork the bottle of knowledge and dive into the basics of making wine in the comfort of your own home.

Selecting Your Grapes:

The journey of winemaking begins with choosing the right grapes. While some winemakers grow their own grapes, others opt to purchase them from vineyards or suppliers. When selecting grapes, consider factors such as the variety, sugar content (measured in Brix), acidity, and ripeness. Each grape variety contributes distinct flavours and characteristics to the final product, so choose wisely based on your taste preferences.

However, if you don't feel confidant with the idea of pressing your own grapes you can buy cartons of ready pressed grape juice, plus also consider using fruit juices to make fruit wines.

Equipment and Supplies:

Before you start the winemaking process, ensure you have the necessary equipment and supplies. Essential items include fermentation vessels (such as food-grade buckets or demijohns/carboys), an airlock, siphoning equipment, a hydrometer to measure sugar levels, sanitising solution, and wine bottles for storage. While specialised equipment can be purchased, many beginners find success with basic household items or starter kits.

Crushing and Pressing:

Once you have your grapes, it's time to crush and press them to extract the juice. You can do this manually using your hands or feet (a traditional method known as foot stomping) or invest in a grape crusher and press. The goal is to release the juice from the grapes without crushing the seeds, which can impart bitterness to the wine. Once pressed, the juice is known as "must."

Fermentation:

Fermentation is where the magic happens. Transfer the must into a clean fermentation vessel and add wine yeast to initiate fermentation. Yeast converts the sugars in the grape juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide, creating wine. Ensure the fermentation vessel is properly sealed with an airlock to allow carbon dioxide to escape while preventing oxygen and contaminants from entering.

Monitoring and Patience:

During fermentation, it's crucial to monitor the process closely. Use a hydrometer to track the sugar levels and ensure fermentation is progressing as expected. Depending on the recipe and desired wine style, fermentation can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Be patient and resist the urge to rush the process – good wine takes time to develop.

Pressing and Aging:

Once fermentation is complete, it's time to separate the wine from the solids through a process called pressing. Transfer the wine into clean containers and allow it to age. Aging is where the flavors of the wine develop and mature, so be sure to store it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and temperature fluctuations. The duration of aging varies depending on the type of wine and personal preference.

Conclusion:

Embarking on the journey of making wine at home is a fulfilling endeavor that combines creativity, science, and patience. While the process may seem intimidating at first, taking the first steps is the key to unlocking a world of flavor and possibility. With the right grapes, equipment, and knowledge, you can craft your own delicious wines to enjoy and share with friends and family. So, raise a glass to your winemaking journey – cheers to the fruits of your labour!