At iGulu, we’re always thrilled to hear how our F1 Brewer is transforming the brewing experience for our users. Recently, we had the chance to chat with Richard Stockdale, a seasoned winemaker who’s ventured into beer brewing for the first time with the iGulu F1. Here’s his story, tips, and insights into why the F1 Brewer has become his go-to brewing system.
From Wine to Beer: The Brewing Journey Begins
Although Richard is no stranger to fermentation—he’s an experienced winemaker—he only began brewing beer after discovering the iGulu F1. "I am quite new to brewing beer," he shared, "but I’ve been making wine for quite some time and would say I’m quite experienced in that." The transition from wine to beer was inspired by the simplicity of the F1 Brewer.
“Brewing beer is usually a very time-consuming process, but with the iGulu, it’s so simple and takes very little time. That’s what sparked my interest,” Richard explained. He discovered the F1 Brewer through a YouTube channel, Bitter Reality Brewing, hosted by one of our dedicated affiliate influencers. "Mike’s videos are great at explaining things, which gave me a good understanding of what to expect."
First Impressions and First Brew
For his first brew, Richard chose the iGulu Pale Ale Kit, partly because his son loves pale ale. "When we tasted it, it was better than we expected. We thought it was fantastic—just as good or even better than a commercial pale ale," he said. Watching videos and learning about the F1 beforehand set him up for a successful brewing experience.
Brewing Tips for Beginners
When asked for advice for new brewers, Richard emphasized preparation: "Watch as many influencer videos as possible to gain experience. For example, the pouring process takes some getting used to, but it’s fine once you know what to do." He explained how keg pressure management is key to a smooth pouring experience:
"When the brew finishes, the pressure in the keg is typically around 20 psi. If you try to dispense the beer immediately, you end up with mostly foam. The trick is to manually release the keg pressure to about 5-7 psi before pouring. When the pressure gets too low, you can manually add a bit of CO2 from a SodaStream canister."
This practical advice highlights Richard’s thoughtful approach and underscores the importance of learning the nuances of the system.
Brewing Beyond Beer
While the F1 Brewer is best known for its beer-making capabilities, Richard has also explored other beverages. "I’ve just about mastered wine making in the iGulu, but it’s a longer process," he noted. Currently, he’s experimenting with a tropical cider using fruit juice and cider yeast. With five kegs of wine fermenting and more on the way, Richard’s dedication to the F1 Brewer is truly inspiring.
Suggestions for the Future
Richard also shared a creative idea for improving the brewing experience: "It would be great to have a temperature-controlled cabinet for the kegs. This way, you could have several kegs fermenting and clearing simultaneously without blocking up the machine. You could just place them in the machine as needed." We’re always open to feedback and ideas from our users, and this suggestion is definitely one we’ll share with the iGulu development team.
Final Thoughts
Richard’s journey from winemaking to beer brewing with the iGulu F1 Brewer demonstrates how accessible and enjoyable brewing can be, even for beginners. His passion for experimenting with different beverages and his willingness to share insights with other users exemplifies the spirit of the iGulu community.
Whether you’re new to brewing or a seasoned pro, the F1 Brewer’s ease of use and versatility make it an excellent choice. If you’re ready to start brewing, check out our kits and join the growing community of iGulu enthusiasts!
Stay tuned for updates from Richard—we can’t wait to see how his tropical cider turns out! If you have brewing tips or suggestions, feel free to share them with us. Happy brewing!
