Brew Dudes Homebrewing Blog

Pinter Brewing System Unboxing

On February 21, 2024

In this post, we unveil the secrets of the Pinter Brewing System.

Well, we unbox it and take a look at all the parts.

Join us as we unwrap the layers of this innovative countertop beer brewing machine and delve into its features. Click the play button to see how it went.

Unveiling The Contents

After opening the box, we found the different sections of the system. The biggest piece appears to be the main cylindrical vessel where fermentation and serving would happen. There is a stand that allows for trub to drop out of the vessel. Finally, there is a tap handle that looks like a big exclamation point. PINTER!

The boxing is well branded througout. It looks to have some QR codes that guide you to download an app with more instructions.

Lastly, the box came with two beer ingredient kits:

Spacehopper (Double IPA)
Dark Matter (Classic Stout)

Exploring Design and Features

The Pinter Brewing System is well designed. The molding is made of strong plastic. Everything fits well together – all the parts that tighten via threads all line up. The only piece that is a bit difficult to take on and off is the tap handle. With some practice, it might get easier.

Excited To Get Brewing With Pinter

While it may not be our first encounter with a countertop brewing system (this year, even), the Pinter’s blend of carefully crafted design and user-friendliness is intriguing. Again, these beers will be extract brews. We get a kick out of testing these systems out and tasting the beer.

After downloading the app, the instructions are easy to follow with text and visuals to help you along the way.

Stay tuned for a tasting video and post – BREW ON!

You can get $50 off your purchases from Pinter.com when you use our code: BREWDUDES50

Dark Mild Beer Tasting – Brewed With Fuggles

By John Krochune

On February 14, 2024

In Recipes, Videos

Mike throws down another challenge for himself. This time, he continues his exploration into low alcohol by volume beers that pack a high level of flavor. His journey leads him to brew an English Dark Mild beer. This path allows him to reinvestigate Fuggles, the English hop variety that he claims he does not like.

Does this beer change his mind about the hop variety?

What is his overall opinion of the beer?

Will he quit homebrewing altogether?

Find out in this video!

Mike and His Mild!

Well, that got dramatic.

First of, let’s dive into the recipe.

Low ABV Dark Mild Beer Recipe

Batch Size: 3.5 gallons

Grains:
Golden Promise Malt – 79% of the bill
Carastan Malt (35°L) – 7% of the bill
Crisp Chocolate Malt (450°L) – 7% of the bill
Amber Malt (27°L) – 7% of the bill

Hops:
Fuggles hops (4% AA) added at 60 minutes to go in the boil for 24 IBUs
0.5 0unce (14 g) of Fuggles hops (4% AA) added at 15 minutes to go in boil
0.5 0unce (14 g) of Fuggles hops (4% AA) added at flameout

Yeast:
Mangrove Jacks M15 Empire Ale Yeast (chosen for its low attenuation)
Hops: Fuggles

Process:
Mash Temperature: About 155-156°F to preserve body

Results:
Original Gravity: 1.044
Final Gravity: Around 1.015
ABV: Approximately 3.8%

What Did We Think?

At first glance, this beer has a dark brown, near black appearance. The aroma was filled with slight roast and toast notes. The beer’s flavor components showed off its strong roasted malt foundation along with some chocolate overtones.

This dark mild beer reminds us of other low ABV experiments. We get a sense that the absence of alcohol brings forth more of the malt flavors.

Sadly, this beer does not change Mike’s mind about Fuggles. He still thinks they are too earthy for his liking. Oh well – more for us.

BREW ON!

iGulu F1 Smart Capsule Homebrew System Unboxing

By John Krochune

On February 7, 2024

In Equipment, Videos

In this post, we present the unboxing and reviewing of the iGulu F1 Smart Capsule Homebrew System. Join us as we explore the contents of this innovative, countertop beer brewing machine and share our thoughts on its features and potential for helping you brew beer at home.

What’s In The Box?

We opened the sizable box containing the iGulu system, we couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement akin to unwrapping presents on Christmas morning. The first items we encountered were the essential power cord and the intricate tap. WOW!

Diving deeper into the unboxing experience, we are happy to find three distinct beer ingredient kits to use with the machine:

Amber Lager
Bavarian Wheat
Pale Ale

These kits promised a good range of brewing outcomes. They signal the promise of the iGulu system. It will be interesting to see how the lager turns out.

Inspecting the system further, we liked its thoughtful design features, including an RFID card. This feature appears to be what starts the process and allows for monitoring throughout. Beyond the fermentation, we found a CO2 pressure gauge and a convenient faucet for serving. With its sleek appearance and construction, the iGulu system exuded a sense of craftsmanship. It looks impressive.

The instructions are plain and clear. From cleaning the keg to adding ingredients and initiating fermentation using the RFID card, the process felt intuitive and accessible, even for novice homebrewers.

We eagerly anticipate the brewing process and the eventual tasting of our homemade brews. The iGulu is not the first countertop brewing system we have reviewed. we wonder if the iGulu system is poised to revolutionize the home brewing experience for enthusiasts everywhere.

In conclusion, if you are in the market for one of these machines, use this link:

https://igulu.com?sca_ref=5454918.1HjMz1fyxm

and the discount code of BREWDUDES for 20% off your entire order.

Cheers and BREW ON!

Brew Dudes Homebrew Swap – Exchange #48

By John Krochune

On January 31, 2024

In Homebrew Club, Videos

In the latest exchange of the Brew Dudes Homebrew Swap, Exchange #48, we’re treated to a glimpse into the world of malt appreciation. Dave, a fellow homebrewer, contributes to this beer adventure by sending a package with Dark Munich malt from Riverbend Malt House. Alongside this specialty malt, he shares a 5.1% ABV experimental dark lager, brewed with 93% dark Munich. Check out what we thought of the malt and the beer in this video.

Dark Munich Malt

Well, when you buy too much of something, brew as many beers as you can with that ingredient. That’s what Dave did. He bought too much Dark Munich malt by mistake, but he turned this misfortune around.

The Dark Munich malt itself has a rich, malty sweetness reminiscent of molasses and dark wheat bread. Tasting the grain, we found hints of brown bread, raisin, and fig-like flavors.

As for the beer, here are our tasting notes:

Appearance: The beer displayed a deep copper color with red notes on the edges, almost bordering on brown.

Aroma: The aroma is full of fruity bread-like notes, reminiscent dark wheat bread. There were also hints of molasses.

Flavor: The flavor profile mirrored the aroma and the maltiness is well-balanced by a subtle bitterness from the hops on the back end.

Mouthfeel: The beer had a satisfying richness without being cloying, providing a smooth and pleasant drinking experience.

Overall Impression: We think this beer is impressive, showcasing the depth and complexity that the dark Munich malt contributed. With its sessionable ABV, we think we would be able to have a few pints of this one.

Jar of Destiny Implications

With two malty lagers chosen for the Jar of Destiny ninth pick, this malt would play nice in both of them. Stay tuned as at least one of the beer will have this Dark Munich Malt in its grain bill!

BREW ON!

Sasquatch Hops SMaSH Review and Tasting

By John Krochune

On January 24, 2024

In Hops, Videos

A viewer from Canada sent us an email about this hop variety, Sasquatch hops. He claimed it was Canada’s only hop so we were intrigued. Since we enjoy brewing with hops, especially ones we don’t know well, we added it to our list of SMaSH brews. Check out this video (sorry about the audio) about our thoughts on this hop from our northern neighbor.

Sasquatch Hops Details

Beyond the information on the Yakima Valley Hops site, we discovered Sasquatch hops own page on the Hops Connect site. Born from the woods of British Columbia, this variety is the only “proprietary, trademarked Canadian hop variety in the world.”

Here in the Americas, we still have many centuries to catch up with our European friends when it comes to producing famous hops. It seems like in the last few decades, hop growers have made up a lot of ground.

We took one ounce of this hop, brewed with them in a 1 gallon batch of beer. Using only Rahr 2-row malt, spring water, and US-05 yeast, we really want this hop to shine in the beer. Our additions were at 60 minutes, 20 minutes, whirlpool, and dry hop.

Our Thoughts

Mike takes the first swig of these beers so his takes are first:

Aroma: Ginger, candy ginger, vanilla-like creaminess, herbal, floral, tea-like, no fruity or citrus notes detected.
Flavor: Cheerios-like quality, hints of ginger and vanilla, creamy, slightly herbal, subtle citrus notes, not overpowering.

What we read from Yakima Valley was a little different:

Aroma: Apple blossom, orange cream, hay, earthy.
Flavor: Floral, citrus, green grassy, cream, caramel, grassy, earthy.

The big takeaway is the creamy/caramel note in the flavor. It makes this hop unique.

Potential Uses:

We think Sasquatch hops are suitable for light-flavored beers, not overwhelming. Mike suggests a take on a Belgian witbier for the herbal spiciness from the hop. Maybe a Canadian Wheat beer? Lastly, a Vanilla Porter to support the other major flavors in that style.

We really liked this hop. If you see it, pick up a packet and brew something tasty.

BREW ON!