I have two kits--an American ale and a basic stout kit--ready to brew.
I plan to brew the stout first, keeping it fairly basic, but I want to add a hint of vanilla to the batch in order to sweeten the stout a little bit and to add the aroma of vanilla.
I'm thinking I'll add it in the secondary. In addition, I think I'll use vanilla extract just so I have control over the amount I'm adding. If I use vanille beans, I'd be afraid that the flavor and aroma may come out very different from what I want. With extract, I can know exactly how much was added and be able to repeat or change the recipe later. Any thoughts would be welcome.
I was given a bunch of Amarillo hop pellets at the Dogfishhead Brewery when I toured the place a couple weeks ago. I'll use a bunch of those on the American ale.
Mmmm, beer.
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Don't forget that vanilla extract has alcohol in it. I think it should only fortify the ABV, but it may also add some funky flavors. I ofcourse, will be willing to be the tester. It may take several samples to prperly determine if the concoction worked. MMMM. BEER.
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest that you make a couple of experimental 1 gallon mini-brews. Simply divide your ingredients for a 5gal batch by 5 and you're good to go. You can let it sit in the primary fermenter for two weeks and bottle directly from there. Add your vanilla after the first week.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of 1 gallon carboys that you're welcome to borrow if you'd like to make the attempt.