kcross13

Recipes 

I seem to have an inconsistency with the spicing of my pumpkin ale. I spiced at flame out and adjusted before bottling. Mixed in with priming sugar. Some bottles are great others are ok. i am assuming they did not mix in well. Does anyone have a technique to insure more consistency?

PtreeCreekBrew

Recipes 

I actually spice mine three times - once in the boil (last add), once at flameout, and once direct to the fermenter when I pitch and aerate.

I'm sure it could be said that my boil spicing is pointless, since spice compounds are so volatile, and my direct-to-fermenter addition is dangerous, but I've been lucky so far. I've been making it this way for several years now and haven't yet had a bad batch.

Chipman

Recipes 

Aye you can make what's called a 'potion'. You can use some (cheap?) vodka and soak the spices in that for several days, then carefully pour it into your bottling bucket or keg. I think Randy Mosher talks about this in "Radical Brewing". It's worth checking out and should give more consistency.

I've had great luck adding mine to the boil at flame out but everyone's results vary.

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Remember, 'cold' is a flavor

Cooking with beer? Been doing it for years.
Add it to the food? I'll have to try it sometime.

He who has tasted sailing will walk the earth with his head turned into the wind.

johngault007

Recipes 

How aggressive do you want the spice character to be? I add one addition in the boil and nothing else. It's a very subtle spice character that doesn't get in the way of the maltiness (personal preference).

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SS_Brewing_Co

Recipes 

How many gallons did you do and how much spice did you use overall?

kcross13

Recipes 

It was three gallons. Spice mix at flame out: 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp mace, 1/4 tsp clove 3 pearls allspice.

Table spoon of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of cinnamon at bottling.

Docgineer

Recipes 

I second the spice extract method. A lot of spices have insoluble oils so it makes sense that you would have irregular flavoring if you bottled with cinnamon. Plus it might negatively effect your head retention.
I use mid-grade vodka as my solvent going for a neutral flavor. If you keg you can always add a bit more later if you desire more spice after tasting