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Duckfoot · 08-14-2008, 04:44 PM

Going to brew up a batch of AHS's vanilla porter and was wondering if I should stick with the vanilla flavoring they included or maybe getting a few vanilla beans, split them and add to secondary...

Any thoughts?

**Lil' Sparky** · 08-14-2008, 05:19 PM

depends - what kind of flavoring did they send? If it's pure vanilla extract, then use it. If it's artificial flavoring, throw it out and get some beans or pure extract.

Duckfoot · 08-14-2008, 05:22 PM

It is just a packet of powder that says 'vanilla flavoring'...

**Lil' Sparky** · 08-14-2008, 05:30 PM

Oooooo. I think I'd call and find out what the hell that really is, or maybe just forsake it altogether and get some good stuff.

Maybe someone else will chime in about how good the vanilla flavored powder is, and how they'll never use anything else, but I kinda doubt it.

Duckfoot · 08-14-2008, 05:36 PM

I figure since the reviews of AHS's are generally great, it must not be terrible, but I may just hit the farmer's market for the heck of it... If I do go that route, any suggestions on how many beans should I toss in there?

**Lil' Sparky** · 08-14-2008, 06:23 PM

most people go with one or two - depends on how much vanilla you want

**bad coffee** · 08-14-2008, 11:28 PM

and it depends on the caliber of your beans. I've had beans that one is 'good' and i've had beans where 'one' is "WHOOO HOOO kickass!" (I'm a pastry fan...)

I've spent good money for mediocre beans, and I've gotten lucky with cheap beans. (see above WHOO HOOO)

it depends if you want the vanilla in the front or the back of the taste. If you want it to POP, add two. If you want it to just nurture the flavor, add one.

Unless you know the quality of the beans you're getting then I'd just go with one for now.

There's always the 'next' batch...

b

King of Cascade · 08-15-2008, 02:36 AM

For consistency I just use Madagascar bourbon vanilla 2X you could find it at most gourmet grocery stores or a place like Trader Joe’s or Whole foods. Add two ounces to start and add to taste.
Not knowing if I’m going to put too much in or not scares me too much to mess with that.

King of Cascade · 08-15-2008, 02:37 AM

2X is the strength they also make a 4X

carnevoodoo · 08-15-2008, 02:47 AM

I would only use beans. Rack into secondary onto scraped and split beans. No more than two. Let it sit until the flavor is right. Extracts are really sketchy.