Questions about adding caco nibs

Elshupacabra · 11-30-2011, 05:37 PM

Hi, I brewed a Chocolate Milk Stout (extract) kit from NB a few weeks ago. The recipe calls to rack to secondary and add cacao nibs. My questions are

1. Is there any reason I shouldn't (can't) just add the nibs into the primary after fermentation is complete?

My other fermentor is currently in use.

2. No matter when I decide to add the nibs, should I sanitize them somehow?

They are sealed in a foil plastic currently but they don't say anything about being sanitized or anything. So, dip them in star-san or anything? or rely on the alcohol to take care of things for me?

Fritobandito · 11-30-2011, 07:28 PM

When I added mine I just crushed them with a rolling pin while they were still in the package and then added them. I added all of mine to secondary, but adding them during primary won't be an issue. Some people soak them in vodka which might be a good idea. I didn't get noticable chocolate flavor or aroma after the beer being on them for 4 weeks.