Recent content by BrentR

As mentioned above, the pod is absolutely fine to use. It does contain many of the 200+ compounds responsible for the complex flavor of quality vanilla. Let me know if there is anything else I can lend a hand with. Best, Brent Vanilla Expert

Hi Dave, How much bourbon did you add to the beer? The bourbon has a MUCH higher chance of killing your yeast than vanilla. Vanilla should not effect yeast at all. I fear that the bourbon killed a fair percentage of yeast and prevented carbonation. Either that, or the incredible aroma of...

Absolutely!

Yea, I totally understand! Finding the right balance can be difficult. Hey, I see you are in Grand Rapids. So are we! I will be making a delivery downtown in about an hour and could drop off some beans if you need? Otherwise feel free to stop by our warehouse in Comstock Park if you would like...

Hi Opus, I assume this is a 5 gallon batch? I would start with the single bean and then try to sample after 1 week. If more flavor is desired, add a second bean. Because you are brewing a porter there is already a lot of flavor that the vanilla bean will be competing with, so whether it is 1...

Hi Maxam, thanks a lot! I've done a bourbon vanilla porter and a vanilla cream ale. Both partials. Both turned out really well..... BrewerinBR, Thank you Sir. Michigan is a great state for beer isn't it?! Have you been down to Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids yet? Started by one of the New...

Great question. Most recipes I have seen call for 2 vanilla beans. I tend to lean on the higher side and go with 5. If you add them during the secondary you can try to sample the beer after a few days of steeping the vanilla to see how it is coming along. If the flavor is not enough, then you...

Hello, Over the past several years I have been asked many questions about brewing with vanilla. I will try to address them here in a single page. Please do not hesitate to ask for more information. 1. When to add vanilla? I recommend adding vanilla after the primary fermentation has already...

Hello! My name is Brent. I am a home-brewer, foodie and enthusiast of anything from the grill. I am also an expert in the vanilla industry and parter in a vanilla distributor. I have experience with vanilla from all around the world, including Madagascar, Mexico, Uganda, Tanzania, Tahiti...

Hey Guys, Fantastic input so far. I am in the vanilla industry and work with brewers quite often on this topic. It seems the best way to add vanilla is to add vanilla beans to the conditioning tank. It is important to add the vanilla after the primary fermentation because the alcohol that is...

Hi Guys, Here is a discount code for buying vanilla beans from Beanilla Trading Company, a company that specializes in vanilla products. Coupon code: homebrew This coupon code will give 10% off any order. PS, when making homemade vanilla extract, use at least 5 beans per 8 ounces. Barefoot...

Great discussion. Here are a few facts about vanilla that might interest you... A: Don't buy cheap or artificial vanilla, and don't get ripped off. Online stores have a huge selection of premium vanilla for prices a lot lower than the markets in town. B: Vanilla Extract - There are many...

Hey Guys, I would recommend adding the vanilla bean to the secondary as well. The alcohol is necessary for extracting the flavor from the vanilla bean.