Nut additions

heywolfie1015 · Oct 18, 2010

For a 6-gallon batch I'm considering, what do you guys think about mashing a third pound each of roughly chopped pecans, hazelnuts, and macadamias? The grain bill is rather biscuity, but otherwise unremarkable. Obviously, my goal is to get a substantial nut flavor, but not overdo it. Any experiences along these lines?

Thanks!

Reelale · Oct 18, 2010

I think the nut oils will kill the head retention.

heywolfie1015 · Oct 18, 2010

I've listened to some podcasts where professionals address that problem by roasting the nuts. (Draws the oils to the surface during the roasting process.)

Agreed that this might kill all head retention, though.

Reelale · Oct 18, 2010

Professionals have a lot of experience with nuts though. I don't know...it might work. Go for it and report back. I'd add some extra carapils or something to keep the head up though.

ZehBaron · Oct 18, 2010

I'm no expert on brewing with nuts, but I believe that they contain a substantial amount of lipids, which will kill your head formation/retention and leave an oily slick on the surface of your beer.

Unfortunately, I don't know what the solution to that problem is, besides just using nut flavorings. Maybe you can find some info with the search function.

Reelale · Oct 18, 2010

Extracts would probably be the best route to take....if you can find all the flavors. They have to be out there.

heywolfie1015 · Oct 19, 2010

Yeah, I'm not sure I want to use flavor extract. The possibility of adding too much is so high with extract.

kanzimonson · Oct 19, 2010

Head retention is overrated. Nice, but not necessary.

NOW PUT YOUR NUTS IN THAT MASH!

heywolfie1015 · Oct 19, 2010

Well said, sir. Well said.

14thstreet · Oct 19, 2010

For a point of reference, the recent Can You Brew It recipe for Holgate Nut Brown uses 80g of coarsely ground, roasted macadamia nuts on top of the mash, per 6 gallon batch.

DrawTap88 · Oct 25, 2010

14thstreet said:
For a point of reference, the recent Can You Brew It recipe for Holgate Nut Brown uses 80g of coarsely ground, roasted macadamia nuts on top of the mash, per 6 gallon batch.

If adding them to the mash...I'm thinking that any (or most) of the oils would get trapped in the dead space. If any should make it to post boil you can siphon from under the oil "slick." The same could be said about making it into the fermenter.

I'm just thinking or typing out loud since I haven't done anything with nuts before (besides scratching my own). Anyone out there have any experience with nuts.

ReverseApacheMaster · Oct 25, 2010

I agree -- once the nut oils come out head retention is over.

(Finally I get to be the one to make the blatant sex reference to head retention.)

Nut additions

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

heywolfie1015

Well-Known Member

Reelale

Well-Known Member

heywolfie1015

Well-Known Member

Reelale

Well-Known Member

ZehBaron

Well-Known Member

Reelale

Well-Known Member

heywolfie1015

Well-Known Member

kanzimonson

Well-Known Member

heywolfie1015

Well-Known Member

14thstreet

Well-Known Member

DrawTap88

Well-Known Member

ReverseApacheMaster

Well-Known Member

Similar threads

Latest posts

Nut additions

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Similar threads

Join the conversation!

Join today and get all the highlights of this community direct to your inbox. It's FREE!