Hey all, so I was at a wedding this past weekend, and the wedding favours the couple gave out was a packet of 3 Tahitian vanilla beans. My mind immediately went to using them in brewing (naturally), and at the end of the wedding I went around and picked up all the leftovers.
I ended up with 51 vanilla beans (give or take a few), which means I want to do some experimentation! So I'm looking for ideas on what to do... I want to extract the vanilla into alcohol before adding to beer, so let's start there. From the little research I have done so far I found that the FDA apparently regulates the commercial extraction of vanilla to using what works out to ~6 beans/cup of 35% alcohol. I figure 40% will fine for my purposes.
I have 16oz mason jars, some medium plus French oak spirals, and will go and buy whatever liquor I need.
As I get ideas, I'll add them to the list below. If you have an idea, back it up with a reason for doing it and how you envision the resulting product being used in brewing.
Vanilla Extraction Ideas
I ended up with 51 vanilla beans (give or take a few), which means I want to do some experimentation! So I'm looking for ideas on what to do... I want to extract the vanilla into alcohol before adding to beer, so let's start there. From the little research I have done so far I found that the FDA apparently regulates the commercial extraction of vanilla to using what works out to ~6 beans/cup of 35% alcohol. I figure 40% will fine for my purposes.
I have 16oz mason jars, some medium plus French oak spirals, and will go and buy whatever liquor I need.
As I get ideas, I'll add them to the list below. If you have an idea, back it up with a reason for doing it and how you envision the resulting product being used in brewing.
Vanilla Extraction Ideas
- 6 beans in 1 cup vodka (might double)
- 6 beans in 1 cup bourbon (might double)
- 6 beans in 1 cup white/light rum
- 2 beans in 1 cup Maker's Mark + Oak (might play with the ratios)