Spice Combination Predictions--methods?

I just made a Belgian Wit that I enjoyed and I am planning a Christmas Ale as well. Obviously both rely on their spice mixes for a majority of their flavor. Instead of attempting to get the right mix by brewing several batches, would it be possible to mix the spices in hot water (to make a sort of tea) to predict the spice combination? Does anyone have other methods to figure out what flavor combinations work before brewing for the more spice-mix dependent brews?

thanks,
e

yea, do that it works well. The best advice I have is that you really should as a person making beer and a person who probably cooks know what different spices smell and taste. It will make you a better chef and a better brewer.