I'm going to be brewing an Ipswich Oatmeal Stout clone (5 gal, extract) purchased from AHB. Here's a link to the product:
http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=1745
The brew should taste great as is, but I'm debating making a few additions just for fun to see if I can impart a subtle chocolate
chip cookie flavor. I thought the addition of molasses, vanilla beans and cocoa powder might do the trick. Thing is, I'm not exactly sure about how much and when. I'm pretty sure the vanilla beans should be split, scraped, and soaked in vodka for a week or so, then added to the secondary prior to racking to secondary? What about the molasses and cocoa powder? Like I said, I'd like the choc chip cookie flavor to be subtle, I don't want the stout to be overly sweet like liquified cookies.
Also, there are a few options with this kit that I'm not sure about such as which yeast option is best, do I need to double pitch, and should I try the yeast fuel? What are the best choices for these options based on the flavor profile I'm going for?
Lots of questions I know, but I really appreciate everyone's time, experience and input. This forum provides invaluable information and knowledge to new home brewers like me. The abundance of new ideas, techniques and support in general help keep brewing fun, challenging and rewarding. Thanks!
http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=1745
The brew should taste great as is, but I'm debating making a few additions just for fun to see if I can impart a subtle chocolate
chip cookie flavor. I thought the addition of molasses, vanilla beans and cocoa powder might do the trick. Thing is, I'm not exactly sure about how much and when. I'm pretty sure the vanilla beans should be split, scraped, and soaked in vodka for a week or so, then added to the secondary prior to racking to secondary? What about the molasses and cocoa powder? Like I said, I'd like the choc chip cookie flavor to be subtle, I don't want the stout to be overly sweet like liquified cookies.
Also, there are a few options with this kit that I'm not sure about such as which yeast option is best, do I need to double pitch, and should I try the yeast fuel? What are the best choices for these options based on the flavor profile I'm going for?
Lots of questions I know, but I really appreciate everyone's time, experience and input. This forum provides invaluable information and knowledge to new home brewers like me. The abundance of new ideas, techniques and support in general help keep brewing fun, challenging and rewarding. Thanks!