Advice for a hefty RIS.

[E_mott09]

Hey, I'm brewing a pretty well modified version of a beer that can be found here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f68/russian-imperial-stout-2011-hbt-competition-category-winner-238807/


My plan is to make this a spiced stout. I've been tossing around the idea of Star of Anise. Or perhaps Ginger and/or cinnamon. I've used cinnamon in an Imperial Stout before so I'd have a base for how much to use and how to add it. What do you guys think?

Also I'd love any advice on how to make this high gravity brew as efficient as possible. I plan to batch sparge twice, and collect about 9 gallons to boil down for 120 minutes.
Here is the Recipe:

Boil Size: 9 gal
Post Boil Volume: 6.50 gal
Batch Size (fermenter): 6 gal
Estimated OG: 1.123 SG
Estimated Color: 62.7 SRM
Estimated IBU: 83.8 IBUs
Brewhouse Efficiency: 70.00 %
Est Mash Efficiency: 79.5 %
Boil Time: 120 Minutes

Ingredients:
------------
Amt
1 lbs Rice Hulls (0.0 SRM)
20 lbs Pale Malt, Maris Otter (3.0 SRM)
1 lbs 8.0 oz Caramel/Crystal Malt -120L (120.0 SRM)
1 lbs 8.0 oz Chocolate Malt (350.0 SRM)
1 lbs 8.0 oz Wheat Malt, Bel (2.0 SRM)
1 lbs Roasted Barley (300.0 SRM)
12.0 oz Special B Malt (180.0 SRM)
8.0 oz Black (Patent) Malt (500.0 SRM)
4.00 oz Challenger [7.50 %] - Boil 90.0 min 67.6 IBUs
2.00 oz Goldings, East Kent [5.00 %] - Boil 30.0 Hop 16.2 IBUs
1.0 pkg English Ale (White Labs #WLP002) [35.49 Yeast


Mash Schedule: Single Infusion, Full Body, Batch Sparge
Total Grain Weight: 27 lbs 12.0 oz
----------------------------
Name Description Step Temperat Step Time
Mash In Add 34.69 qt of water at 172.6 F 157.0 F 90 min

 

[E_mott09]

Also I of course plan on making a big starter, but I don't have an aeration system. I was thinking I could take my auto siphon and pump air through it.. what do you guys think?

 

[E_mott09]

Man! Thanks for all the help, guys!

 

[acidrain23]

I used the following regiment in my pumpkin ale. I wouldn't go much higher than the quantities here:

90 Min Spices:
1 tblsp. whole star anise
4 cinnamon sticks
1 whole nutmeg
2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground cloves
10 Min. Spices: Whole cinnamon stick, couple whole star anise. Additional cardamom

It wasn't especially overpowering, and balanced nicely with my malt profile. Hope that helps!

 

[E_mott09]

I wouldn't expect to add spices at 90 min.