How to use vanilla beans?

What is the best way to use vanilla beans when brewing?

 

Cut 'em up, put 'em in vodka for a couple days, drain the vodka, put them in the primary after fermentation, or in a secondary. The length of time will be determined by amount of them, style of beer, and temperature. I think most folks use 2-4 beans.

 

Split it lengthwise, soak in a spirit (whisky, vodka, etc) for several days and then add it to secondary. You want to do this to taste, so take samples regularly.

 

All the flavor is in the inside, so you definitely need to split them. They also should be sanitized and alcohol is an easy route.

It is also VERY easy to overdo any non-beer flavor. Since it is impossible to get the flavor out once you put it in, start small and test along the way.

eg add a couple beans. Take a sample every day until you reach your desired level. Once there, get the beans out immediately.

 

Take 2 beans spray with starsan split lengthwise drop in secondary. I've left them in for anywhere from 5 days to over two weeks. Over two weeks did not result in overpowering flavor.