2 Quick Questions regarding NB Smashing Pumpkin Ale

[FrostedMug]

Howdy all, my Smashing Pumpkin Ale extract kit is boiling as we speak. I just have two quick questions in regards to flavoring.

1. The kit came with a spice mix. (I assume its cinnamon nutmeg etc...) The instructions say to add it at THE END of the boil. How would I benefit if I added it with say, with 5 minutes left instead? Good idea, bad idea?

2. I want to add vanilla extract for some extra flavor, plus i have it laying around the house. Whens the best time to add it? During the boil? After? Post-fermentation? And also, how much should I add?

I tried doing a search but it was taking too long and I am already 30 mins into my boil! Thanks guys and gals.

EDIT - This is a 5 gallon batch BTW

 

[jaycount]

Add the spices right at flameout, the longer they are in the boil the more of the aroma and flavor that will boil off.

I think this beer would be great with vanilla extract. You could add it at flameout, secondary, or kegging/bottling time. The later you add it the more powerful it would be. I would add it at flameout and then taste at bottling/kegging time and add (very small amounts!) to taste. You don't want to get carried away, that vanilla extract will be pretty powerful.

I have a keg of this in the fridge now. The spices really come out. I also mashed with a few pounds of canned pumpkin and it has given off quite a vegetative taste that I don't care for. My mom is destroying this keg though, I'm going to have to put a lock on the tap .

 

[FrostedMug]

OK I'm all done with my second brew-day. Smooth, clean process. The kit says OG should be 1.054 I came in around 1.059-1.060ish... Could this be from the addition of adding 1 tsp. vanilla extract? And all this means to me is most likely a higher alcohol content, yes?

It's odd, my first brew (Witbier) had a OG too low, and now this one too high lol.



EDIT------- AHH forgot to compensate for temp which I believe was 70ish at the time which puts me over 1.060.... What should I do to correct this? I sealed up my fermentor 25 mins ago... can I pour water on to the top of it? Or is it too late?

 

[FrostedMug]

 

[jaycount]

Extract kit? IF you partial boiled then added clean top off water just leave it alone. There's really no way to screw up the OG of an extract kit. IF you add the right amount of extract and water, you'll be right on the money.

The reason you probably got a different reading is when you added the top off water to the wort they didn't mix well. No biggie, the yeast will work all of that out. It just gives inaccurate OG readings.

 

[FrostedMug]

Alrighty I guess I'll just leave it alone then.... my boil was 2.5 gallons, and to get to 5 I had to add maybe 2-3/4. So all the measurements are fine. Hopefully it just wasn't mixed well like you said. I rocked the bucket it pretty good prior to measuring it, but perhaps not good enough.

 

[jaycount]

Yeah, you know the drill: RDWHAHB.

You're going to enjoy that beer!