Ack! Forgot Orange Zest/Corriander at Flameout. Second chance with Secondary?

jasonerichard · Nov 17, 2013

I'm working on a La Petite Orange (belgian style) ale from Northern Brewer and totally blew the recipe by not adding the zest and corriander at Flameout. Any chance I can add it during secondary without ruining the beer?

MindenMan · Nov 17, 2013

Adding during secondary might even make the flavors more solid. If it were me, I would make a tincture (extract) of the coriander and orange and then add them in. Or, of course just toss them in and wait also.

MindenMan · Nov 17, 2013

Make a tincture of the orange and coriander, wait a few days, then add it to secondary. No problem.

prandlesc · Nov 17, 2013

May a tea and add it now.

jasonerichard · Nov 18, 2013

Tincture... Interesting. Do I toss the whole bit in or do I filter it some how before pouring it in? Also, should I extend secondary fermentation due to my late addition of the zest and coriander? Or just bottle longer?

MindenMan · Nov 18, 2013

Tincture, extract, for what we do here either word is fine. I personally would crush the coriander first if you haven't already, and chop the orange peel into short sections. Use enough cheap vodka, or other neutral spirit to cover the pieces. I would use a small diameter jar so the amount of spirit use is minimal, like a jelly/jam jar. I am wondering why you have put your beer into a secondary, but this time it will be to your benefit I believe. 4 ounces of spirit should be fine. Leave it 2 or 3 days, and then pour the whole thing into the secondary. The coriander and orange will continue to add additional flavor every day up to a point, as long as they are in your beer. Taste every day, and when flavoring is correct, cold crash for 3 days or as needed to clear to your liking. Rack onto priming sugar and bottle.

"Le petite de l'orange" translates into "of the small orange".