Adding fruit extract by the ml?

[Cajunbrewer87]

Hey all, I am about to bottle my first fruit beer. A raspberry wheat. I know I should use real fruit instead of extract but I am on a very strict budget at the moment. I am looking for a subtle raspberry flavor..I want it to taste like BEER with fruit in the background. The guys at the LHBS told me to add 2-3 ml at a time until it tastes right. Ive read online that people have used half a bottle in a 5 gallon batch and barely noticed the raspberry flavor. Has anyone heard of adding such small amounts of extract? I am using the brewers best brand. Just wondering you guys opinion, thanks

 

[Muckdog]

I would do what your LHBS said. Add and taste, add and taste until you like where it's at. There's no set amount that will get what you're looking for. Only you can determine the amount of flavor you want.

 

[fimpster]

I've only used raspberry extract once, over 10 years ago. Don't remember the brand, but it was around a 3 or 4 oz bottle and I used half of it for a 5 gallon extract hefe batch. WAY too much raspberry, and it had a very artificial taste.

Edit: I just pulled up my notes from that batch. It was a 4 oz. bottle from LD Carlson and I used 3 oz. My tasting notes say I should try 1.5 to 2 oz. next time, although there never was a next time.

 

[microbusbrewery]

I've only used raspberry extract once, over 10 years ago. Don't remember the brand, but it was around a 3 or 4 oz bottle and I used half of it for a 5 gallon extract hefe batch. WAY too much raspberry, and it had a very artificial taste.

Edit: I just pulled up my notes from that batch. It was a 4 oz. bottle from LD Carlson and I used 3 oz. My tasting notes say I should try 1.5 to 2 oz. next time, although there never was a next time.

I'd recommend doing what fimpster indicated in his notes. I'd probably start with 1oz and add a ml at a time until you get it where you want it. Graduated oral syringes work great for this. Also keep in mind that your palate can get desensitized from repeated tasting. Use something like plain white bread or plain crackers to cleanse your palate between dosing/sampling. It also doesn't hurt to have someone else with a fresh palate sample it when you think you have it dialed in.

 

[solbes]

Half of the bottle gives good aroma for fruit extracts (2 oz). I've done it 3 or 4 times. But I also like to add real fruit, as that will give you a much more authentic taste. Look for cans of raspberries. Aldi probably has them for about $1 each. Add 2 cans plus the 2 oz of extract and you should have something really good. Cheers!

 

[william_shakes_beer]

The amount required also depends on the base beer, malt and hops presence will change your perception. Also, some extracts are stronger than othjers and some extracts have a stronger chemical taste. I've never used extract, but have heard some who pour a measured glass (say 8 OZ) and add a measured portion of extract to taste, then scale up to the entire batch.

 

[Cajunbrewer87]

Well it looks like the guys at the LHBS were right. I added only 3 ml to the bottling bucket, and tasted a slight raspberry flavor. I let a couple others taste it and they agreed. Wondering if the flavor will come out more after it is carbonated, guess I'll find out in a couple of weeks

 

[Vandulus]

If you're looking to add only a very small amount at a time, consider an eyedropper or pipette for better measurement and control. I tried a 10 mL graduated cylinder when adding a few drops rose extract to my latest batch and it didn't give me enough control.

Otherwise a small measuring spoon, flask or graduated cylinder would work well. Just remember it's easier to add small amounts at a time, checking it each time. If you're performing sampling via a bottling wand, make sure to drain it before each addition otherwise you'll probably end up adding too much extract.