Adding multiple ingredients post-primary fermentation

BrewingChip · Sep 14, 2017

I currently have what I would like to be a blueberry chocolate milk stout. I haven't added the cocao nibs or blueberries yet, but I am curious if it is ok if I add them simultaneously or if i should add one after/before the other. It has been fermenting for 3 weeks up to this point, and I would like to add these two ingredients soon. Would I be fine adding them at the same time?

Jtk78 · Sep 14, 2017

I don't see a problem in adding them at the same time, but I've never tried either. I've also not brewed with cocao nibs yet, but it's on my list. I have brewed a vanilla porter with blueberries, and I added 11 total lbs (6 puree and 5 frozen added to fermenter after initial fermentation slowed). After 1 month in the bottle it was ok. After 3 it was good. I saved two 22oz bottles. I had one 8 months after packaging and it was downright delicious. I still have the other bottle. I wished I saved more. Patience will probably be your friend here.

cactusgarrett · Sep 15, 2017

Only reason you'd want (maybe need?) to add them separately is if you were interested in isolating the secondary fermentation that will occur from adding the blueberries. I would venture a guess that adding both together might mute the chocolate flavor a little compared to adding blueberries first, then nibs later, due to the secondary ferment scrubbing the beer of the chocolate flavors/aromas. However, gun to my head: i wouldn't think the difference would be negligible and likely only perceptible via side-by-side comparison.

BrewingChip · Sep 17, 2017

I just added 1 pound of frozen blueberries. Do you think that will produce much of a blueberry taste? Not overly concerned with this batch, just curious!