Anise help

[gicts]

Hey guys. I'm hoping to brew today, but am stuck on an ingredient. The recipe (clonebrew book) calls for .25 teaspoon of crushed anise. I couldn't find that in the store yesterday, but I do have anise oil in the spice cabinet we use for springlies. Is this something that can be used in place of? At what ratio? I know just a dab'l do ya. This is for a 10 gallon batch.

 

[Oldsock]

Anise should be that hard to find, try calling another supermarket or two in your area if there aren't any spice stores. Star Anise has a similar licoricey character, so that is an option as well.

I don't have any experience using anise oil, does it dissolve in water or float? Seems like it could be tricky to use.

 

[brewmonk]

yeah, not sure how to keep the oil from killing the head. maybe mix in some booze to try to grab the flavor, and try to leave the oil behind?

or try a clove, allspice,licorice combo?

 

[KyleWolf]

from what I understand most LHBS carry it

 

[pheboglobi]

If you find anise later, you can soak it in some vodka while the beer is fermenting. In a week or two the vodka will have absorbed the flavor, and it can be added to the beer at kegging or bottling time (minus the solids by using a coffee filter).