Bourbon Vanilla Porter

[theguy01205]

I am planning on brewing a BB Smoked Porter kit this weekend. I want to turn this into a bourbon vanilla porter. I was thinking of soaking 1-2 vanilla beans split and cut up in about 2cups of Jim Beam for a week while said porter is in primary. Then throw the bourbon and vanilla beans into my secondary carboy and rack the porter on top of it. Then let it sit for another week, or maybe two before bottling. Any suggestions/ problems with my logic?

 

[drevilz4l]

I recently made a Maple Bourbon Porter and that's pretty much what I did. Flavor definitely came through very nicely.

 

[bpiwarzyk]

I recently did a bourbon porter, and added the bourbon to secondary. Definitely go for the two weeks in secondary. I don't think you need to soak the vanilla in the bourbon for more than 24-48 hours before you add it in though.

 

[Jebu1788]

That will work. I've made a bourbon stout several times using anywhere from 8-12 oz (usually of Maker's Mark), and every judge has said it's too heavy on the bourbon. I disagree, and think it's just right for me. But 16oz would be pushing it maybe too far. I think Denny Conn's recipe uses 12-14 oz.

The best way is to take a measured sample and add bourbon until you get the flavor you like. Then add the appropriate amount to the whole batch.