Cocoa nibs drop time

[paanderson86]

Was curious if I HAVE to do secondary for a cocoa nibs addition? I'm doing an extract kit that says to add them two weeks in secondary before bottling. Can I just want until fermentation is complete in primary then drop them in?

 

[David_Trucks]

Yes, just drop it in the primary.

 

[Double_D]

Generally speaking, you don't really ever need to do a secondary. But you'll find people on both sides of the conversation. I prefer to transfer to a smaller vessel for extra ageing, usually only for infusing my cocoa nibs. This is only to decrease O2 volume though. I do ten gallon batches is 13 gal fermenter so it benefits me to transfer to 5 gal carboys in this situation. I'd say it's dependant on your specific situation regarding fermentation volume vs fermenter volume. But that's my .02.

 

[paanderson86]

Should I wait until after ferm is done or drop them now?

 

[Double_D]

After fermentation would be preferable. That way escaping Co2 has doesn't scrub any of the aromatic compounds from the nibs.

 

[acommonsoul]

Soaking them in Vodka helps too! Brings out the flavor more I think..

 

[IslandLizard]

Soaking them in Vodka helps too! Brings out the flavor more I think..

Exactly!

Break em up a bit, put them in a mason jar and add vodka so they're just covered. Soak them like that for 2 weeks, give them a little swirl from time to time while your batch is fermenting. Then add the whole lot to your fermentor and let them be for another week or 2. Then package.

 

[homebrewdude76]

Is this true for any chocolate in the scondary? Just drop them in or soak in Vodka? I have a 1b bag of 100% i want to add tosecondary

 

[homebrewdude76]

After 2 weeks inbsecondary I racked the beer. 75% of the chocolate disolved.