Coconut!

[Bear979]

So Ive been thinking about doing a coconut beer for awhile now, most likely a coconut cream ale. Anyone else use coconut before? Im just not sure how much to use and what to expect from flavour and aroma....well hopefully coconut anyways...

-Bear

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

I've seen some threads of porters with toasted coconut. Haven't done it myself.

 

[LLBeanJ]

I'm planning on doing my first coconut brew pretty soon, as well.

This recipe for coconut porter has some good info RE: coconut...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=245701

 

[m00ps]

Here's what you need to do
- go to the cooking isle at your grocery store
- put ALL the UNSWEETENED coconut into your cart
- ask them if there's any in the back, if not skip to the next step
- purchase coconut
- toast it in your oven till its a bit browned. this will sanitize it too
- I usually stick it in a ziploc at this point until I am ready to add it
- dump all of it into your fermentor, I used a paint strainer bag to contain it
- drink your coconut beer relatively fresh because even at +3lbs/5gal, the flavor fades pretty quick

 

[TonyKZ1]

I've done a "Castaway Coconut Cream Ale", it was a 1G all grain recipe from Hop Hero. Turned out fine and like my wife says... It tasted like beer!
I used some coconut with the grains and then dry hopped more a week before bottling..

 

[jlinz]

I agree with m00ps. I toast it and do 1.5 pounds at flameout and then put into a secondary another 1.5 pounds. The second step gives it an awesome nose.

 

[TandemTails]

I used coconut 3 different ways in my coconut chocolate stout. I had some in the mash, some in the boil and some in secondary.

The taste is good but the biggest issue is all of the fat/oils released from the coconut. Unless you somehow filter it or cold crash it really well (and then skim the oil off), you're going to end up with some in your final beer.

 

[gotraut]

I had a delicious coconut blonde once from a local small micro brewer.

 

[m00ps]

I used coconut 3 different ways in my coconut chocolate stout. I had some in the mash, some in the boil and some in secondary.

The taste is good but the biggest issue is all of the fat/oils released from the coconut. Unless you somehow filter it or cold crash it really well (and then skim the oil off), you're going to end up with some in your final beer.

Yeah thats why I would recommend to not use it anytime while the wort is still hot. Especially during the boil. Like hops, Im guessing most of the flavor would boil off

 

[Ungoliant]

I made a brown ale (5gal) that didn't turn out the way I wanted, so I bought a fresh coconut, drained it, shredded it, and toasted it myself. I only ended up with just shy of 4 oz. It's still in secondary but it's got a nice subtle coconut nose/flavor to it.

I definitely recommend using at least 8oz or more if you want it to be strong.

 

[Bear979]

Thanks everybody for the info. Im going to try a small portion of my batch, that way if it doesnt work, its only a few bottles worth.
I figured dry hopping with coconut would yield best results, but I had not considered toasting it....sounds like a tasty plan to me!

 

[Biobrewer]

My recommendation: Bob's unsweetened coconut. In a non stick pan, toast until golden brown. Allow to cool, add to your beer in a sanitized hop bag, and let it hang for about 5-7 days.

 

[pstant]

I do extract brewing and I'm thinking about a coconut cream ale as well. I'll add coconut extract. When might I add that? Right to the fermenter? I'm also not sure what hops to use.

 

[Jimbodaman]

http://http://www.blackrocksbrewery.com/coconut-brown/
I'd send them a PM or email I live right down the street from them the owners a real cool dude I'm sure he'd be happy to help.

 

[Jimbodaman]

And by the way it's by far my favorite beer in the UP.