Disapointed in adding fruit.. didn't work

[syd138]

So I brewed up a Wheat Stout awhile back.

Before I bottled I took 1 gallon, put it in a glass jug and put a little under a lb of cherries in there.

The beer really fermented for a few days.. but I just tasted some yesterday and you can't taste the cherries at all.

The beer is either too dark, or the cherries feremented too much right?

 

[cuinrearview]

Did you break the skin on the cherries? One lb. per gallon is a pretty good amount. They're still pretty subtle, and with the heavier style of beer, they may be hidden. Compare it side by side with the rest of the batch when they're both ready and I bet you'll be able to pick it out.

 

[chase]

Papa Jamil says that you should start with about .5lb of fruit puree for each gallon of beer. Then adjust according to taste. But it really depends on the fruit.

I made an american wheat with peaches. I used 1lb frozen peaches per gallon, and could only just barely taste it. I thought the freezing process would be enough to make the flavors extractable, but I think that the puree-ing process is better.

I think cherries have a pretty strong flavor, but 1lb in 5gal is probably not enough. Next time, you may want to try 2+ lbs of cherry puree.

 

[NZGirl]

I think cherries have a pretty strong flavor, but 1lb in 5gal is probably not enough. Next time, you may want to try 2+ lbs of cherry puree.

He used one pound for one gallon...

I agree with poster above, try a glass of the cherry and a glass of the ordinary side by side... also get someone else to taste who doesn't know one is cherry and one isn't... see what they think.

 

[scinerd3000]

you can still add more if you wanted to....i would give it some time. As it ages you may be surpised at the fruit flavors coming out. How long did you let it sit on the cherries?

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

I just kegged a cherry wheat today. A week ago, I racked on top of 5 lbs of mashed (with a potato masher) cherries (frozen and canned).

This is a very strong beer, but the major taste is cherry. I have a carbed 2 liter bottle of it chilling in the freezer right now.

 

[chase]

He used one pound for one gallon...

I agree with poster above, try a glass of the cherry and a glass of the ordinary side by side... also get someone else to taste who doesn't know one is cherry and one isn't... see what they think.

My bad. :cross:

 

[Eves]

I made a Coopers Wheat 23 liter (~6 gal) batch with only 1 lb of raspberries and it was crazy raspberry flavored. I am positive that had I not screwed up the priming/carbing (way too little corn sugar) it would have been the best beer I've made.

I am surprised that 1lb of cherries to 1 gal of beer wouldnt work well.

 

[Flattop]

From what i know of the process (never made one) fruit beer is assisted by freezing the fruit first. It causes the cellular structure to break down. I would consider breaking the cherries by pounding them in a plastic bag then freezing them.
I wouldn't puree them as afterward you will have problems preventing the mush from entering the bottle unless you filter it.