flavor opinions

[kosmokramer]

I have 3 extract batches under my belt now and i decided to try a mini mash kit this time. This is a vanilla bean oat stout from more beer:

3.5 lb british pale
1 lb flaked oats
.75 lb black roasted
.25 lb chocolate wheat
.25 lb crystal 60l

1.5 oz liberty 60 minutes

1 package of vanilla bean added to secondary

My question is would this benefit from oak cubes? they had some on sale and it sounded like soaking them with wiskey and adding them might be good... Any opinions? if so how exactly do i go about adding them?

 

[Hefanatic]

I would recommend one thing. Soak your vanilla beans in some vodka for the duration of your primary fermentation. You only need a few ounces. This will extract all the vanilla flavors. Then add it to your secondary when you rack over. I did this on an oatmeal stout and it worked out really well. I believe the wood cubes are added in the same fashion. To secondary.

 

[kosmokramer]

did you still add the vanilla bean or just the vodka?

 

[twelvelookslikex]

did you still add the vanilla bean or just the vodka?

i would add both. couldn't hurt

 

[Hefanatic]

did you still add the vanilla bean or just the vodka?

I added both.

 

[starrfish]

both vodka and beans works. or try a clear rum I like cruzan white aged. been really wanting to try cruzan black strap too to replace bourbon in a bourbon porter.... mmm RUM & BEER.

 

[kosmokramer]

any other opinions

 

[davefleck]

Fresh oak is pungent. I use the spirals FWIW. To mellow it out I boiled it in several clean pots of water. You will see a lot if color and smell on the water. I've also shaken in bourbon. First try, don't keep the oak on too long. A little goes a long way

 

[kosmokramer]

well i finished my first mini mash at an og of 1.081,,,,now when and how do i add the whiskey to the oak and the oak to the brew?