I have been brewing for a couple years now what I am looking for is something that might add to the kit. i.e. more hops oak chips ect... I am going to do a full boil on this kit. Just want some ideas y'all migh have to make it a great beer. Was thinking maybe some coffee or oak chips or maybe some bourbon. Just not sure what and amounts ect...
Sounds like you've outgrown kits. Time to find good recipes and compound your own from loose ingredients.
I only used one kit, my first brew, and found it lackluster so moved on using recipes found in books and later, forums like HBT. After 6 extract brews I went AG.
Depending on the expected original gravity of the kit, you may want to boost it a bit with extra grain/extract to obtain higher gravity. Use a good yeast that will take it down to a respectable FG, so it won't be cloying. If using liquid yeast, make a large starter well ahead of brew day. Use good aeration or better yet, oxygenation, to make sure the yeast is super healthy and can finish the job.
Especially for higher gravity brews, when brewing AG or partial mash, try to implement a decent sparge volume, or too much sugar will remain behind in the mash tun.
Controlling (and restricting) fermentation temps is the best and most rewarding technique for any beer, more so the higher gravity, to prevent making rocket fuel. Any after treatment such as wood chips/cubes/spirals, vanilla, etc. soaked in liquor is up to you.
Prevent oxidation along the way. A secondary may not be needed, you can add wood, vanilla, etc. directly to the primary, and leave the beer on the yeast cake for up to 4-6 weeks after pitching.
