Increasing ABV

[robb117]

Hey guys I have a quick question. I've researched this and haven't been able to find an answer I was happy with. I'm doing my second AG brew this weekend and with the recipe I have it comes out with an estimated abv of 3%. I would like it to be somewhere between 5-6%. I've know that adding sugar and extract will increase the abv but will it change the flavor and/or structure? I'm brewing a banana bread ale and from what I've read I need the fermenter to be at 72° and slightly under pitched to acquire banana esters with the WLP 300. What are some methods to increase my abv or should I just leave it and be happy with what I get?

 

[atom]

What's your recipe?

 

[BadBeagleBrew]

Add anything with sugar, DME/LME gives you fermentables without affecting body. Dextrose/Table sugar ferment out almost completely and if used in excess can dry out your beer. If you want a higher ABV either add more fermentables or get a yeast that will eat further through what you already got.

 

[kh54s10]

I always recommend that unless you have some experience formulating recipes it is better to leave kits as is and select another one that suits your needs.

If you want to increase the abv. I would not just add sugar. It will thin and dry out the beer. You could add more extract but you should also adjust your hop amounts to keep the proper balance.

 

[robb117]

Well I'm an idiot I had my recipe on beersmith set at 10 gal instead of 5. My bad! Thanks for the quick responses!

Really quick though, it calls for adding some cinnamon, almond and vanilla extract in the secondary. Can I just put that in the primary once fermentation is complete instead of using a secondary vessel?

 

[kh54s10]

Well I'm an idiot I had my recipe on beersmith set at 10 gal instead of 5. My bad! Thanks for the quick responses!

Really quick though, it calls for adding some cinnamon, almond and vanilla extract in the secondary. Can I just put that in the primary once fermentation is complete instead of using a secondary vessel?

I would say yes. I haven't used spices much. When I did a pepper ale. I added 2 tablespoons to the boil with 10 minutes left.

 

[djfriesen]

You could also add at bottling. If you have a little extra beer, you can add it little by little to a set volume until it tasted right. Then scale up to get the same rate into the bottling bucket.

 

[robb117]

You could also add at bottling. If you have a little extra beer, you can add it little by little to a set volume until it tasted right. Then scale up to get the same rate into the bottling bucket.

I like that idea a lot. That way I won't have to guess and hope it turns out good, or over do it and ruin it.

Any one have opinions if I can add it to the primary or should I have a secondary for these additions? I'm assuming that I'll need to mix it and don't want to stir up the sludge from the bottom.