Star Anise in Stout

[devilishprune]

I have a question about a stout that I'm going to be brewing tomorrow.

I would like to put some star anise in there and have it taste like licorice, but not overpoweringly so. Has anyone had experience with this spice, such as how much to add, when, and whether or not I should crush it? Anything would be helpful!

 

[GuldTuborg]

Were I you, I'd go for the steep it in vodka for a week and pitch the infused vodka at bottling time. That might give you time to experiment with it (how much you want to use) or decide not to use it if it turns out not to be to your liking. That's a decent approach to any spice addition. It might not always be the best, but it gives you a lot of control and makes certain the spice isn't just boiled away, or overdone.