Suggestions needed

[caburdet78]

Have a cider which I fermented with Trappist Ale yeast and I want to add something to secondary to make the taste a bit more complex...suggestions?

 

[edmanster]

Oak? Wouldn't go over .25oz

 

[caburdet78]

Probably less it is a 3 gallon batch

 

[edmanster]

You could boil the quarter ounce in a cup of water extract to open it up and release the flavor and tannins and add just a little of the water to taste so you don't over oak it

 

[caburdet78]

Any thoughts on Belgian candi syrup?

 

[edmanster]

That will make a good rocket fuel but won't add complexity.. I guess a dark syrup might add a little something..

 

[edmanster]

Do your taste tests seem thin on moutfeel? Could do 4oz of maltodextrine to help.. won't get any sweetness.. could do lactose for subtle sweetness and mouthfeel..

 

[jayott]

Ferment another batch using different kind of apple juice and mix with the previous one.

 

[gratus fermentatio]

Raisins, dates, some dark LME and/or molasses, maybe a vanilla bean.
Regards, GF.

 

[caburdet78]

So I added some mulled cider spices to the carboy and they have been there for maybe a week or so...was thinking of racking it and adding some vanilla bean to soak in it...thought?

may add some lactose before bottling

 

[gratus fermentatio]

You might want to do a taste test & see where the spice flavour profile is. Hope you're using whole/cracked/sliced spices instead of powdered; or at least put the powdered stuff in a teabag sort of thing.
Regards, GF.

 

[caburdet78]

Yes using cracked / whole spices... Plan to do a sample first

 

[caburdet78]

Pulled a sample last night...
Added more mulled cider spices
Want to add something to round out the taste

 

[gratus fermentatio]

You might try a vanilla bean, split & scraped. Or you might try adding a pound of LME, or even some fruit(s) like raisins, dates, figs. I've "dry-hopped" with sachets of caraway seed, I think caraway goes with apple like butter goes with bread. I like to use a heaping tablespoon of caraway seed in 6 gallons of cider, I usually leave it in for 2 or 3 weeks, but I've left in longer too, for more caraway flavour. You could also add a bit of wine tannin if you wanted.
Regards, GF.