When can I add a flavor?

[santonivich]

Hi,

This is the 2nd time I have brewed. The first batch was a super simple malt based stout. It came out just fine but it was very simple and I didn't deviate from the instructions.

This batch I decided to go with a basic American ale....but I wanted to make it somewhat 'Christmas like', so I thought I would add a little peppermint to the recipe.

I wasn't thinking much about when to add the peppermint extract. I added half of the little bottle at the end of the boiling.

The batch has been fermenting in the carboy for about a week. It just recently stopped bubbling at the airlock. Only a 'slight' peppermint scent is detected.

It dawned on me that it might have been interesting to add Peppermint schnapps to the recipe to get that flavor.

If I wanted to add more peppermint extract or the schnapps when would be a good time to do so now? Can I add it to the carboy while fermenting? Would the sugars in the schnapps or extract do anything negative to the yeast? If I added it before bottling would I risk too much sugar as well?

Thanks

 

[mrgrimm101]

The sugars may be converted to alcohol, but I'm unsure of how much fermentable sugar is schnapps. Maybe add a little to your bottling bucket as you rack to bottle.

 

[AnOldUR]

Buy a SNPA and pour a little schnapps in and see if you like it before committing your batch. If you do, you will be able to scale the ratio needed from that.

 

[helibrewer]

When using extracts for flavoring, I always add them to the keg/bottling bucket. Most are very volatile and would be lost during the boil.

AnOldUR's suggestion to bench trial additions is very wise....