80 replies to this topic

[HVB]

Thanks guys. Do you guys steep the vanilla and add the bourbon in the keg? How long are you typically steeping the vanilla and do you think the vanilla is best when subtle or stronger in this beer?

The vanilla goes in the "brite tank" for me and the bourbon to the keg.  I think the last time it was 2 weeks for the vanilla beans but that is going off memory.  I do it by taste.  Denny has noted that the vanilla will fade so you may want it to be a bit stronger to start off with if you think it will be around for any time.  I also add about a half ounce of oak chips soaked in bourbon when I add the beans but this is a personal preference. 

[neddles]

Hmm. No oak chips here just cubes. I'll think on that one. I probably just steep the vanilla in the keg and bourbon to taste after that.

[matt6150]

The vanilla goes in the "brite tank" for me and the bourbon to the keg. I think the last time it was 2 weeks for the vanilla beans but that is going off memory. I do it by taste. Denny has noted that the vanilla will fade so you may want it to be a bit stronger to start off with if you think it will be around for any time. I also add about a half ounce of oak chips soaked in bourbon when I add the beans but this is a personal preference.

+1 I haven't done oak previously but going to do it this year with 5 of the gallon's. I had some of BBM's with oak and liked it.

[denny]

Thanks guys. Do you guys steep the vanilla and add the bourbon in the keg? How long are you typically steeping the vanilla and do you think the vanilla is best when subtle or stronger in this beer?

 

I add the beans to a secondary and rack onto it.  Anywhere form 3-11 days for me.  Depends on your beans.  start sampling after 3 days.  Let it get a little stronger than you think it should be becasue it fades.  Add the bourbon at packaging.

[positiveContact]

When I made a coffee beer I did the nylon bag of beans hanging by unflavored dental floss.  I just tasted it right out of the keg until it was a little stronger than I'd like and then pulled the bag out.  This way it also allowed me to taste it carbonated which removed any guess work on what it would taste like in the end b/c it WAS the end.

Edited by Evil_Morty, 30 October 2015 - 09:35 AM.

[neddles]

Well this brew couldn't be going smoother thus far. Aimed for pH of 5.45 and got 5.44 on a freshly calibrated meter. Collected 7.25 gallons @1.072… dead on. Wort smells incredible.

[denny]

Well this brew couldn't be going smoother thus far. Aimed for pH of 5.45 and got 5.44 on a freshly calibrated meter. Collected 7.25 gallons @1.072… dead on. Wort smells incredible.

 

Good on ya!

[neddles]

Good on ya!

Thanks Denny. Went with water that looks like this Ca-38, Na-45, SO4-1, Cl-70

[HVB]

SO4 of 1?

[neddles]

SO4 of 1?

Yeah, do you think I needed some?

[neddles]

I added the 375ml of bourbon that Denny uses and it seems a little light on the bourbon. Certainly I can add more but was wondering if you guys know how much you typically add?

[HVB]

I added the 375ml of bourbon that Denny uses and it seems a little light on the bourbon. Certainly I can add more but was wondering if you guys know how much you typically add?

I have always have added 375ML of Evan Williams black

[matt6150]

Yep 375ml is all I've ever used. I like how it turns out. I agree its not heavy on the bourbon flavor but I think that's how he designed it. To be complimentary to everything else.

I will be tapping mine tonight. I procrastinated on adding the vanilla or it would have been done awhile ago.

[neddles]

Thanks guys. It hasn't been cold for very long. I'll give a few days yet to come together. If it still seems to light at that point I'll goose it a little.

[matt6150]

Yep as good as I remembered.

[Poptop]

Porn

Edited by Steppedonapoptop, 21 November 2015 - 03:17 PM.

[neddles]

This is starting to really come together nicely. More importantly teh wifey digs it. I'm pulling the vanilla now after about 12 days. I don't think I am going to add any more bourbon at this point. Lots of this will be shared over next several weeks.

[DieselGopher]

Racked 10 gallons onto beans last night. First leg gets tapped at an early holiday party, second is for New Years.

[Poptop]

Can't wait to get mine going. Hopefully Sunday.

[denny]

I added the 375ml of bourbon that Denny uses and it seems a little light on the bourbon. Certainly I can add more but was wondering if you guys know how much you typically add?

 

  Keep in mind that you don't want the bourbon to stand out.  You're going for a blended flavor...which is another reason I don't recommend using really good bourbon for this.

Edited by denny, 02 December 2015 - 11:38 AM.