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Using Spruce Essence in a Dry Stout - Advice?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by brewjockey, Feb 20, 2015.

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  1. brewjockey

    brewjockey Initiate (0) Dec 3, 2014 California

    I have a dry stout that has been fermenting almost a week now and I wanted to add some spruce essence to it for a couple of reasons. First is that I do want a subtle spruce taste in the beer and the other is that I've read that it will also help the beer foam. I like a good head on my beer so that appealed to me.

    Anyone have any experience using spruce essence? Any noticeable addition to the foam? Any thoughts on how much to add? I don't want too much flavor, just a hint so I'm thinking to add 1.5 teaspoons to my 5 gallon batch. It recommends 1 to 5 teaspoons for 5 gallons.

    Also, is it fine just to add late in fermentation? I was almost thinking of putting it in a little vodka first to sterilize or is that not necessary?

    Cheers
     
    #1 brewjockey, Feb 20, 2015
  2. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,533) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    I can't answer your questions because I've never seen this product, and didn't even know that you can get a product like it. Is this stuff intended for human consumption? It sounds like it could be a room deodorizer. :slight_smile:
     
    #2 PapaGoose03, Feb 20, 2015
  3. Brew_Betty

    Brew_Betty Initiate (0) Jan 5, 2015 Wisconsin

    I have no experience with spruce extract, but I have read more than a few threads where the use of spruce extract produced less than desirable results and can't recall reading someone was really happy with their spruce extract beer.

    I suggest adding some to a commercial beer before you commit to a full batch of spruce extract beer.
     
    #3 Brew_Betty, Feb 20, 2015
    brewjockey and minderbender like this.
  4. brewjockey

    brewjockey Initiate (0) Dec 3, 2014 California

    That's not a bad idea!
     
    #4 brewjockey, Feb 20, 2015
  5. macandrewsRIP

    macandrewsRIP Devotee (387) Oct 28, 2007 Massachusetts

    i remember adding it to a 5-talon Christmas ale many moons ago, it was a little bottle about 1-1.5" inches high, very small. The instructions were to add the whole thing. I remember it was just….weird. Brew Betty has the right idea, test it first.
     
    #5 macandrewsRIP, Feb 21, 2015
  6. brewjockey

    brewjockey Initiate (0) Dec 3, 2014 California

    Yes, I added a touch to a Firestone Velvet Merlin Oatmeal stout and didn't dig what came out. Granted, it was probably more than the correct % based on a 5 gallon addition, but I just don't want much if any of that coming through. I've added bourbon soaked french oak cubes to the stout, and I thought it might be nice to have a hint of the spruce behind this, but I'm concerned that it will overwhelm so I'm just going to skip it altogether. Thanks for the suggestions!
     
    #6 brewjockey, Feb 23, 2015
  7. GavinHarper

    GavinHarper Initiate (0) Jan 22, 2014 California

    Not familiar with spruce essence/extract, but it sounds like you want some subtle character and foam aid. I would look at traditional ingredients to achieve what you're looking for, before looking at other additives. Late addition Chinook and/or simcoe hops can give you a piney character that may work for you. Also malts like carapils or flaked barley(really only for darker beers) can aid the head of beer.
     
    #7 GavinHarper, Feb 23, 2015
    brewjockey likes this.
  8. HerbMeowing

    HerbMeowing Maven (1,283) Nov 10, 2010 Virginia
    Trader

    If this was my brew...
    Add a drop or three of the essence to a glass of the dry stout.
    Taste.

    Like?
    No like?

    Rinse.
    Lather.
    Repeat until you're satisfied.

    ---
    Use this to season the batch before bottlin'the next go'round.
     
    #8 HerbMeowing, Feb 24, 2015
  9. Lukass

    Lukass Pooh-Bah (2,879) Dec 16, 2012 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah

    Hopefully that didn't completely ruin the Velvet Merkin.. that is quite a good beer to be risking failure on!
     
    #9 Lukass, Feb 24, 2015
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