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Could be a very merry Christmas
http://www.brewuk.co.uk/forum/topic/2-ag-father-in-lawquestions#post-7110null/urlMorning...
Following on from the above link.
After leaving my brew in the primary for 9 days i took a second hydrometer reading for the brew i made and it came out at 1.016 for the F.G although it is still bubbling away so it could possibly come down some more. But with the O.G at 1.080 that came in at 8.5% Abv! 
So it looks like i have inadvertedly made my Christmas brew.
I do have a couple of questions though before i decide.
1. Can i add the spices in the secondary phase? I was going to add Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Mixded Spice and Orange Peel.
2. If i can what effect will this have on my beer?
Thanks again...
Neil
Responses
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
1. Yes
2. I dont know!
Ive never added spice so dont know how much to add and how long for, I would do a search on da net and have a wee look.
Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!
nathbrew@gmail.com
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Thanks Nath...
I've done some trawling about most like you have said yes spices can be added to the secondary. However, all said that a little goes a long way.
So i was thinking of adding to a 10ltr brew the following:-
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Mixed Spice
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
15gms of Orange Peel
I think anymore than that could make it taste nasty.
What do you reckon?
Posted 1 year ago by Member
hi neil, i've only added spices to the boil in the past - and then - whole spices. I'd be a little wary of adding ground spices as i don't know if they'd drop out or stay in suspension. Also, as in cooking, most dried spice needs to be 'cooked' or they can leave a powdery taste.
is it possible for you to get hold of whole spices?
(with grateful thanks to the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and slightly adapted)
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
Yep like Tony says, only whole spices or who knows whatta happen
Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!
nathbrew@gmail.com
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Thanks Tony/Nath,
That makes perfect sense to me.
I'll put 1/2 a Cinnamon stick 1/2 of Nutmeg plus the orange peel and leave for a few days to infuse? I might just add it near the end. I was thinking of letting it sit in the secondary for another week so perhaps day 6 or 7 add the spices etc.
Does that sound any better?
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Yeah .. that's the ticket
Not so sure about half a nutmeg though... I seem to remember reading something about 'other qualities' that a nutmeg has .. see if you can check safe quantities somewhere
(with grateful thanks to the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and slightly adapted)
Posted 1 year ago by Member
You know what i didn't realise nutmeg did that to people
I don't think i will be doing that in a hurry. I will put a very small piece of nutmeg in and the other ingredients either on day 6/7 of secondary.
My beer looks as though it has finished now as there were no more bubbles appearing. Looks like i will be busy shortly.
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Just added my beer to the secondary. However, i've not added any sugar to it. I was just going to leave it for a couple of days with the lid on.
Can i confirm this is ok? I've not mucked up my beer have i? Will add the above spices later.
Neil
Posted 1 year ago by Admin
Seems fine to me Neil.
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Yeah thats great Neil, only add sugar to the secondary just before you bottle it - if you're going to carbonate it. Bung all your spices in though - soak 'em for at least a week ... at least I would think so - I've always added mine to the boil. I also always seal the lid and add a fermentation lock - but if the ferment has finished you shouldn't need it.
Good luck with it!
(with grateful thanks to the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and slightly adapted)
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Thanks again for everyones invaluable advice. I think i'd be lost without this forum.
Was just wondering whether adding the spices for the whole week would over power the beer? I was looking for that subtle taste not a smack you in the face taste.
I could always split the beer in two. One with spices in for a whole week the other with spices added with 2 days to go?
Not sure? Might have a think about that one.
Neil
Posted 1 year ago by Member
I bottled this tonight one word RESULT!
On Saturday i put 6gms of Orange peel, half cinnamon stick, 1/4 of nutmeg and 2 cloves left it until tonight and sampled - brilliant! Just the right amount of flavour. The orange wasn't over powering and there was a subtle tast of cinnamon too.
With 16 bottles made from 2 gallons i was quite impressed. Question is will i be able to resist the temptation to open one before Christmas? Wonder what odds William Hill would give me on not succeeding too?
Neil
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
No! If your like me.
Well done mate, I got to try an xmas brew, looks like this could be a great recipe to do it with.
Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!
nathbrew@gmail.com
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