So I soaked 4 oz. of cocoa nibs in 6 ounces of bourbon for five days (along with 1.5 vanilla beans, cut and scraped). I strained it through a coffee filter today, and it smells awesome, but it is SUPER bitter (and I'm a hop head), almost astringent. I'm hesitant to add it to the RIS I have in primary. Did I do something wrong? Will it mellow? Will Rocky reach Bullwinkle in time?
Cocoa nibs in bourbon = super bitter?
- Thread starter Calypso
- Start date
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The nibs should be bitter on their own yes. If you want to check before adding all of it to your bottling bucket draw a cup of your brew off and add a measured amount. Once you get a comfortable level just ramp it up to your bottling amount.
You could also add some lactose at bottling with the priming sugar if you like, it can soften the bitterness a bit.
Just bear in mind your taste right now is of the concentrated amount. Mixed with 5 gallons of brew it will be much less.
You could also add some lactose at bottling with the priming sugar if you like, it can soften the bitterness a bit.
Just bear in mind your taste right now is of the concentrated amount. Mixed with 5 gallons of brew it will be much less.
Calypso
Well-Known Member
Nooo, it was great!
Calypso
Well-Known Member
I'm going to try filtering it a bit better, see if removing some more of the particulate matter reduces the astringency.
I'm actually glad that I accidentally underhopped this RIS now, since I think the coffee and chocolate infusions are going to add a noticeable level of bitterness.
I'm actually glad that I accidentally underhopped this RIS now, since I think the coffee and chocolate infusions are going to add a noticeable level of bitterness.
Think of eating 80% chocolate, it can get pretty bitter.
I use nibs, while it's more of a dark than a milk chocolate flavor, I love it.
I use nibs, while it's more of a dark than a milk chocolate flavor, I love it.
slym2none
"Lazy extract brewer."
The other post came in between mine & yours and messed up the timing.
But thanks. As long as you saw it & appreciated it!
The other post came in between mine & yours and messed up the timing.
But thanks. As long as you saw it & appreciated it!
Sorry, didn't mean to ruin anything. Was only trying to be helpful.
