Vanilla

[Jus]

Howdy

Thought i'd make mention of an interesting find that i had a while ago. I was cleaning my Fridge with "vanilla fridge cleaner" and being too lazy to take my beers out before i sprayed the stuff about the fridge, some of them copped a spray.

When i went to drink one, i copped a distinct vanilla aroma which went beautifully with the beer (i think it may have been a coopers bavarian). I've since added vanilla essence to some of my beers and you cant even taste it. Since a lot of what we actually taste is through smell, i thought this was a great way to add flavour/aroma to beer.

Has anyone done anything similar?

Justin

[Kevnlis]

I have done ciders with vanilla but never beer. I do have a cream ale planned for the near future and had thought I may try to put some vanilla into the keg for that one. Perhaps if you "dry hopped" it you would notice it more?

[Jus]

I've tried putting some vanilla in my bottles right before i bottle with little effect. Maybe im just not putting enought in. How much would you suggest? I've tried using vanilla essence, just a few drops

If all else fails i'll go back to the fridge cleaner, it doesnt taste chemically either (after all you just cop the aroma) and works a treat

I had some beers in Canada a few years back from Granville Island Brewing. They made a beer called "Winter Warmer" which was a creamy ale with a distinct touch of vanilla. It would be great to hear how yours turns out Kevnlis

[Boonie]

Never have done a beer with Vanilla where you could actually taste it. I've tried twice

I reckon the aroma was coming from when you touched the bottles to pour. So in the future just spray your drinking hand with the fridge cleaner before drinking

Not very helpful I know, but I think it would be difficult to balance it right.

The Vanilla essence I used smells great, but tastes crap.

Cheers

Boonie

[Kevnlis]

Maybe you could lace the rim of the beer glass before drinking it? Or put a drop or two direct to the glass of beer right before serving? I think the problem is that the aroma is not very strong at such a low temperature, would probably work much better in a warm English proper ale.

[James L]

you could try dry hopping with vanilla pod or treat it how you would finishing hops... never tried it, but its an idea... I hear vanilla pod is expensive though

[Jus]

I'm going to try dry hopping with vanilla black tea. Whats the worst that could happen

[Kevnlis]

The tannins from the tea will most likely not compliment the beer. But let us know how you go