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Vanilla Rooibos in beer/braggot?

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Chevette Girl

Chevette Girl

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Apr 27, 2010
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I'm not sure whether I should be blaming Love of Rose or Akueck for this thought, but has anyone tried using vanilla rooibos in beer? My bulk food store has a pretty decent loose vanilla rooibos tea, and yet another idea wants to go on my "To Brew" list...

I'm sure at the very least it would be a beautiful colour with amber malt or something...
 
I've seen it used in pale ales and amber ales. Just throw in 1 oz per gallon at flameout and let it steep for 10 minutes or so. Apparently, it lends a nice earthy character. It can easily be overwhelmed by hop bitterness so go easy on the IBU.


Better brewing through science!
 
Heh, you don't need to tell me to go easy on the IBU, I haven't yet boiled hops for any of the beers I've made, I found I got quite enough bitterness just from steeping them after flameout.

Thanks for confirming that it's not a completely whacko idea. I get enough of those that I can't always tell the difference!
 
Once again I got caught out on "rooibos", and had to consult with Google. My only prior experience with this is from the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series which takes place in Botswana. The main character drinks copious quantities of "red bush" tea. Interesting to know that at least that part is not fiction. A very fun series to read by the way. Not too light, nor to heavy with a lot of common sense wisdom thrown in for good measure.
 
Try using it in a stout or porter if you like dark beer. I have seen vanilla used in dark beers and when you think about it hops can have tea like flavors.
 
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