When to add artificial fruit flavoring....

[Cheaptrix]

I have a bottle of Brewer's Best Apricot Artificial Fruit Flavoring that I want to add to a yet to be determined Mr. Beer recipe, but I am not sure how much to add and when to add. The bottle says 6-7 oz per 5 gallons, so I am assuming that 3 oz is adequate for a MB sized batch. But still not sure when to add. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[RickBeer]

Mr. Beer is 2.13 gallons, so do the math accordingly.

You add it at bottling when you batch prime. If you bottle prime, then you'd need to do the match per x ounce bottle AND find a measuring implement for that small amount. Or, you can add it to the LBK after you dump in your yeast and then aerate everything.

[Cheaptrix]

I have been told 3 different things on when to add the flavoring. 1.) in the keg, before fermentation, 2.) in the keg, after 2 weeks of fermentation, or 3.) during the bottling/priming procedure. I am assuming that the later I put it in, the more the flavor will shine through.

[RickBeer]

Yes, and no...

What you're adding is an extract that is nearly all unfermentable. Therefore, no matter when you add it the flavor should be about the same. If you batch prime, add it at bottling, no advantage to adding it sooner.

If you use fruit, then you are correct, the later in the fermenting process you add it, the stronger the flavor. Fruit contains sugar which ferments. You need to give it at least one week before bottling, so you can add it initially, after a week, or after two weeks in your 3 week fermentation.

If you add fruit at bottling, your bottles will likely explode. Bad idea.

[Bluejaye]

I used Brewer's Best Blueberry flavoring in a batch I did a few months ago. I used 2 tablespoons for an LBK sized batch, batch primed so I added it at bottling.

Turned out pretty good, better than any beer I tried making with real fruit.

[jimjohson]

I have a bottle of Brewer's Best Apricot Artificial Fruit Flavoring that I want to add to a yet to be determined Mr. Beer recipe, but I am not sure how much to add and when to add. The bottle says 6-7 oz per 5 gallons, so I am assuming that 3 oz is adequate for a MB sized batch. But still not sure when to add. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

1) As has been pointed out the Mrb batches are 2.13 not 2.5 your best bet would be go high and use the 7oz it suggests and use 2.3oz per lbk(I'm ignoring the .13 as it's only a tad over 2 cups), initial use. Adjust the amount for the next batch from there.

2) Don't matter when you add it. I add at bottling cause I batch prime and there is no advantage to adding it earlier. If you bottle prime you might just as well add it when you brew the ale.

[Cheaptrix]

Thanks guys.....That's what I love about this forum.....everyone is so helpful!

Thanks again!

[DaYooper]

I beg to differ regarding adding extracts. You should wait until after primary fermentation at the earlies since otherwise you will just blow the aroma out of the fermenter. When I first made my peanutbutter stout I added before fermentation and subsequent batches after. BIG difference!