Adding Fruit Extract

[John Sand]

I bought a blonde ale extract kit at an LHBS. It includes artificial apricot flavor. The instructions say to add it to the fermenter for secondary, and leave it for one week. My brew books say to add it at bottling. What say you?

[philm00x]

I think adding it at bottling makes more sense. You want the flavor of the extract in the beer, and don't want it to possibly ferment away or be subdued by flavors created during fermentation. I would prime the whole batch in a bottling bucket, add your extract to that, stir all together gently, and proceed to bottle.

[haerbob3]

I add extracts & flavoring additions at bottling. You still have gases escaping during secondary

[Bluejaye]

I add extracts & flavoring additions at bottling.

Would you mind terribly telling me what brand of extract you use, and how much of it? I've been trying to create a raspberry/blackberry type of beer for SWMBO using real canned fruit (Oregon brand) as a late addition, but the results have been less than flavorful...

[RickBeer]

I made a Raspberry Lager (old Mr. Beer) using the old Oktoberfest and a can of Oregon Raspberries. I'm planning on doing the same with the new Oktoberfest shortly. The Raspberry came through quite nicely, whereas I haven't had the same luck with cherries or blueberries. Keep in mind the base matters as to bringing out the fruit flavor.

[John Sand]

Thank you all.