[John M]

I'm about to use vanilla beans in a stout. I just want to make sure I understand correctly- you scrape the "caviar" and add it as well, correct? I guess you're scraping it to make sure it's fully exposed?

correct on both

Ok great, thanks Denny!

[John M]

Denny- How long should they be in the beer?

[denny]

Denny- How long should they be in the beer?

Until it tastes good to you. Can't give you a definite time since it depends on the beans you use.

[goose]

Although vanilla beans are a PITA to split, I cut mine in 1"-1.5" chunks before splitting them.  I have done both scraping and not scraping them out and soak in vodka for about a week, then add the tincture and all to a secondary (also one of the few times I secondary).  It works for me either way.

[John M]

Thanks guys! The base beer is an 8.5% Tropical Stout, that will get the vanilla and a generous amount of toasted coconut. I have two beans split and scraped, soaking in Sailor Jerry.