Flavoring Recomended and NOT

[gaza the instructor]

That SS honey bourbon is very close to the real
thing, in fact so close we did the swop the glass
job.

[Curmudgeon]

That SS honey bourbon is very close to the real
thing, in fact so close we did the swop the glass
job.

I'll definitely have to try it with less sugar or maybe a drop of actual honey then as I was disappointed.

[Mash]

Nuked with honey and vanilla --- v nice.

[Curmudgeon]

Nuked with honey and vanilla --- v nice.

Just had a long re-read on multiple sites about nuking. I confess I'd never considered nuking without oak.

I'm going through the process now (on 2nd nuke as we speak).

When I looked at the essence bottle, I'd used a little more than the third of it on what was only a 70cl bottle and not the suggested 75cl, so that may have been part of the problem as I usually stretch essences to on the high side of 3 bottles as I don't like really strong flavour.

Thinking on it, I previously really liked the essencia tennessee bourbon, so should get it again and try it with a little honey added.

[Easydrinker]

For what it it is worth, I use about 30% less essence than the little bottle states that I should.
Everytime, every flavour.
And if it says to add sugar, then I halve the amount.
Works for me and mine.

Robert.

[Curmudgeon]

Thanks Mash, triple nuking seems to have largely reduced what I was tasting as artificial sweetness/flavour. Kinda like cheap seaside rock or cheapo cola cubes.

Agreed Robert. I am finding 2 bottles and a litre, 2 litres and a bottle or even 3 litres from the so called 2.25 litre essences more to my taste and definitely less sugar.

[Curmudgeon]

I know I'm replying to my own reply and I apologise for doing so AND for essencially (sic) repeating what was said a few years ago.

The still spirits essences are pretty damn close in flavour but are a but over the top in terms of glycerin for me, which gives plenty of flavour and mouthfeel but too much cloying sweetness *think clove rock and other bought from the jar sweets when I was a lad).

Has anyone tried gelatin, pectin, guar gum etc while using maybe half the essence amount?

[Easydrinker]

What a memory for sweetie tastes you are able to recollect!

Secondly, not tried your dilutents/part substitutes for essence, but suspect that simple Glycerine may get you somewhere near.

Robert.

[Curmudgeon]

Thanks Robert, but sadly I find that glycerine(e) gives me the zing on tastebuds but too much artificial sweetness. It was you that taught me to get it but to go easy on it. I appreciate the smack smack back of mouth fullness and later flavour, but it's just too damn easy to over sweeten (imo)

[Easydrinker]

I hereby designate you the title of forum "Man of Sweetness"
TBH,Sounds better than the title of P.I.T.A., Which I reserve for myself

Robert.

[guest5234]

great thread, one question though..why would you want a vodka essence when you are producing a vodka type spirit anyway?

[packapoo]

Helps to mask sins.

[Easydrinker]

I will agree with Packs., but would add that lots of vodka drinkers want something more?..
Nothing wrong with alcoholic water.
Some seek a nuance of something else in there.
Different strokes for different folks.


Robert.

[H12rpo]

I'm soaking some cubed up rhubarb in 62% just to see what it's like. Anyone else used rhubarb ?? I'm thinking maybe a gin with rhubarb might be good

[Mash]

Keep thinking