Controversial Topic - Flavoring Cheats for your Spirits?

[@BeardedBored]

Get Olive Nation Products - bit.ly/33cdUqn Use Coupon Code BB20 for 20% OFF your order!

[@TheFriarHenderson]

B&B, wise words. I use essences alot to produce somthing that people enjoy!!

[@mikew.1902]

Thanks for reminding me that the flavors that we are often chasing can be subtle and not to be disappointed when our family and friends might be less than impressed. I had forgotten that it is OK to boost those flavors, so that it is more easily discern-able for those palates that are not as attuned to looking for the hints of flavor that I/we have worked so hard to achieve.

[@eddavanleemputten9232]

That opening sequence is pure gold! 🤣🤣🤣 On the addition of extracts and flavourings: I have difficulty wrapping my mind around people finding it perfectly acceptable to use vanilla extract in cakes and desserts and then not finding it okay to use an extract or flavour to a brew. Especially if you use natural extracts. Not to mention the fantasmagorical amount of artificial flavourings they’re perfectly happy to ingest in their everyday foods and drinks without even batting an eye. You did the work, chopped, mixed, fermented, de-gassed, racked, filtered, babied, hypothetically distilled (in some cases) your product, then you blended, tasted, balanced, further babied, possibly oaked, aged, bottled and served that brew. Notice that somewhere along the way you blended. Wether in primary, secondary, pre and/or post distilling, somewhere along the way and in most cases at several stages along the way, you BLENDED. You blended flavours and balanced them out. Whomever is going to bleat about the origin of one of these flavours is not worth getting any of the end product. And as a maker, a big part of your reward is indeed getting others to enjoy it with you. So making the drink more accessible to a less trained palate and nose makes utter sense. Anyhow, that’s my wholly personal POV. Opinions will differ and that’s okay. This just happens to be mine.

[@clintonrossouw8274]

Thanks, loved the intro, alot !!you gave me back some time in my life, hahaha, been trying to not “cheat” so to say. Will definitely explore this.

[@quarlow1215]

Totally agree. I like my sugar shine, one of my brothers likes it but everybody likes my liqueurs. Give them what they like.

[@BeardedBored]

Yep. Don't know why it took me so long to figure it out, haha:-)

[@rexjohnson8597]

Got my first sugar wash in the bucket today, and can’t wait to get it run and flavored!

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

While not quite the same thing, but in the same vein: My dad brewed a really nice chili wheat beer - it was fermented out to dryness (~5%?) with a *VERY* subtle chili note. I believe he used a small amount of fresh ripe (red) cayennes in it. When he served it, he'd drop half a Thai bird's eye chili in the glass and fill it up. It accentuated the chili note in the beer beautifully and added a nice tingle without being overpowering. Definitely not to be confused with the green chili beers from the SW US. A wonderfully light and refreshing summer brew.

[@BeardedBored]

Sounds delicious!

[@keshwannaidu3943]

Great video Bearded. I have been using extracts for a while now and it works great every-time. Did a peach brandy a while ago, couldn't taste the peach as I would have liked to, but after I added a few drops of peach extract, I was in heaven. I do the same with raspberries, strawberries, mango, cantaloupe etc.Cheers.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks for saying this. I've been hesitant on using extracts in spirits for a while, wanting to be a purist. But I realized I was holding myself to an imaginary standard and would rather share this stuff.

[@BEAVERDIY]

Dude thank you for this video been afraid to add flavour agents to my product but you are correct, why not make those changes you like and other people might like as well to enhance the product. super video and congrats on the new job.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks broer!

[@desertriderukverun1002]

At the end of the day, it’s about making a product you enjoy and your friends and family enjoy, hypothetically of course. Very few hobbiests are making pure grain mashes and aging in barrels for 7 years or longer. A variety of short cuts and dodges are made for the practicality of small batches and flavoring with wood rather than true aging. Whether a charred stick or two in a glass jar, or a few drops of an essence, it’s about the final flavor.

[@BeardedBored]

Well said!

[@rickmilkovic]

👍

[@weaktearecords]

Great video! It's the same with performing music - you may love prog disco polka, but your audience will always ask for Free Bird!

[@BeardedBored]

LOLOLOL!

[@davedavister7817]

I love this because I totally understand what your saying!! We do work hard to make a great product that only we truly understand the work and purity of what we made.

[@crawdaddct]

Your not wrong. There’s a reason fireball outsells all American whiskies. Intense flavored vodka has become a major thing. They are doing some cool stuff. No reason you can’t do the same at home with whisky.. I’m drinking some blackberry infused vodka right now. Good stuff.

[@glleon80517]

“It’s not a good dram unless it’s shared.” Approximate quote from Roy over at Acvavitae. Point taken, Bearded.

[@Mychannel-fw5mb]

Outstanding ...I have YET to be able to nail down how to use these good...I DO add them to flavorings I make tho and they DO enhance those like 5x

[@nhenderson2094]

I have definitely added flavours to a spirit to boost (or augment) something in a drink.

[@BeardedBored]

Glad I'm not alone:-)

[@dangdude1000]

The French Oak Chips do a nice job of adding amber tinge to the result. The next level is Olive Nation..7 bucks will work for me

[@jamesramey3549]

You hit it right on the nose. I love what I hypothetically make, but I know not everyone does. Flavor is key in those situations, as long as you don't over do it. Thanks bearded!!

[@olinseats4003]

The end goal is to make something tasty. It really doesn't matter how you get there.

[@BeardedBored]

Well said!

[@ryanirvine8996]

Purchased 6 Olive National extracts using your coupon. Great video as always!

[@BeardedBored]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks!

[@reevinriggin3570]

I made some bourbon that I thought was really tasty. Some friends were not nearly impressed and kept dumping in Coke, but I had also made some apple pie moonshine out some of the exact same spirit and had brought some of that to the party, too. Apple pie disappeared like magic and everybody kept asking if I could make some for them next time. Same lesson learned that you had bearded.

[@CaananLocke]

I’ve started teaching the people I know who drink at all tips on ‘how to taste’

[@StillDrew982]

What a great video. Thanks man! Good luck in the new job 🙂

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks brother!

[@OwlCreekHS]

Thank you for all your past videos and excellent information, I look forward to seeing new productions from you in the near future.

[@theironduke9214]

Olive Nation will ship to the UK. Shipping cost will depend on weight, so Brits can buy directly from the website

[@noblett56mn53]

I couldn’t agree more. I feel similar about using glycerin to cut the edges off a sharp bourbon. It really works and who cares if it makes it more enjoyable for a greater amount of folks.

[@theironduke9214]

To the other Brits subscribed to Bearded I've just contacted Olive Nation to see if we can get their products in the UK.

[@BeardedBored]

If not, just go with any high quality extract you have available. As long as they smell like the real thing and not fake, then you should be good to go:-)

[@theironduke9214]

@@BeardedBored Thanks Bearded. There are one or two that I've used in the past but Olive Nation seem to have a really good selection

[@davelister6085]

Hey bearded great show. I also get discouraged when I try to get feedback on what I produce. Too bad there are not small local clubs that you could meet other liked minded individuals and be able to get honest feedback.

[@sixbeersdeep9915]

Great content. 100% I gotta tell you a story... Next time I comment 👍

[@rickmilkovic]

Hey B&B, like the way you think brother. Just gotta love making a good thing even better. Call a spade a spade. Hope you and yours are all well.🤙🤙

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks Rick!

[@rickmilkovic]

@@BeardedBored over fifty who has time to wait for it to do its thing, we could be die before it gets there...congratson the new job

[@philiptruitt]

Thanks Bearded!

[@Rev-D1963]

Greatest intro and outro........EVER!!!! Bravo brother! LOL!!!! Those extracts are really something, and using them to enhance whiskey is far from wrong. Fireball is a good example. At any rate, thanks for another cool video man. God bless. Rev. D.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks Preacher:-)

[@CesarSanchez-ef6sl]

This is what I do I call it Mexican soda, with five or seven percent alcohol depends the moment. Hard seltzer, adult seltzer, mature seltzer, spiked seltzer and hard sparkling alcohol water is a type of highball drink containing carbonated water, alcohol, and often fruit flavorings. In the US the alcohol is usually made by fermenting cane sugar; sometimes malted barley is used.

[@adanmaskery1237]

I agree and because I don't have the liquor fairy's phone number, maybe I can modify some base spirits for family party enjoyment.

[@somerandomguy32]

I like vanilla shine ..if your gonna mix it goes great with coke or dr pepper

[@chrischris2886]

Well done!

[@MysticDonBlair]

OMG YOU ARE SO RIGHT No one understands

[@BeardedBored]

Glad to know I'm not crazy, at least this idea isn't crazy;-)

[@Winteryears]

Good words

[@cutbaitkenny]

I'm glad this popped up my KZbin I recently purchased some Olive Nation apple extract. I ran my apple cider mash yesterday and was disappointed with the lack of apple flavor. I even shot the thumper with 2 cans of apple concentrate. I collected everything from 170 down to 30. How long after distillation do you start playing with the flavoring? How soon after you distill do you combine the cuts? What proof do you dilute your brandy to? A lot of questions, I know. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for doing them.

[@TheNumbers400]

What about amplifying the flavour profile of the mash using extracts before hypothetically distilling it. Like adding Bourbon, Rum, vanilla, Sherry, Banana, Anise, Brandy, Caramel, Juniper heck whatever flavor you can expect to get in a distilled spirit depending on the final goal. That way one would be keeping to "what ever is in the mash is what you get" and one would blend it like any other distilled spirit.

[@BeardedBored]

That's a cool idea!

[@Rubberduck-tx2bh]

I think what you'll find is that only a "hint" of what you put in the mash carries over post-distillation. You can use the extracts to amplify it, though.

[@keshwannaidu3943]

You have to add a lot of extract to the mash in order to get the true flavor of the fruit. By adding it after distilling works a hell of a lot better and you don't need much. Done it both ways. Cheers

[@TheNumbers400]

Yes adding it afterwards is sure to pack a bigger punch, but adding it in the mash is a cheat available for the purist out there (Big grin) :D

[@340wbymag]

I had a blast blending various extracts into alcohol or whiskey. Perhaps my favorite would be just a drop (or maybe two) of creme de cocoa liqueur essence into a fifth of whiskey. Of course, the sky is the limit because there are so many extracts to play with!

[@dougshelton69]

Things that feel good in my head go unchecked usually...lol

[@BeardedBored]

😂😜

[@fiddlefox]

This is one of those things, you're sponsored by Olive Nation so it's in your interest to say that flavourings are great. Your points on palate development is absolutely correct. The thing with the community is to drive home the fact there is no wrong or right. Only under a labelling circumstance is there that kind of black and white. Love your channel, keep up the good work.

[@BeardedBored]

I can see why that might be your first thought, but just to be clear on my motives, I did the video because I came up with the idea and tested it, _then_ asked Olive Nation if they wanted to participate. You can definitely use fresh fruits or spices, or any brand of extract to get the flavors you want, but my main point is to aim the drink to the audience because gifts should be about what the recipient likes. Thanks brother.

[@richardharris6501]

Would love to try this but it's so expensive in the UK.

[@Cluster-Duck]

Have you ever made Dollar Tree “1$Store” Wine? Basically it’s everything comes from the dollar tree, Frozen fruit concentrate, yeast, sugar, water or milk jug, balloon ect….

[@scottclay4253]

Great stuff as always, Bearded! Congratulations on the new job. America’s Test Kitchen came out with spirit “kick it up a notch” (not gaaarlic, that was Emeral) enhancers years ago. They where vanilla, sherry, maple syrup and liquid smoke, all flavors similar those that come from an oak cask. It is amazing what you can do to a less that stellar bottle. It will not turn a “Twiggy” into a Raquel Welch but the improvement can be amazing. Can anyone add to the list. A strong tincture of real aging wood is much better than the liquid smoke, but the average bloke doesn’t already have a jar waiting in his kitchen. A hypothetical hobbyist may….maybe, but…..

[@BeardedBored]

I remember those! Haven't seen them in a bit.

[@b9brutality]

What if you did a neutral spirit run and just tried the straight extracts into each? Like a flavored vodka thing for parties and other less than whisky appreciating heathen gatherings.

[@BeardedBored]

Yeah, those come out great!

[@BillMcGirr]

I look at it this way. Everyone goes into a liquor/package store. The store has literally 500+ products… But most people only have a handful of products they enjoy. Perhaps someone recommends something to you and perhaps you like it and purchase it again. Also there are rare people who will try ANYTHING. We as hypothetical distillers tend to make what we would enjoy… hence the time we put into it. But you’re absolutely correct… that doesn’t mean anyone else will like it. I’ve tried some extracts before… I wasn’t overly impressed but I didn’t fine tune it or have the patience for it. Perhaps I’ll give this brand a try. Perhaps you could do a series of videos on extracts and your experience and opinions on them. This is an interesting topic. Good stuff. Strong.💪👍🥃😊

[@BeardedBored]

Really good point!

[@Rubberduck-tx2bh]

It indeed is a fine line between intrigued and skeptical! Hypothetically, of course... By the way, these Olive Nation extracts are GREAT for ciders too. Thanks Bearded! And that one gnome's pants were awfully low - you may get demonetized...

[@BeardedBored]

Yeah, that guy's gonna get me in trouble, hahaha!

[@jcd5268]

I know the feeling , I like mine straight,to taste all the subtitle taste in my whisky or rhum . But most of my friend’s cut it with coke or Pepsi. I don’t say anything to them. But it kind of frustrates me .

[@BeardedBored]

Yep!

[@HodgyE5]

I love Olivnation , Their products enhance my hobby. Bearded thanks for the great video.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks Hodgy!

[@The7thSonSteve-O]

Good points

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks!

[@the_whiskeyshaman]

So true. I have hypothetically made many things I thought my friends and family would love and the I go back and it’s still in there cupboard unopened. And I can contest the olive nation is the shit.

[@jasongannon7676]

Yep

[@ironmck9826]

All good man when you are creating something "hypothetically" that technically you are not allowed to make, what do the rules on how you make it really mean anyhow? Al that really matters is does it taste good in the end and if it does could you do it again?

[@BeardedBored]

You said it better than I did:-)

[@jeffreyschutt7451]

awsome bro

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks Jeffrey!

[@mikeball9900]

would you flavor your spirit at max abv then cut or, would you cut then flavor?

[@MrHarkino]

Have you ever used charred oak for flavor in you’re thumper?

[@BeardedBored]

No. Not sure it would have the desired effect.

[@MrHarkino]

Yeah I’m very curios. Probably gonna give it a run. Sometime down the road. Thanks for replying.

[@justsome-guy7596]

I just flavoured some White Dog using Olive Nation's orange essence - and another using their passion fruit. Jesus H Christ on a bike. This is a good thing. Do it.

[@jeffbradfield4413]

Hey is George ok havent seen him in a while

[@BeardedBored]

Yep, he's fine. Just taking a break.

[@tomblankendaal3228]

Thank you. I really, really don't like to be confronted with this fact. The trouble being... Its a fact. Then again, as chef's we cheat all the time and people love it. They're the tricks of the trade. Use them. I'm not saying you should do this to everything you make. Geek out on what you will. Just remember, it's your hobby not theirs. And if you like people to enjoy, make them something they like. (And keep the good stuff for yourself)

[@BeardedBored]

Exactly. I didn't make pechuga or for anyone but me and I'm not changing the flavor;-)

[@reevinriggin3570]

Some of my friends just want to do shooters. I'm like no, no, no. Just sit back and enjoy the flavors, sip guys, just sip. They all look at me like "where's the fun in that"? "give me another shot".

[@craig.n.gaylene]

Maturing on wood is just another way to add flavour isn’t it?

[@tleb8111]

Every major brand whiskey maker now makes multiple flavors of whiskey now.

[@robstaggs7577]

Use it in my thumper with other ingredients

[@tedbullpit6164]

I'd like to apologise to all those people who are above me who have taste buds I feel I'm blessed though because I can drink and eat anything and enjoy it

[@blackfire9750]

its not cheating but its not authentic, the artificial vanilla is going to be different than the vanilla you get from apple oak or sherry oak, its olivenation's vanilla. a real apple Brandy for example is always gonna be better than a Vodka flavord apple

[@martink9785]

I put a kilo of mixed frozen berries and some sugar in my last litre 92% and wanted to steep it for a week then dilute. Half way through the week me and mates killed half of it and they wouldn't let me dilute it, once the week was done we killed the rest and everyone wants more 😃 I learned that it's definitely about what others want. In my case, they want to get smashed, laugh and fall over which works for me! 😂

[@kennethcounts5905]

You know, you hit it dead bang. Okay... I have had a bunch of Sinus and Facial Surgery and full mouth extraction... So I have no problem around Skunks and Teargas. That being said I like strong intense flavors. For instance, you probably don't want to eat my Mexican Green Chili. Girlfriend won't let me make it in the house. So if I Hypothetically make things... It's purely for me and as much as I like to give it away and share it. I have NO Idea how they really taste it.

[@BeardedBored]

Ever try chili infused spirits? That might be right up your alley.

[@kennethcounts5905]

@@BeardedBored it sounds really good might have to hypothetically test fly it. Thanks for all the work you put into the channel we all love it. Just like the SCR I had no idea. Now I have one built that runs the water pump on my condenser so I can fine tune. Sooo much easier.

[@BeardedBored]

@@kennethcounts5905 Nice!

[@louiseblom6200]

Hahaha... never a dull moment🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks;-)

[@papadunbar]

Such a liberating video! If we were concerned about making the TTB happy, we wouldn’t be in this hobby! Thank you brother! Hypothetically ran my first Apple Brandy today and added sliced apples and cinnamon sticks to the gin basket. So much fun. Now to decide if I want to age any of it in a barrel.

[@BeardedBored]

Mmmm, barrel aged apple brandy sounds nice!

[@damanicgrinam8053]

Hey. Where is george?

[@BeardedBored]

He's ok, just taking a break:-)

[@narr0wm1nd49]

Where is this banana whisky I was promised

[@BeardedBored]

You're right, now I have to do it;-)

[@TheWolfster001]

Nice one brother, I always believed that.. It's not cheating, I found the more flavors you add to a spirit, the more the 22 to 30 year old's love, they want a kinda candyish flavor and taste.. Also "Hypothetically" you look a bit like you have been doing a lot of tasting of what the Alcohol Fairy's brought to ya... Enjoy your work...

[@BeardedBored]

I filmed this one at midnight a few days ago. Sleepy and buzzed look the same on me, hahaha😂👍

[@TheWolfster001]

@@BeardedBored I meant that as a joke.. On adding flavors, though. There is no wrong or right, just what works for you... I have seen people use Skittles and Jolly Ranchers, because you can get lots of flavor and for the younger (legal age) drinkers, they are drawn to the sweeter taste, I have to admit, I have did it also and a few of those flavors are very good.. I have not tested if you can use them as part of the sugar in making fermentation, might be something you could try.. Keep up the good work, you give many of us something to shoot for..

[@BeardedBored]

@@TheWolfster001 No worries brother. Thanks;-)

[@andy1982222]

Been on the fence about it for a while now I’m going to get some lol. Do these flavours add any colour say if orange added to vodka will it make the spirit cloudy not that it bothers me just curious

[@BeardedBored]

Some of the Olive Nation extracts have color, but none of the TTB flavors do.

[@andy1982222]

@@BeardedBored spewing they don’t deliver to Australia

[@paulkelley7445]

USA sc

[@TheGrainBench]

You know it's gonna happen. Your pallet experience and your whiskey is going to be different than others. Most are trying to compare against a shelf product that they have had. Some are so used to the burn, sting, and tailsy flavors from store bought that a cleaner aged spirit or clean cut blend just doesn't seem right to them. I think you hit the nail in the head though. For your non whiskey type friends give em the good stuff but with that extra bit of essence so that they are expecting the flavor you suggested and find it. Good vid man.

[@BeardedBored]

Thanks brother!

[@Lixmathing]

cheater cheater pumpkin eater!! see, its funny because Halloween is just around the corner!! Good on you for trying new things! keep up the work buddy!!

[@JamesKintner]

Blasphemy, heretical, awful... you shall be damned to the pits of Whiskey Hell. (sips Crown peach on ice with friends in pole barn after failing to get them to like newest favorite scotch). Get your people drinking your stuff, win Sir, win.

[@ArmyGray]

Muahahahahaha

[@AgeWhiskey]

Spot on here. Hahaha

[@BeardedBored]

Hahaha, thanks JayBird!

[@terenceryan5214]

Heretic!! (Kidding.)

[@undyingrage2396]

First