Question.

[Christopher Helms]

Has anyone ever tried tossing a few apple wood or other fruitwood
chips into the pot during the boil? I've got a bunch of apple and
cherry chips waiting for barbecue season to return and keep wondering
if they would add anything interesting or useful to my ale. Or would
they just add tannins and weird flavors? Just wondering if anybody has
ever tried it.

[Bill O'Meally]

Post by Christopher Helms
Has anyone ever tried tossing a few apple wood or other fruitwood
chips into the pot during the boil? I've got a bunch of apple and
cherry chips waiting for barbecue season to return and keep wondering
if they would add anything interesting or useful to my ale. Or would
they just add tannins and weird flavors? Just wondering if anybody has
ever tried it.

You might try putting them in the secondary. I've done that with oak
chips with good results.

[T.J. Higgins]

Post by Bill O'Meally

Post by Christopher Helms
Has anyone ever tried tossing a few apple wood or other fruitwood
chips into the pot during the boil? I've got a bunch of apple and
cherry chips waiting for barbecue season to return and keep wondering
if they would add anything interesting or useful to my ale. Or would
they just add tannins and weird flavors? Just wondering if anybody has
ever tried it.

You might try putting them in the secondary. I've done that with oak
chips with good results.

+1 on the secondary. Homemade wine kits often include oak chips
or powder for use in the fermentation. Would work the same for
beer.

[Matt Conlon]

I think I'd probably try that for a smokey porter. I'm not sure it would go well with an Ale.