Post #2041743

I've only been doing it for a couple of years, and I'm nothing even vaguely approaching an expert. What you are doing is fucking legendary though and I'm super inspired. I have had the best luck with everclear and distilled water instead of vodka because for some reason vodka always adds its own flavor that fights the awesome complex of flavors you get from the beans. I think the water is essential too because the flavor is more than just the parts that are alcohol soluble. I find the home extracted stuff is ready to use in 6months but is done in 9 and that unlike the store bought stuff, it doesn't seem possible to over do it. Sometimes I add it straight to milk or soda and regret nothing. Not really sure how dark it is supposed to be but the difference between 6 months and 9 months is noticeable. I'm doing 10 beans per liter and I get three full extractions before I break the beans down for bean paste and soap.