Vanilla Bourbon Porter Update

The porter is not dead yet, and I don't see any funk floating on top of the beer yet so there may be hope for this beer yet. When I racked from primary to secondary I lost almost another gallon to all the grain that had settled out. I did my best to strain the left over grains and managed to get about 40 ounces into a growler that I will ferment and keep separate. The grain was boiled so it should be sterile and not introduce any of the natural Funk yeasts that live in the husks of grain. I put bourbon soaked oakchips in both of the containers and when I tasted the bourbon that was left over from soaking I finally learned what people are talking about when they say adding oak flavor. I may add some of that to the 4 gallon container, if the bourbon or oak flavors aren't strong enough for my liking, but it's going to be a wait and see.

I looked several places but couldn't find vanilla beans that where remotely reasonably priced so I will likely do extract for this batch. Given the way it is going I've decided to not waste anymore money on this batch so if the extract doesn't give it a nice flavor I'm not married to this batch anymore. I will give it a chance, but in my mind it can be poured out at anytime.