Advice on modifying a Stout Kit (partial mash)

[waskelton4]

well.. at least i think it's partial mash.. that line seems kinda blurry to me.

anyway..
I have a B3 Stout Kit (5 gal) that contains the following

grain/extract
7lbs ultralight malt
1lb Crystal 40L
8oz Black Roasted
4oz Black Patent
4oz Chocolate Malt

hops
1oz Northern Brewer (60min)
1oz Cascade (1min)

Whirfloc

Nottingham Ale yeast


That is what came in the kit. I also bought 2 lbs of flaked barley (which i have since found out is probably way too much) because i've seen it in a number of stout recipies and read somewhere that it will increase mouthfeel and head retention.

I also have a 49 oz can of Oregon Sweet Cherry Puree. (3lb 1oz)

I was set at first on making a cherry stout but since this is my first stout i have thought it might be smarter to just make a plain stout and if i like it as is then do another one with the cherry.

questions are..
with the recipie above.. how much flaked barley should i add (if any) and how should i go about adding it. I think it is supposed to be mashed with the rest of the grain, which according to the kit instructions say to put all of the grain in the bag and in the pot of water and slowly bring the water to 170F taking at least 30 min to do so. will this work for the flaked barley?

also.. thoughts about the cherry?

I'm probably gonna be brewing on thurs (10/26)

many thanks!

Will

[DannyW]

You have an "Extract + grains" recipe. Don't use the flaked barley with the rest of that stuff; you won' tbe happy.

If it were me, I'd make the recipe the first time as the instructions describe, then try changing things up the second, third, nth time.

If you are going to use the cherries, then build the kit per the instructions and give it 4 or 5 days to ferment. Then sanitize the outside of the can and dump the cherries right in the same bucket. Make sure you have a pan or something under the fermenter to catch any splooge. Give it another week or two, then bottle/keg.