Slow cookers are so easy for stock, but I swear it makes the broth taste different than stovetop. It's like less sharp somehow. Do you notice that too?
Yeah, it's that rounder, softer flavor. My stovetop chicken stock has a brighter, almost peppery kick to it, even without pepper. The slow cooker version from the same bones just tastes more blended and gentle. Makes you pick your method based on the soup you want, right?