chocolate extract

[Lsrc11]

Hey chaps I'm brewing a milk chocolate stout and I just got the kit and it came with a chocolate extract and the directions say to add at bottling but just say to taste but I haven't brewed one before so should i use all 5-6 ounces of the product or it might have a funny taste has anyone used the product before and any suggestions

 

[whyrat]

It depends on how big the batch and how strong the malt flavor. This really is something the you have to do to taste. I've used chocolate extract in the past but have limited it to about 1oz extract per gallon of beer (assuming you have single strength extract). If you bought a 5 gallon kit but end up with a smaller than 5 gallon yield (due to trub or whatever) then adding all the extract at bottle will make it stronger than they intend.

You could always experiment... Add half the extract and bottle half the beer, then add the other half to have "double chocolate". If you think something like that would be to your liking.

FYI, I never cared much for the flavor of liquid extract, I started using coco powder (same kind you bake with) and having that added to the end of the boil, and present during primary fermentation. It will mostly get left behind when/if you rack to secondary. I like the flavor that adds better than when I used the liquid flavoring added at bottle. But that's my preference, your taste may vary.

 

[37OliveStBrews]

I recently tried my milk chocolate stout that I made from Northern Brewer's all-grain kit. I too received a small bottle of chocolate extract kit to add at bottling or kegging (I keg). I added the entire thing to my 5 gallons in my keg. This is by far my favorite. My family also is amazed at its tastyness. If you have a 5 gallon batch to add to I wouldn't hesitate adding to the entire thing. Enjoy!

 

[Lsrc11]

That's for the info guys

 

[edsrockin]

+1 on the cocoa. when i did my chocolate stout i added some (a tbsp?) to the priming sugar. it was a bit strong at first but mellowed nicely after a couple months

 

[Cold Country Brewery]

I think chocolate extract tastes funny. It still tastes like chocolate, just has a funny flavor. Just like cheap chocolate still tastes like chocolate, just not very good. Play around with it, add a couple oz and then add more to taste. You can always add more, near impossible to take it out.