Chocolate in a blonde ale

[724b]

I'd like to make a blonde ale for summer that has a bit of chocolate in it. Light enough for a warm summer day but with a bit of interesting flavor from the chocolate.

Any thoughts on what form to use, and dosing for a 5-6 gallon batch?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Newgene]

Well, if you want the color to be light, I can't see you being able to use enough chocolate malt to give it any noticeable flavor without dramatically increasing the darkness of the beer.

As for flavor, I would look at cocoa powder or cocoa nibs, but it's always tough to figure out how to get the chocolate flavor without excessive bitterness. In a chocolate stout, the bitterness is tamed usually by adding lactose. However, that in itself can impart some off flavors in a mild beer.

I would think around 3 oz of cocoa powder added to the boil may do it.

 

[724b]

The idea for this came from a commercial example. Visually, it looked like a regular blonde. There may have been just a hint of color from the chocolate, but not much.

 

[Lukeduke02]

Any more thoughts or info regarding this idea?
It sounds interesting, however no follow up info to go on.
Anyone try doing this? How'd it turn out?

Thanks!