double chocolate stout clone - no lactose

[mike_57401]

Hello.

I'm looking at brewing a double chocolate stout clone without lactose. Here is a thread I have used for guidance on the recipe: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=136707

Has anyone brewed a recipe like the above, without lactose? I'm a little worried about bitterness from the cocoa powder in the boil not having sweetness of lactose to offset it.

Here's what I'm planning, FWIW:

8# Maris Otter
1.25# choc malt (use castle Chateau Chocolate)
0.375# Oat Malt
0.375# flaked wheat

Hops: 0.75 Willamette @ 60
0.5 EKG @ 20

(Aiming for 20-25 IBU)

8 oz Hershey's chocolate powder at flameout

1 lb Hershey's Special Dark Syrup in secondary

0.6 oz Chocolate extract at kegging.

What do you think? I'm wondering if 0.5 Lb honey malt would work to help offset the lack of Lactose.

 

[mike_57401]

BTW,

I will likely use Windsor or Munton's Gold yeast, aiming for less attenuation....