Brew a full-bodied, dessert-like stout with rich chocolate and roasted malt character, smoothed out with lactose and real cacao nibs.
Makes 5 gallons of Chocolate Milk Stout
All-grain recipe designed for brewers with an all-grain system
Ready to drink in about 5 weeks
Sweet stout with chocolate and roasted malt character, includes lactose and cacao nibs
Fast, and the chocolate comes forward
The lactose in this recipe does not ferment, so every version of this beer has a rich, full base. S-04 attenuates further than anything else here, which puts the chocolate and the cacao nibs in the foreground on top of it. It also ferments quickly and drops bright.
Ferment at 64-79°F
Attenuation 74-82%
Flocculation High
Fast, fruity, clears well
Rich, round, chocolate forward
Darkness was made for exactly this kind of beer and gives the cacao nibs a fuller, rounder base to sit on. It takes a big dark wort in its stride and holds a comfortable body all the way through.
Ferment at 62-72°F
Attenuation 71-75%
Flocculation Medium
Made for roast and caramel
Soft fruit alongside the chocolate
This strain ferments beautifully in heavily roasted wort and brings a gentle fruitiness that works well next to cacao. Keep it cool and that fruit stays in the background. Let it run warmer and it comes forward, closer to a cherry and chocolate character.
Ferment at 62-72°F
Attenuation 71-75%
Flocculation Medium
Built for dark beer
The richest, most dessert like
The least attenuative option here, and stacked on the lactose it takes the beer firmly into dessert territory. Very high flocculation means it still drops brilliantly clear underneath all that color. It likes a steady, narrow temperature band.
Ferment at 65-68°F
Attenuation 63-70%
Flocculation Very High
Sweet, malty, very clear
✅ Beginner-friendly with step-by-step brewing support
Flavor Profile & Beer Style
The Chocolate Milk Stout is a full-bodied, smooth stout with layered chocolate and roasted malt character. Raw cacao nibs contribute deep chocolate aroma and flavor, while lactose adds creaminess and a gentle sweetness that softens the roast.Balanced hopping keeps bitterness in check, allowing the stout's rich, dessert-like profile to remain smooth and approachable.
What’s Included in the Recipe Kit
This 5-gallon recipe kit includes all the ingredients needed to brew Chocolate Milk Stout at home:
Briess 2-Row Base Malt
Briess Bonlander Munich 10L
Briess Chocolate Malt
Briess Caramel 80L
Briess Caramel 60L
Briess Black Malt
Cluster Hops (bittering and late bittering)
Lactose (for creaminess and sweetness)
Cacao Nibs (secondary)
Your choice of dry yeast or liquid yeast
Step-by-step brewing instructions
Note: You will need a 5-gallon all-grain brewing system. Brewing equipment is not included.
How the Brewing Process Works
Brewing your Chocolate Milk Stout follows a traditional stout brewing process:
Mash: Convert grain starches into fermentable sugars with a full, sweet mash profile to build body and creaminess.
Sparge: Rinse the grains to collect sweet wort.
Boil: Add Cluster hops for balanced bittering. Add lactose during the boil for unfermentable sweetness.
Ferment: Ferment with English ale yeast until clean and fully attenuated. Add cacao nibs during secondary fermentation for rich chocolate character.
Enjoy: Ready to drink in about 5 weeks from brew day to glass.
This all-grain Chocolate Milk Stout delivers a rich, dessert-inspired stout with deep chocolate flavor, creamy body from lactose, and a smooth, roasted finish that satisfies chocolate lovers and stout fans alike.
New to Liquid Yeast?
Liquid yeast can deliver excellent fermentation performance and a wider range of strain options, but it’s a living, perishable product that requires a little extra care.
Liquid yeast may arrive warm. Ice packs help reduce heat exposure but do not guarantee cold arrival.
Refrigerate it when received and plan to brew as soon as possible.
We recommend adding an insulated mailer + ice pack to liquid yeast orders.
During May–September, dry yeast is strongly recommended due to higher shipping temperatures.
Liquid yeast is final sale and cannot be replaced due to heat exposure during transit.
A rich, chocolate-forward stout with smooth roasted malt flavor, real cacao aroma, and a creamy finish from lactose that delivers classic milk stout character.
What's Inside the Chocolate Milk Stout - 5 Gallon All Grain Beer Recipe Kit
This 5-gallon recipe kit includes all the ingredients needed to brew Chocolate Milk Stout at home:
Briess 2-Row Base Malt
Briess Bonlander Munich 10L
Briess Chocolate Malt
Briess Caramel 80L
Briess Caramel 60L
Briess Black Malt
Cluster Hops (bittering and late bittering)
Lactose (for creaminess and sweetness)
Cacao Nibs (secondary)
Your choice of dry yeast or liquid yeast
Step-by-step brewing instructions
Note: You will need a 5-gallon all-grain brewing system. Brewing equipment is not included.
Make Your Next Batch with the Chocolate Milk Stout Beer Recipe Kit
This kit lets you explore how lactose and cacao work together to build body and sweetness. Brew a stout that drinks smooth and indulgent without complicated techniques or advanced equipment.
Easy Steps to Making Chocolate Milk Stout Beer
Brewing 5 gallons of your favorite Chocolate Milk Stout is more rewarding than ever with our Chocolate Milk Stout 5 Gallon All Grain Beer Recipe Kit. With high-quality ingredients and simple steps, the process is straightforward and satisfying.
Make Your Beer Look As Good As It Tastes.
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Looking For Instructions?
Every all-grain kit comes with instructions to guide you through the brew day, fermentation and beyond. We provide recipe-specific tips tailored to your exact recipe, including mash temperature, fermentation timelines and more.
No. This is an ingredient-only recipe kit. You will need a 5-gallon all-grain brewing setup to brew this recipe. Brewing equipment is not included.
Does this beer contain real chocolate?
Yes. This recipe includes real cacao nibs, which are added during secondary fermentation. They contribute natural chocolate aroma and flavor without artificial additives.
Is this beer sweet?
Yes, gently. The lactose adds a creamy, mild sweetness that balances the roasted malt and chocolate flavors. It is a smooth, approachable stout without being cloyingly sweet.
How long does this beer take to brew?
Brew day takes about 4-5 hours for an all-grain batch. Fermentation takes about 2 weeks, plus additional time with cacao nibs during secondary. This beer is typically ready to drink in about 5 weeks from brew day.
Is this recipe kit beginner-friendly?
This kit is intended for experienced brewers with all-grain equipment. If you are new to brewing, we recommend starting with one of our extract recipe kits, which are designed for beginners.
Is this recipe available year-round?
Yes. This recipe kit is available year-round. Chocolate milk stouts are especially popular during cooler months but are a satisfying brew any time of year.
Not an All-Grain Brewer? Try the Extract Chocolate Milk Stout 5 Gallon Beer Recipe Kit
Our dry malt extract version of this recipe gives you the same classic Chocolate Milk Stout flavor with a simpler process. Perfect if you’re just starting out or want a quicker brew.
