I tapped my try at Doc's Choc Coco Stout last week, and have been drinking it for a few days now. I thought it might still be a bit green, but it's actually great - from grain to glass in 3 and a half weeks. I was impatient and tried this batch pretty flat after a few hours of forced carbonation, and I thought it was excellent even without too much sparkle.
I used only one teaspoon of natural coconut extract (consistency of lotion) for 5 gallons. I get a slight whiff of coconut out of my pint glass - interesting, but not overwhelming. It reminds me of those coconut Dum-dum lollipops that I used to get at the barber as a kid. The taste has only a hint of coconut, noticible when you're looking for it, but not in-your-face. I was afraid that oils in the extract might affect head retention, as the first glass I poured (undercarbonated) had tiny little oily droplets on the surface. But with proper carbonation, I'm getting a perfect head and no oils.
This would be a great stout with or without the coconut. It is just so easy and smooth; I can see why Doc has called this a crowd pleaser. Even those who "don't like dark beers" would probably have their prejudice shattered by the mellow goodness of this brew. I'm going to use this recipe as a baseline from which start trying my own modifications for my own house stout.
