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Recipe Kit Cherry Choc Bourbon Milk Stout
This is not your average stout. The Cherry Choc Bourbon Milk Stout is a silky, full-bodied milk stout, an award-winning recipe inspired by a Beervana champion from the master brewers at Black Rock and reimagined as a home brew kit.
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The details
This is not your average stout. The Cherry Choc Bourbon Milk Stout is a silky, full-bodied milk stout, an award-winning recipe inspired by a Beervana champion from the master brewers at Black Rock and reimagined as a home brew kit. A rich dark malt base with roasted grains and lactose carries a double hit of essence, Cherry Bourbon and Creme de Cacao, for layers of chocolate and warm oaky bourbon. It makes 20 litres at 5.2% ABV.
What it is like to brew
The ingredient list is exceptional for a kit beer: two liquid malt extracts, chocolate malt, dark roasted malt, lactose and two flavour essences working together to produce something genuinely complex rather than simply dark. The M15 Empire Ale yeast holds it all together, and the lactose adds a smooth, subtle sweetness that suits the chocolate and cherry beautifully.
Why this kit works
- Award-winning recipe inspired by a Beervana champion from Black Rock
- Cherry Bourbon and Creme de Cacao essences for chocolate and warm oaky bourbon layers
- Lactose for a smooth, creamy milk stout sweetness
- Two liquid malt extracts plus chocolate and dark roasted malt for real depth
When it makes sense
The kit to reach for when you want a special-occasion, dessert-style beer that makes an impression. Best suited to brewers who enjoy a richer, sweeter, more complex stout.
Specifications
| Style | Milk stout (dessert / specialty) |
|---|---|
| ABV | 5.2% |
| IBU | 30 |
| Colour (EBC) | 90 |
| Original gravity | 1.058 |
| Final gravity | 1.016 |
| Fermentation temp | 18 to 22 C (ale yeast) |
| Batch volume | 20 litres |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Ready to drink | About 5 to 6 weeks |
What's in the box
- Two liquid malt extracts (the fermentable base that becomes the beer)
- Chocolate malt and dark roasted malt (for cocoa, roast and dark colour)
- Lactose (for milk stout creaminess and subtle sweetness)
- Cherry Bourbon essence and Creme de Cacao essence (the signature flavour layers)
- M15 Empire Ale yeast (ferments the sugars and balances the beer)
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Flavour profile
- Appearance: Full dark, near black with a creamy head
- Aroma: Chocolate and cherry with warm oaky bourbon
- Flavour: Layered chocolate and cherry over a rich roasted malt base, bourbon warmth behind
- Mouthfeel: Silky, full and creamy from the lactose
- Finish: Smooth, subtly sweet and warming
Hamish's verdict
This is a beer to brew when you want to impress, so treat it like one. Give it five to six weeks to let the essences integrate with the malt, and serve it in smaller pours, it is rich. A genuinely special drop for the effort.
Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, June 2026. Last updated June 2026.
What's In The Kit
- Two liquid malt extracts: the fermentable base that becomes the beer
- Chocolate malt and dark roasted malt: for cocoa, roast and dark colour
- Lactose: for milk stout creaminess and subtle sweetness
- Cherry Bourbon essence and Creme de Cacao essence: the signature flavour layers
- M15 Empire Ale yeast: ferments the sugars and balances the beer
- Step-by-step brew day instructions with weights and timings
Brew Specs
- Style: Milk stout (dessert / specialty)
- ABV: 5.2%
- IBU: 30
- Colour (EBC): 90
- Original gravity: 1.058
- Final gravity: 1.016
- Fermentation temp: 18 to 22 C (ale yeast)
- Batch volume: 20 litres
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Ready to drink: About 5 to 6 weeks
Flavour Profile
Aroma: Chocolate and cherry with warm oaky bourbon
Flavour: Layered chocolate and cherry over a rich roasted malt base, bourbon warmth behind
Mouthfeel: Silky, full and creamy from the lactose
Finish: Smooth, subtly sweet and warming
Who it's for
Buying from us
Quick answers
Questions about this product, shipping and orders. See the FAQ page for more topics.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
How much beer does this kit make?
It makes 20 litres, which is roughly 26 longneck bottles (750ml) or about 60 stubbies (330ml).
Is this a sweet stout?
Yes, it is a milk stout, so it is richer and sweeter than a dry stout. The lactose adds a smooth, subtle creaminess and the cherry and chocolate essences make it taste like a dessert. It is balanced rather than syrupy.
What are the Cherry Bourbon and Creme de Cacao essences?
They are flavour additions that layer cherry, chocolate and warm oaky bourbon character into the beer on top of the roasted malt base. They are what make this stout taste complex and special rather than simply dark.
Do I need temperature control to brew this stout?
No. This is an ale and ferments well at room temperature (around 18 to 22 degrees C, up to 23 for this kit), so you do not need a temperature-controlled fridge.
How long should I condition a stout before drinking?
Allow 1 to 2 weeks to ferment, then give it a few weeks of conditioning. Stouts genuinely improve with age, and 4 to 6 weeks total lets the roast mellow and the body smooth out.
What equipment do I need to brew this kit?
A fermenter with lid and airlock, a no-rinse sanitiser, a thermometer, a hydrometer, and bottles or a keg for packaging. Our starter equipment kits include everything you need.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
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