Adding Lactose

[roguenationpatriot]

I'm looking to use Lactose in my upcoming batch.(Oatmeal Milk Stout)  When would be the best time to add it to the wort?

[tschmidlin]

I would put it in at the end of the boil so it dissolves easier and gets sterilized.  But you could add it later if you want, just boil it in some water first for the same reasons.

[roguenationpatriot]

Is there specific amount you like to use?

[tschmidlin]

I usually use a pound per 5-gallons, but I know people who use half that.  It really depends on the rest of the recipe, mash temp, and the flavor profile you like.

[dmtaylor]

I like to wait and add my lactose on bottling/kegging day.  This way you can adjust if the beer is already on the sweeter/thicker side so that it doesn't turn out super slurpy.  Otherwise I would say 3/4 pound for 5 gallons is a pretty good swag if you're not sure how much to use.  A pound is the absolute maximum for a beer that finished pretty dry.  If you add a pound a beer that finished at say 1.018, you're going to have yourself a thick chewy syrupy beer.

[roguenationpatriot]

I don't want it to overpower the oatmeal flavor so I'll probably try to stay around the 3/4 lb mark or under.