In our recent stout and cheese tasting at Murray's by far the best brew of the night was the fairly popular Mackeson's XXX. It made the glass of Guinness taste like lifeless water in comparison and I say that as a major Guinness fan.
Mackeson's XXX is a sweet or “milk” stout, meaning it contains lactose derived from milk. The result is a rich, full bodied and satisfyingly sweet flavor. I can only hope it gains even more popularity and is as readily available at bars as Guinness. There is hope as it is the standard go to for this kind of stout. I have read online that Rebar, Blind Tiger Ale House, and Trader Joe's have a carried or served it. I will just be on the look out from now one when it is offered.
Our awesome instructor, Chris Munsey paired it with Ardrahan, a creamy rich cheese from West Cork, but it would go well with anything nice and salty.
But what do you think?