Matchless Bar 2023
Matchless Brewing

One year old, properly aged can. Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark mahogany brown, appearing opaque in the glass with a one finger khaki head with good retention and nice lacing. Aroma of dark toasted malt, cocoa, woody oak, whiskey and vanilla. Flavor is dark toasted malt, whiskey, milk chocolate, vanilla and oak. Medium bodied with light to moderate creaminess. A well balanced cocoa and vanilla stout. Sturdy, slightly sweet malt base supports the chocolate and vanilla flavors. Vanilla somewhat more subdued than the chocolate, which is about right for my palette.This year old (2023) is more whiskey forward and has less creamy mouth feel than the previous year, but still is as enjoyable. I listed this one, but it is similar enough that a generic "Matchless Bar" would probably be fine. The annual variants are always different recipes and thus taste and probably should have their own listing. I like this series and will continue to get it every year (2024 is waiting for next year in the basement.