Black Patent for color & optional IMO. I just like it jet black...
I prefer using MO in my Sweet Stouts but have found that a combination of 2-Row & Munich comes sorta close if MO isn't available. Here's another twist. Add a few vanilla beans to a bottle of bourbon or whiskey, age it a couple of weeks & add it to your Sweet Stout when serving. About 1 Tablespoon per pint. MMMMM! I use 8 Bourbon Madagascar Extract Grade beans per 1.75L. Cut the beans 1-2" & split lengthwise to expose the innards. Shake it once in a while to mix it up. Cheers!!!