Free Black is a stout that actually commits to the roasted malt end of the spectrum. It pours near-black with a generous creamy head. The nose is straightforward stout territory: roasted cereals, dark chocolate, a distinct coffee note, and some caramel underneath. The palate follows through. There's real bittersweet character here, the chocolate and roast reading as a coherent flavour rather than a list of descriptors. The body is medium-full for an alcohol-free beer, which means it holds its shape in the glass rather than falling flat. The finish is dry and slightly smoky, with the roasted note lasting longer than you might expect. For a dark AF beer, this is a credible option. Serve it at 10-12°C rather than ice cold or the flavour compresses.