A smooth and creamy Non-Alcoholic Stout from Manchester-based Cloudwater Brew Co
Meet Freska, Cloudwater’s first ever alcohol-free stout: a beautifully smooth take on their Green Lane Stout, at just 0.5% ABV. A generous base of flaked barley and malt builds a dark, creamy mouthfeel, giving stout lovers a satisfying alternative without the strength of a traditional stout. Vegan and gluten free.
Tasting Notes
Subtle cocoa powder and espresso sweetness meet gentle roast bitterness in a thick, creamy mouthfeel. Dark, chocolatey and coffee-led, Freska balances its malt sweetness with a clean, dry finish that keeps it seriously drinkable.
What the Malt and Grain Bill Brings
Each ingredient has a part to play. Here is what these grains typically contribute in brewing:
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Golden Promise: A rounded, gently sweet malt foundation for the darker ingredients.
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Flaked barley: Body, creamy texture and foam retention, helping build Freska’s substantial mouthfeel.
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Dextrin malt: Supports fullness and head retention without strong roasted flavours.
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Munich malt: Richer, bread-like and toasted malt depth.
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Pale crystal: Gentle caramel sweetness and roundness.
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Roasted barley: Classic stout colour and coffee-like roast character, with a balancing roasted edge.
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Wheat malt: Supports body and foam for a fuller texture.
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Sinmar: As listed in the supplied can details, likely referring to Sinamar, a roasted-malt colouring extract used to deepen colour with less harsh roast character.
About the Hops
Centennial is typically associated with citrus and floral character and can provide balancing bitterness. East Kent Goldings is known for gentler earthy, floral and lightly spicy notes. In Freska, the producer’s tasting profile puts the spotlight on cocoa, coffee and creamy malt rather than pronounced hop aromas.
How to Serve
Pour into a clean glass to enjoy the creamy head, and allow it to warm slightly from fridge temperature so the darker malt flavours can open up. Try it alongside roasted vegetables, mushroom dishes or dark chocolate desserts.
Product Details
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ABV: 0.5%
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Can size: 440ml
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Style: Alcohol Free Stout
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Flavour profile: Coffee, chocolate, dark malt, creaminess, sweetness and roast
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Hops: Centennial and East Kent Goldings
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Calories: Approximately 84 kcal per can (19 kcal per 100ml)
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Sugar: Approximately 12.8g per can (2.9g per 100ml)
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Dietary: Vegan and gluten free
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Packaged: 25 September 2026
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Best before: 25 March 2027, for this batch
About Cloudwater Brew Co
Cloudwater Brew Co is an independent brewery based in Manchester, brewing across classic and imaginative beer styles. Freska brings their Green Lane Stout inspiration into the alcohol-free range, with smooth texture and dark malt character at its heart. Follow Cloudwater on Instagram for their latest releases.
Want to understand what 0.5% ABV means? Read our explanation of alcohol-free definitions.
