I recently discovered something that is drastically changing my drinking habits.
Most people I know would consider me a moderate to heavy drinker. The arrival of Brothers ciders into my life is pushing me ever closer to the more extreme end of that spectrum. This range of refreshing beverages is suitable for vegan drinkers as it is made without the use of animal by-products to filter or fine. Cider? Cruelty-free? Just take my wallet.
Vegan cider by Brothers accompanied by UK winter snow
Please check out the Brothers cider website to view all of the available flavours. My empty bottles of the strawberry and pear varieties can be seen nestled in the snow on this page, but I am beyond keen to get my FGV paws around a few bottles of the Toffee Apple cider. I know, right?!?! Sounds too good to be true. I’ll report back to you on that one.
For the most part, I don’t have trouble following a plant-based diet. The UK enjoys an incredibly-wide array of products found in supermarkets and health food stores.
There is, however, one area of consumption where I sometimes struggle to have my demand met… and that is booze. I love a drink. Beer and whiskey and wine. Tick ‘all of the above’ please. But I endure the (almost daily) struggle of finding clearly-labeled vegan alcohol. Animal products are often used in the production of drinks and not all companies and establishments responsible for my lack of sobriety are up to speed with letting me know if they are selling animal-free liqour.
But never fear. Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery in Tadcaster, Yorkshire has come to my rescue. This independent brewery has been turning out delectable thirst-quenchers since 1758. They clearly understand what makes a drink vegan and I have fallen in love with their Cider Reserve. Samuel Smith is served only in Samuel Smith pubs. In an attempt to remain fiercely independent, these branded pubs only serve Sam Smith items and maintain a music-free environment as a protest to public performance royalties.
I recently enjoyed several pints of Cider Reserve with friends in a lovely Sam Smith pub located in Tower Bridge, London. The Anchor Tap (located on Horselydown Lane) is a gem from another era. Low ceilings and goblin-sized doorways frame cosy rooms where you can relax with incredibly-inexpensive drinks. London can be slightly overwhelming, but the Anchor Tap and Samuel Smith put it all in perspective.
I carry a bit of extra weight, I am into guys and I enjoy cruelty-free food and drink. Join this Fat Gay Vegan on a journey of eating and drinking around the United Kingdom (and occasionally further afield) as I chronicle my plant-based adventures.
