Brothers Cider Shandy Review
DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by Brian Hardy
I love the “Brothers Cider” story. A proud independent British company, the four brothers started selling cider from a stall at the Glastonbury Festival in 1995. While always determined to do things their way, they are part of the Showering family who have been involved with cider making since 1658, most famously establishing the Babycham brand. They are based in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, an area that has long been associated with cider making.
Selected Brothers products are now available in many major supermarkets and convenience stores, but festivals are still at their core, and they can be found at many festivals, summer and winter. Although not yet updated for 2026, there is a festival hub on the website with lots of festival-related information.
I have been asked to try “Brothers Cider Shandy” at ABV 1.2%. This is Brothers’ low-alcohol option. Many of Brothers’ cider flavours are sweet shop inspired, and I have been sent Dark Cherry and Classic Lemon, both of which have a hint of a boiled sweet which brought back memories of the corner shop of my childhood, mixed with a hint of cider.
The Classic Lemon was clear and fizzy and looked like cider in colour the taste reminded me of lemonade or ice cream soda.
Dark Cherry was cloudy and didn’t have a lot of fizz more like a scrumpy it looked like cider but didn’t taste like it, I didn’t think the flavour matched the appearance looking at it I expected it to taste like apple but instead it was a sweet cherry.
Of the two I preferred the classic lemon.
The flavours are completely natural, made from real fruit. The drinks are gluten-free and 100% vegan.
I have to be honest, I am a traditional cider drinker and found these a bit sweet for my taste. I also prefer a stronger alcohol taste, but I can see the appeal for others. Available in 330ml tins, these would be a very easy drink to serve. I would buy them to offer a low-alcohol option when I was entertaining at home. We are all looking forward to the barbecue season starting, and these drinks would be perfect for that. I can see the younger adults in our family going for these; they like a sweeter drink and try to avoid strong alcohol.
The company are very focused on sustainability:
* the orchards absorb tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere
* they use renewable energy
* the packaging is sustainable
* they have a zero-landfill policy
They are continually looking for other ways to improve their sustainability
The full range of Brothers Cider, along with some branded merchandise, can be purchased from the online shop at brotherscider.co.uk.
The Classic Lemon and Dark Cherry varieties that I tried are priced at:
* £9.49 for 12 cans
* £17.99 for 24 cans
Postage is free on orders over £40. If you sign up to the website, you will receive 10% off your first order.
Rating: 3/5