The Scottish brewer has rejected the use of isinglass, a product derived from dried fish bladders and traditionally used as part of the fining of beer, and claims to have never used the fish product in any of its products.
Sarah Warman, head of marketing at BrewDog, said: “Registering our beers with The Vegan Society now, despite them never having animal products in, is part of our bid to make craft beer brewed with passion available as easily possible. Here’s to the craft beer revolution, and vegan punks everywhere!
“Everyone should be able to drink great beer, and we’re proud that particular dietary choices won’t keep you out of a BrewDog bar or BottleDog. That’s why we’re also rocking epic gluten-free and alcohol-free beers in our venues."
In place of isinglass, Brewdog use a “rock and roll centrifuge” to clarify their beer, thereby making it suitable for vegans.
Jasmijn de Boo, CEO of The Vegan Society, said: “There’s absolutely no need to use isinglass in beer production. It’s an archaic, outdated practice that is being phased out of this industry thanks in part to breweries like BrewDog, who recognise the size of the vegan market.
“The world is getting ever-thirstier for vegan beer. As awareness of isinglass grows with more people realising what it is – fish guts – more people are seeking to avoid it, opting for something vegan-friendly instead. By taking the Vegan Trademark, BrewDog are ahead of the curve, opening up their market to a fast-growing vegan community, and we’re looking forward to many more following their lead.”
The Vegan Trademark is the internationally renowned standard for products that are free of all animal use, seen on products since 1990.
BrewDog’s latest beer, Jet Black Heart, which claims to “take revenge” on Diageo, is one of “a handful of exceptions” that are unsuitable for vegans.