1850. It was the best of times…Dickens was busy promoting his newly published book David Copperfield, Darwin was formulating his seminal theories of evolution, and Dr. William Okell opened his “astonishing” Steam Brewery in the Isle of Man which set a new standard for innovation. It is a standard that our Head Brewer, Dr. Mike Cowbourne, continues today.

Dr Mike is one of only two Doctors of Biochemisty in the British brewing industry and, when he is not consulting for the industry, he is creating unique and complex recipes for brews which uphold another great Manx tradition…Purity.

Pureity is a byword for all Isle of Man beers. It started with the enactment of our Brewing Purity Law in 1874 which forbids the use of any ingredients other than malt, sugar, hops, yeast and water. Today that standard is maintained, which means that Manx beers are bywords for quality and integrity.

“As a tribute to this great law, you will see the words "Pure Brewed" proudly displayed on all Okells’ beers” says Dr Mike.

Pure brewing and innovative recipes combine to create Award-winning beers with international acclaim and fans, including top beer plaudits such as Roger Protz

“At the centre of our portfolio is our famous Okells Bitter – a golden coloured beer with a full malt and hop aroma, and a long lasting dry-ish hoppy complex finish” explains Dr Mike.

“We have created a range of fascinating beers over the last few years from Mac Lir, a wheat beer , and our tribute to the legend of Manannan Mac Lir, the Sea God after whom the Isle of Man is named” he says.

Dr Okells is a tribute both to the man and the times. An India Pale Ale in the classic tradition, it has also won many international awards and a loyal following in the UK and beyond.

Aile (Pron. ‘Isle’) is a rich smoked ale using the same peats that are used in fine whisky and the most recent Okells 1907 celebrates the centenary of the Isle of Man TT Races with a beer that has been showered in accolades and demand.

Okells Brewery is a proud member of Purely Isle of Man, a group of the Island's finest producers and craftspeople working together to bring the best of the Isle of Man to the rest of the world.