Founded in 1850, Okell’s Brewery is a heritage-driven craft brewery based in Douglas, Isle of Man. With over 170 years of brewing expertise, the company is celebrated for its fusion of traditional brewing methods and modern innovation, producing award-winning ales that are deeply rooted in the Isle of Man’s brewing legacy.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Okell’s Brewery specializes in small-batch brewing with a focus on quality, consistency, and character. Its diverse product range is categorized into multiple signature collections:
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Heritage Collection:
- Okell's Bitter
- Dr. Okell's IPA
- Okell's MPA (Manx Pale Ale)
- Jiarg (Manx Red Ale)
- Olaf Mild
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Seasonal Beers:
- Spring Ram
- Summer Storm
- Autumn Dawn
- St. Nick (Winter Ale)
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Occasional & Limited-Edition Beers:
- Premium Steam
- Alt Altbier
- Maclir Wheat Beer
- Saison
- Dr. Okell's Elixir
- Dr. Okell’s Eastern Spice
- Olde Skipper
- Castletown Bitter
- Aile Smoked Porter
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Falcon Collection (Craft Series):
- Triumph Session IPA
- Aura Manx Pale Ale
- 1907 Biker Pale Ale
- Nectar New World IPA
- Banyan India Pale Ale
These beers range from 3.5% to 6.5% ABV, using a mix of traditional English malts, Manx water, and premium hops from around the world.
Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition
Okell’s Brewery distinguishes itself through:
- Heritage Authenticity: Established in 1850 by Dr. William Okell, it is one of the oldest operating breweries in the British Isles.
- Manx Purity Laws: All beers are brewed following the Isle of Man’s Pure Beer Act of 1874, one of the world’s oldest food quality laws.
- Cask and Bottle Variety: Extensive offerings in cask ale, keg, and bottle formats, appealing to both purist ale drinkers and modern craft enthusiasts.
- Modern Equipment with Historical Craftsmanship: The brewery balances modern brewing infrastructure with time-tested recipes and brewing styles.
Target Market and Positioning
Okell’s Brewery caters to:
- Traditional ale drinkers across the UK and Isle of Man
- Craft beer enthusiasts across Europe
- Tourism and hospitality sectors in the Isle of Man
- Export partners and premium on-trade distributors
With branding that resonates with both heritage-focused consumers and modern craft beer drinkers, Okell’s maintains a dual-market positioning.
Financials and Market Reach
Though privately owned and not publicly listed, Okell’s Brewery’s financial stability is anchored in its strong local presence and export capabilities. Estimates indicate:
- Annual production exceeding 5,000 hectolitres
- Beers sold in over 200 pubs and retail outlets across the UK and Isle of Man
- Active exports to Germany, Belgium, and select Asian markets
Its premium pricing strategy and heritage branding allow it to retain healthy margins while appealing to a niche yet loyal clientele.
Shipment and Export Activity
Okell’s Brewery has a robust international logistics network for both direct-to-partner shipping and third-party distribution. Their beers have been featured in export-focused UK campaigns, including:
- Great British Beer Festival (Germany and Italy editions)
- British Craft Beer Alliance events
- Export partners located in Germany, Spain, and Singapore
Beers are packaged in cask, bottle, and 330ml/500ml can formats to meet the needs of diverse global markets.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
Okell’s operates from a modern brewing facility in Douglas, Isle of Man, which includes:
- Custom-built brewhouse and fermenters
- Automated bottling and canning lines
- Cold storage and maturation chambers
- On-site lab for quality control and R&D
They also run a taproom and visitor experience centre, which serves as both a brand engagement hub and local retail outlet.
Certifications and Compliance
The brewery adheres to:
- Isle of Man Pure Beer Act (1874) — all ingredients are limited to water, malt, hops, and yeast.
- SALSA-certified production for food safety and quality assurance
- Export certifications under UK-EU trade protocols post-Brexit
- Sustainable brewing practices, including energy-efficient equipment and local ingredient sourcing
Customer Testimonials and Industry Recognition
Customer feedback often highlights Okell’s balance between traditional taste and quality:
“A great pint every time—Okell’s Bitter remains the benchmark for real ale in the Isle of Man.”
— CAMRA Member, UK
“Their craft IPA lineup is just as impressive as the heritage ales.”
— Beer Enthusiast, Berlin Craft Beer Fest
Achievements and Strategic Milestones
- 175th Anniversary celebrated in 2025, marking nearly two centuries of continuous brewing
- Launch of the Falcon Collection, a new craft beer series targeting younger demographics
- Okell’s MPA awarded by CAMRA as one of the top pale ales in regional UK tasting events
- Participation in London and Manchester Craft Beer Fests
- Recognized as one of the Top 10 Independent Breweries in the UK by independent beer rating platforms
As Okell’s Brewery continues to innovate while preserving its rich brewing tradition, it remains a respected name in both the classic and contemporary brewing worlds—symbolizing quality, heritage, and community across every pint.
