Brewery of the Day: Okell’s

There are breweries with traditions – and then there’s Okell’s, which helped get the rules for good beer written into Manx law. Founded on the Isle of Man by Dr William Okell in 1850, the brewery’s story took a wonderfully beer-geek turn in 1874 when its founder championed the Manx Pure Beer Act, restricting Manx beer to proper brewing ingredients and keeping artificial additives and substitutes out. More than 175 years after Okell’s began brewing, that commitment to pure beer is still going strong. Frankly, we rather like an island that takes its pint seriously enough to legislate for it.

And drinkers have plenty of reasons to take notice right now. Okell’s has just had a cracking few weeks on the awards circuit, picking up Gold at the 2026 World Beer Awards for its Nectar New World IPA, alongside recognition for its Smoked Porter, followed by two more medals at the International Beer Challenge. Back home, its cask ales remain a familiar sight across the Isle of Man’s pubs, while seasonal and limited-edition brews give the brewers plenty of room to have some fun alongside the classics.

So, if Okell’s is already an old friend, raise a glass to 175+ years of proudly Manx brewing. And if you’ve never tried an Okell’s beer? Consider this your invitation. A pint brewed on a tiny island in the Irish Sea, with generations of history behind it and its own purity law to boot – that’s exactly the sort of beer story we think is worth seeking out during Cask Ale Week.

Discover more: Visit Okell’s and read about its latest success at the 2026 World Beer Awards.