Okell’s beers from the Isle of Man are to gain greater UK distribution after they were added to the portfolio of specialist beer supplier Morgenrot.
The agreement covers the full Okell’s range including five core ales in nine-gallon cask: Okell’s Bitter, Manx Pale Ale, IPA, dark beer Olaf and red beer Jiarg.
It also covers four beers in 33cl bottles: wheat beer Maclir, IPA, Aile porter and 1907 strong pale ale. A selection of seasonal ales will also be available throughout the year.
It is Morgenrot’s first venture into cask ale and marks a move into UK brews after its successful focus on world beers such as Affligem, Krombacher, Mort Subite, Quilmes and Windhoek.
Okell’s, which began brewing in Douglas on the Isle of Man in 1850, complies with the Isle of Man Brewing Purity Law which, like Germany’s purity laws, prohibits the use of any ingredients as a substitution for natural water, yeast, hops and malt.
Okell’s national account director Jonathan Thomas said: “Okell’s remains passionate about producing hand-crafted beers using traditional techniques and we pride ourselves on the complexity and taste of our recipes and beers.
“We are delighted that a distributor with the reputation of Morgenrot has agreed to partner with us in bringing Okell’s to a far wider audience of discerning ale drinkers.”
Morgenrot’s national account director Graham Archibald said: “With our world beers seeing strong growth, we have felt that a quality British ale brand would enhance and be a key asset to our portfolio.
“We believe Okell’s has the story, passion and brewing heritage plus a truly incredible and diverse range of real ales that will create real excitement in the on-trade.
“Just a few days in, we have already seen some astounding interest so we are looking forward to developing the brand in the next few years.”
