PinkCraftBunny’s Isle of Man Brewery Review: A Taste of Manx Craftsmanship

PinkCraftBunny’s Isle of Man Brewery Review: A Taste of Manx Craftsmanship

Welcome, fellow beer lovers, to PinkCraftBunny’s latest adventure. A flavour-packed journey across the Isle of Man’s thriving and ever-evolving beer scene! Nestled in the heart of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man may be famed for its dramatic coastlines, winding mountain roads, and storied history, but it’s also quietly becoming a destination for beer enthusiasts seeking something truly special.

This island’s breweries blend heritage, passion, and creativity in every pour. Here, centuries-old brewing traditions sit comfortably alongside cutting-edge techniques and bold, boundary-pushing flavours. From smooth, classic bitters to wild ales brewed with foraged ingredients, Manx breweries offer a diverse and exciting array of beers that capture the spirit of this unique place.

In this guide, we’ll explore five standout breweries that exemplify the best of Manx brewing. Each with its own distinctive philosophy, warm hospitality, and unforgettable beers. Whether you’re here for the TT races, a coastal getaway, or simply in search of your next great pint, grab your glass and let’s dive into the island’s finest liquid treasures!

Bushy’s Brewery – The Heart of Manx Ale Tradition

Est. 1986 • Douglas

We kick off at the legendary Bushy’s Brewery, a name synonymous with Manx beer culture. Established in 1986, Bushy’s is deeply woven into the Isle of Man’s social fabric, especially during the world-famous TT Races, where their beers are a staple of the celebration.

Noticeable Brews:

Manx Bitter (3.8% ABV): A classic session ale that epitomises traditional Manx brewing. Light, smooth, and subtly hoppy, it offers a refreshing and easy-drinking experience that locals swear by.

Old Bushy Tail (4.5% ABV): Bushy’s first-ever brew, this ruby ale delivers complex layers of treacle, malt, toffee, and subtle orange. A smooth, rich classic for lovers of traditional British bitters.

Great Spots To Drink It:

The Rovers Return, Douglas: A classic Douglas favourite, this traditional pub delivers a cozy, no-nonsense setting where locals and visitors gather to swap stories over a pint. It’s everything you want in a proper pub; warm, sociable, and full of character.

The Bay Hotel, Port Erin: A welcoming seaside pub offering panoramic views of Port Erin Bay, perfect for enjoying a pint of Bushy’s while watching the sunset over the Irish Sea. Known for its friendly vibe and laid-back atmosphere.

Website: bushys.com/
Instagram: bushysbreweryofficial/
Facebook: bushysbrewery


Okell’s Brewery – A Legacy of Pure Brewing

Est. 1850 • Douglas

Next on our island beer adventure is Okell’s Brewery, a true icon of Manx brewing heritage and a pioneer of quality-focused beers since 1850. Operating under the strict standards of the Manx Pure Brewing Act—which allows only water, malt, hops, and yeast—Okell’s delivers timeless, pure brews that reflect their unwavering dedication to tradition.

Noticeable Brews:

Okell’s 175 (4.5% ABV): Brewed to celebrate their 175th anniversary, this premium amber ale is rich and full-bodied with caramel sweetness, earthy hops, and a toasty malt character. It’s smooth, satisfying, and packed with heritage—crafted to honour their long brewing history.

Okell’s Bitter (3.7% ABV): A classic golden ale with a malty backbone and a beautifully dry, hoppy finish. Expect light notes of toffee and grapefruit that balance perfectly, offering an easy-drinking pint with a subtle complexity.

Great Spots To Drink It:

The Prospect, Douglas: A bustling city pub known for its quiz night, central location, and a fantastic line-up of Okell’s beers on tap. A lively spot for after-work drinks or a casual pint with friends.

The Castle Arms, Castletown (The Glue Pot): A cozy, historic pub tucked beside Castletown Harbour, affectionately known as “The Glue Pot.” It’s one of the oldest pubs on the island, famed for its charming, time-warp interior and excellent beer selection.

Website: okells.co.uk/
Instagram:
okellsbrewery/
Facebook:
okells


Odin’s Manx Beers – Mighty Brews from Union Mills

Est. 2019 • Union Mills

Odin’s Manx Beers is a proudly independent brewery based in Union Mills, known for crafting bold, cask-led ales that celebrate traditional brewing with a distinctive Manx flair. While the brewery itself focuses on production, their lively Douglas pub, Odin’s Thirsty Pigeon, serves as the best place to experience their beers at their freshest. Offering a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Odin’s is all about approachable, flavourful pints, with a lineup that ranges from rich, dark stouts to smooth, sessionable bitters. Perfect for those seeking no-nonsense, well-made local brews.

Noticeable Brews:

Laksaa (4.0% ABV): A beautifully balanced session ale that’s easy to drink but full of character, with subtle malt sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish.

Raven Pale Ale (4.2% ABV): A crisp, hop-forward pale ale that’s light on the palate but delivers bright citrus and floral hop notes. Ideal for those who enjoy a modern yet approachable pale.

Great Spots To Drink It:

Odin’s Thirsty Pigeon, Douglas: Odin’s own flagship pub, with a vibrant, friendly vibe, excellent cask ales, and plenty of local banter. Perfect for enjoying their full beer lineup in a laid-back setting.

The Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey: A classic, welcoming pub that proudly earned runner-up in the Campaign for Real Ale’s National Pub of the Year awards 2023. Known for its warm hospitality, perfectly kept cask ales, and a proper community pub feel. An ideal stop to enjoy Odin’s beers in traditional surroundings.

Instagram: odinsmanxbeer/
Facebook:
odinsmanxbeer


Noa Brewhouse – Craft, Innovation & Sustainability

Est. 2023 • Douglas

Noa Brewhouse brings bold, creative brewing to Douglas, blending craft, community, and sustainability. Known for using surplus bread from their bakery in select beers, Noa is all about inventive, eco-conscious brewing with a playful edge. Their beers lean toward modern, hop-forward styles—juicy pale ales, crisp lagers, and unique seasonal releases. Their lively taproom, connected to their bakery and roastery, is a local hotspot where fresh pints meet great coffee, baked goods, and laid-back vibes. Noa is the go-to spot for fresh, imaginative Manx beer with a creative twist.

Noticeable Brews:

The Fresh Prince of Lezayre (4.5% ABV): A silky, juicy pale ale brewed with Strata, Cashmere, and Azacca hops—tropical fruit-laden and subtly enriched with recycled bread for a soft, bready note.

Weird Uncle NEIPA (4.9% ABV): A hazy, tropical New England IPA bursting with juicy hop flavours, soft mouthfeel, and a lush, fruit-forward finish—perfect for fans of bold, modern brews.

Best Place to Drink It:

Noa Bakehouse, Douglas: Noa’s own welcoming taproom and bakery offers the freshest pours of their beers alongside house-made bread, pastries, coffee, and a relaxed, creative atmosphere. An ideal spot to sip and snack.

Black Dog Oven, Douglas: A cool, rustic pizzeria known for wood-fired pizzas, craft beer, and laid-back vibes. This is a great place to pair a pint of Noa with top-notch pizza in a chilled setting.

Website: noabakehouse.com
Instagram:
noa.iom/
Facebook:
Noa.iom/


Kerroo Brewing Company – Port Erin’s Microbrew Marvel

Est. 2024 • Port Erin

Tucked away in the coastal village of Port Erin, Kerroo Brewing Company is a rising star on the Isle of Man’s craft scene. This microbrewery is known for its creative, small-batch beers that celebrate bold flavours and local ingredients. From rich stouts to refreshing pale ales, Kerroo isn’t afraid to experiment with unique recipes and foraged additions. Their focus on handcrafted, seasonal brews makes every visit to their taproom a new experience. If you’re seeking inventive beers with true Manx character, Kerroo is not to be missed.

Noticeable Brews:

Heyboy (4.5% ABV): A vibrant, hazy pale ale brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops—bursting with grapefruit zest, tropical fruit, and a subtle acidity that brightens the finish. Soft, juicy body with a crisp edge that drinks well above its weight.

Best Place to Drink It:

Kerroo Brewing Taproom, Port Erin: A small-batch brewery based in a converted Commissioners’ depot on the Isle of Man (open Friday and Saturday). Sample HeyBoy and their latest creations. They also offer a curated selection of ciders, wines, and soft drinks. Always check their social media for current opening hours, tap lists and visiting food vans!

Website: kerroo.myshopify.com/
Instagram: kerroobrewing/
Facebook: kerroobrewing/


Whether you’re a fan of rich ruby ales, innovative lagers, or experimental stouts, the Isle of Man’s breweries deliver an incredible diversity of beers deeply rooted in local heritage and crafted with care.

From the old-school pubs pouring Bushy’s and Okell’s to the new-wave taprooms of Noa and Kerroo, this island has something for every kind of beer drinker. Ready for your own Manx beer adventure? Raise a pint, follow the trails, and toast to the bold craftsmanship of this enchanting isle.


FAQs

🍻Do these breweries have taprooms?

  • Bushy’s: No brewery taproom, but widely available in pubs and shops.
  • Okell’s: Brewery tours include tastings at their on-site bar.
  • Odin’s: Visit their pub, Odin’s Thirsty Pigeon in Douglas.
  • Noa: Yes, a taproom in Douglas.
  • Kerroo: Taproom open Friday & Saturday evenings in Port Erin.

🌊 Are these beers unique to the Isle of Man?
Yes, each brewery showcases Manx ingredients, history, or techniques, from seaweed to recycled bakery bread!

💷 How much do the beers typically cost?
Pints range from £4–£6 per glass at pubs or taprooms; bottles and cans range from £3 upwards.

🍕 Do they serve food?
Some taprooms like Noa and Kerroo partner with food vendors, while others focus purely on beer—check ahead for food options!


Want to keep up to date when new blogs drop? Drop your email below!


Check out PinkCraftBunny’s Socials for more Craft Beer adventures!

Leave a comment