There are few better places for brewers to plunder names than mythology, and when they do, the results are often as evocative as they are memorable.
Oakham Ales is one such name.
In Greek mythology, Lethe was one of the five rivers of the Underworld, the Ameles Potamos, the river of unmindfulness. Flowing through Hades and winding past the cave of Hypnos, its waters offered a singular, unsettling gift, complete forgetfulness. Those who drank would lose all memory, stepping into oblivion unburdened by the past.
Lethe was not just a river, but a spirit, an embodiment of forgetting itself.
It is, then, a rather inspired concept for a beer.
Though perhaps, for the sake of public service, it’s worth recommending that drinkers aim not for total oblivion, but something closer to mild amnesia and a pleasant evening.
Oakham’s Oakademy at Work
This particular interpretation comes from Oakham Ales’ Oakademy of Excellence, a name that suggests both craft and a slightly playful self-awareness. Known for their hop-forward beers and consistent quality, Oakham rarely miss their mark, and here, they’ve opted for something a little lighter in tone.
Brewed as a seasonal ale for June, Lethe leans into refreshment rather than intensity, a beer designed for longer days, warmer evenings, and perhaps a gentler approach to forgetfulness.
A Light Touch, Done Well
In the glass, Water of forgetfulness presents as a pale, golden ale with a light, fluffy white head, inviting and uncomplicated.
The flavour profile follows suit:
- Bright passion fruit and lychee notes
- A gentle thread of orange citrus
- A clean, refreshing body that makes it effortlessly drinkable
There’s a subtle shift toward the finish:
- A dry, slightly saline edge
- A lingering note that keeps the palate interested without overwhelming it
At 4.1% ABV, it sits comfortably in session territory, easy to return to, and perhaps dangerously so if one were truly intent on testing the mythology.
A Softer Side of Oakham
For those familiar with Oakham’s often assertive hop character, Water of Forgetfulness may feel comparatively restrained. It doesn’t shout in the way some of their more famous brews do.
But that’s not a flaw, it’s a choice.
This is a beer that prioritises balance and drinkability over boldness. It doesn’t demand attention; it earns it gradually, through quiet consistency and subtle charm.
Final Thoughts
Lethe is a beer that lives up to its name in spirit, if not in consequence.
It won’t erase your memories, but it might gently soften the edges of a long day, offering a moment of calm in the flow of things.
Light, refreshing, and quietly satisfying, it’s the kind of ale that doesn’t try to be everything at once. Instead, it focuses on doing one thing well, being a very good pint.
And if, by the end of the evening, a few details have slipped away, well, perhaps that’s entirely in keeping with tradition.
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