Skip to main content

Brewery In Focus - Oakham Ales: Precision Brewing in the Heart of England

Tucked away in the quiet market town of Oakham, Rutland, Oakham Ales has built a reputation that stretches far beyond its modest geography. Since its founding in 1993, the brewery has become synonymous with consistency, clarity of flavour, and a quietly confident approach to innovation.

This is not a brewery driven by gimmickry. It is one built on precision, on doing simple things exceptionally well, and occasionally pushing those boundaries just far enough to stand out.

A Legacy of Quality and Recognition



Over the years, Oakham Ales has accumulated an impressive list of awards, including the prestigious Champion Beer of Britain, won in both 1998 and 2001.

At the centre of that success sits Citra, a beer that has become not just a flagship, but a benchmark. In many ways, it helped define what modern British golden ale could be: bright, hop-forward, and unapologetically aromatic.

But Oakham’s story does not begin and end there.

Citra: The Modern Classic

Citra is, quite simply, iconic.

A golden ale built around the now-famous Citra hop, it delivers a vivid burst of citrus and tropical fruit, grapefruit, lime, and a gentle mango sweetness. It is refreshing without being thin, expressive without being overwhelming.

There is a clarity to it, both in appearance and intent. Every element feels deliberate.

For many drinkers, this is the gateway into hop-forward British ale.

Inferno: Complexity with Drinkability

Inferno takes things a step further.

Brewed with a blend of five different hops, it layers flavour in a way that feels both bold and controlled. There is bitterness here, certainly, but it is balanced by a clean, refreshing finish that prevents it from becoming heavy.

Despite its strength, it retains an ease of drinking that speaks to Oakham’s brewing discipline.

Scarlet Macaw: Malt Meets Balance

Moving into darker territory, Scarlet Macaw offers a different kind of complexity.

This ruby red ale is built on a foundation of six malts, creating a rich tapestry of caramel and toffee flavours. Yet, true to Oakham form, it never becomes cloying. A subtle hop bitterness cuts through, keeping the beer balanced and structured.

It is a winter ale, certainly, but one that remains composed rather than indulgent.

Green Devil: For the Hop Devoted

Green Devil is not a beer that hides its intentions.

With seven different hops in play, it delivers an intense, hop-forward experience that leans firmly into bitterness and aromatic complexity.

This is a beer for those who actively seek out that edge, for drinkers who want their ale to challenge as much as it satisfies.

Bishop’s Farewell: Balance Perfected

At the more restrained end of the spectrum sits Bishop’s Farewell.

A golden ale brewed with three hops, it exemplifies balance. Light, refreshing, and quietly complex, it offers just enough citrus brightness and bitterness to keep things interesting without ever becoming demanding.

It is the kind of beer that works in almost any setting, equally at home in a quiet pub corner or a busy summer garden.

A Brewery Defined by Control

What unites all of these beers is not just quality, but control.

Oakham Ales understands how to handle hops, how to extract flavour without losing balance, how to build complexity without overwhelming the drinker.

Their beers rarely shout. Instead, they articulate.

Final Thoughts

Oakham Ales is a brewery that has earned its reputation through consistency, clarity, and craft.

From the citrus brilliance of Citra to the layered intensity of Green Devil, from the malt richness of Scarlet Macaw to the easy balance of Bishop’s Farewell, their range reflects a deep understanding of what makes beer both enjoyable and memorable.

In a world of ever-changing trends, Oakham Ales offers something quietly reassuring:

Beer that knows exactly what it’s doing, and does it exceptionally well.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wychwood Dirty Tackle: Witney Brewing with a Playful Edge

Some breweries build their reputation on tradition, others on innovation. Wychwood Brewery has managed to do both, rooting itself in centuries of local brewing while embracing imagination, storytelling, and a distinctly modern sense of identity. Tucked away behind the main street of Witney , in the heart of the Cotswolds , Wychwood is a brewery that understands the importance of place and how to bring it to life. Witney: Bread, Blankets, and Beer Witney has long been associated with its 'three Bs,'  bread, blankets, and beer . For centuries, the town thrived as a centre of blanket-making, powered by the River Windrush, while brewing developed alongside it as an essential part of daily life. Beer here was not simply a luxury, it was woven into the fabric of the town. Inns, taverns, and small breweries served both locals and travellers passing through the Cotswolds, establishing a tradition that continues to this day. Wychwood Brewery stands firmly within that lineage, car...
3 comments
Read more

Brew It Yourself Launch Loyalty Scheme for Home Brewers

For anyone passionate about home brewing, there’s now even more reason to get the kettle on. Brew It Yourself has introduced a new customer loyalty scheme , rewarding brewers for doing what they already love, making great beer. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your latest recipe, this scheme adds a welcome incentive. And who knows, your next batch might just be an award winner. How the Loyalty Scheme Works The idea is simple,  the more you brew, the more you save . You’re automatically enrolled,   no registration required Points are added to your account every time you place an order You can check your balance anytime by logging into your account Each loyalty point is worth 1p , and once you reach 500 points (£5) or more, you can convert them into a discount code to use on future purchases. At checkout, you’ll see a ' Customer Loyalty Points'  section where you can generate your code. You don’t have to spend them straight away either, points c...
2 comments
Read more

A Revival in a Glass: Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild

Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild is a rare and fascinating example of a strong mild ale , weighing in at a robust 6.0% ABV and brewed to a pre–World War I recipe . Before the Great War, strong milds were not unusual; they were the norm. In fact, mild ales were traditionally brewed in four strengths , ranging from around 5.5% to 7% ABV , often обозначated by 'X' markings, with ' XXXX' representing the strongest. However, wartime grain shortages forced brewers to adapt, and weaker milds gradually replaced their stronger counterparts. What we drink today as 'mild' is often a shadow of that earlier, more powerful tradition, making Dark Ruby something of a historical survivor. Black Country Heritage: Sarah Hughes Brewery and Its Sedgley Home Sarah Hughes Brewery is a historic, family-run brewery based in the village of Sedgley , in the heart of the Black Country . Brewing takes place behind the renowned The Beacon Hotel , a traditional pub that has become somethin...
Post a Comment
Read more