Oxford Brewery is inspired by our home city of Oxford and its rich culture and heritage. The story of Scholar, one of the beers that started it all over a decade ago, was about the legend of a rampaging wild boar that was killed by an Oxford scholar using his book of Aristotle’s ‘Philosophy’. Our own story continues, with the bringing together of our two great brewing brands, The Shotover Brewing Co and Oxford Craft Beer Co. From this auspicious past we have formed Oxford Brewery, the merging of tradition and innovation. The result, unique beers each with a new legend to be discovered.

We were established over a decade ago as one of the city’s first new wave brewers, and our spirit of innovation continues as Oxford Brewery. From Spring 2021, you can enjoy our beers in our new Oxford Brewery Tap, online or in our brewery shop.

A masterful English Porter
5.0% ABV

In tribute to the poor porter, who as legend has it, was in the habit of bumping into the ghost of Wadham College who haunts the route from the chapel door, smoothly gliding across the quad and into the hall, before vanishing just in front of the high table.

Our Oxford Porter is the perfect embodiment of this classic beer style. A dark, rich, smooth and intensely flavoured beer with an aroma of coffee and chocolate.

Thought for food: Traditional British game pie, or warming sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream.

An Eminently Sessionable Bitter
3.7% ABV

In recognition of the unfortunate prospective Balliol scholars who were set upon by the College Fellows and carried off to the College Hall. Here they were sat on a striking brass eagle and were forced to tell stories to entertain the Fellows over a few beers.

This is a session bitter, lower in alcohol, yet big in body and flavour. It delivers a surprisingly big mouthfeel and a striking dry hoppiness that is very moreish.

Thought for food: Pork tenderloin with orange marmalade glaze, or wood-fired BBQ pulled pork pizza.

A praiseworthy Hoppy Ale
4.2% ABV

In praise of the tradition by which Trinity College senior fellows would wait on their patron, the Bishop of Winchester. They would present him with a pair of gloves, embroidered with lace to honour his presence, every time he visited the College.

This is a pale ale with a big hop aroma and intense citrus character that lingers wonderfully on the palate. Hopped in multiple stages, it delivers a remarkably dry and intensely hoppy beer.

Thought for food: Prawn linguine with tomatoes, lemony rocket and a kick of chilli, or zesty avocado grapefruit and fennel salad.

English IPA
5.0% ABV

Empress Matilda was in France when her father, Henry I, died. So Stephen, the King’s favourite nephew, was crowned in her place. In response Matilda decided to invade England. It all went pear-shaped and she escaped to Oxford disguised as a corpse; on reaching Shotover Hill and seeing Oxford’s dreaming spires, she burst into tears of relief.

A beautifully balanced IPA made with a blend of striking hops, creating an underlying bitterness and an extravaganza of fruity notes. Enough to bring a tear of joy to anyone’s eye.

Thought for food: Roasted garlic and thyme steak with chunky chip, or traditional treacle tart.

American Pale Ale
4.4% ABV

The Oxford Colleges are renowned for their triptych paintings. Triptych has its origins in the Greek ‘triptykhos’ meaning ‘three layered’ which perfectly describes our hop-centric artisan beer – brewed with three of the USA’s finest hop varieties for triple the enjoyment…

This sensational APA, with notes of grapefruit, tangerine and lychee, has a long-lasting finish and wonderful aromas – naturally carbonated too.

Thought for food: Sticky oven barbecue ribs, or spicy and aromatic Jalfrezi curry.

Available Now!

Hazy Session IPA
4.2% ABV

Another sensational hop-inspired beer from our single-hopped batch brew series. Centennial hops. Considered by some to have hits of Cascade with aromas of pine mild citrus and some wonderful floral notes combining to give a clean bright bitterness. Hop-imbued enjoyment beyond your wildest dreams.

Watch out for the release date…next in series, Vivid Dreams of Kohatu.

Styrian Golden Ale

4.5% ABV

The tale of St George and the Dragon is a story so prolific we simply had to brew a beer in its honour. As the patron saint of England, George earned his title harnessing a wolf-life spirit when he was alone when faced with a ferocious dragon. The beast demanded local children as a sacrifice to keep him satisfied, yet George challenged the powerful dragon armed with only his sword and immeasurable bravery. George slayed the dragon, protecting the villagers from the dragon’s reign of terror. An excellent example that a wolf can be the ultimate match for a dragon.

A beautifully balanced blend of Styrian Wolf and Styrian Dragon hops creating a wonderful golden ale with Maris Otter pale malt giving an intense balance of fruity and floral notes, flavours of tropical fruits and complex aromas of mango, elderflower and hints of violet and rose petal with an undertone of citrussy grapefruit, lemon, orange and apple.

Cellar aged Old English IPA
7.1% ABV

Legend has it that St John’s College is haunted by the headless ghost of Archbishop William Laud, a former pupil and Chancellor of the University. He had the misfortune to be beheaded in the Tower of London and is still to be seen in the College Library, kicking his head around like a football.

This English IPA, based on a recipe from 1865, has been conditioning since December 2017 and is now in perfect condition. A smooth-drinking strong ale with massive complexity, underlying resinous pine notes and a reach earthiness of dark fruit and caramel, balanced by floral hop character. Guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits.