The Isle of Man has a rich and distinctive brewing history shaped by tradition and a strong sense of identity. Brewing on the Isle of Man can be traced back to the early medieval period, when beer was originally brewed in households and monasteries using locally grown barley. By the 18th and 19th centuries, brewing had become more commercialised as the Island developed as a centre of trade and tourism.
Adulterated beer was a widespread problem in the 1800s so The Brewers Act (otherwise known as the Manx Pure Beer Act) - was introduced by Tynwald, initially in 1827 and updated in 1874. It mandates that beer be brewed using only water, malt, hops, and yeast. The Act remains a unique and enduring piece of legislation still enforced to this day.
The issue also shines a spotlight on significant anniversaries in Manx brewing: 175 years of Okell’s Brewery, founded in 1850 by Dr. William Okell, whose pioneering work in establishing brewing standards shaped the quality and reputation of beer across the Island.
Ollie Neale, Okell’s Brewery Managing Director commented: “Celebrating 175 years is a significant milestone and this special stamp collection, created in conjunction with Isle of Man Post Office, is a fitting tribute to our heritage and the generations who’ve shaped our story and made Okell’s what it is today. We’re proud to be part of something that brings tradition and community together.”
Bushy’s Brewery, established in 1985 by siblings Martin and Nicky Brunnschweiler, celebrates its 40th anniversary year. Bushy’s brought a new energy to the Island’s brewing scene which appealed greatly to the visiting biker fraternity and has been enjoyed at the famous Bushy’s beer tent since the original pub closed in 1998.
Martin Brunnschwieler, Bushy’s Brewery Founder explained: “We are delighted to see Bushy’s featured in this special release of stamps, and to have our original brewery featured is a reminder of where our journey began 40 years ago. We are proud to have a stamp that bears the Bushy’s name and to have played our part in the long history of Manx brewing.”
Discussing the collection, Isle of Man Stamps & Coins General Manager Maxine Cannon said: “Beer and brewing are woven into the fabric of Manx life – socially, culturally, and historically. We are proud to mark these important anniversaries with a set of stamps that tells this story in a way that collectors, residents, and visitors alike will treasure. We are pleased to have worked alongside Ashgrove Marketing for the first time. I would like to thank everyone from the Manx brewing industry, both past and present, who have so enthusiastically supported the development of the Brewed on Mann collection. ”
Issued on 10th October 2025, the Brewed on Mann stamp collection includes a Set, First Day Cover and Presentation Pack.
To view the collection and place your order please visit iomstamps.com/BrewedOnMann
High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found in our media centre
