Shotover Brewery and Oxford Craft Brew Co join forces to become Oxford Brewery

Oxford favourites Shotover Brewery and Oxford Craft Brew Co now form the new Oxford Brewery.

The history

Shotover Brewery is a well-known name on the Oxford beer scene. Typically, a pint of Prospect was a regular purchase for me the at The Bear in central Oxford. Do you remember when gong to pubs was an actual ‘thing’? Glory Days! This independent, family-owned and run craft brewery has now joined forces with its crafty subsidiary. They have just rebranded under their new name – Oxford Brewery.

New branding

The new name brings some exciting branding changes but still keeps the classic beers flowing. Something I’m sure the regular drinkers of Prospect, Scholar and Trinity will be pleased to hear!

I personally really like this new look. The fresh, clean illustrations stand out well and at the same time maintains the brewery’s heritage. It gives a more modern look to their pump clips, bottles and cans. I love the new can designs especially.

Keeping tradition

Brewery Director Caitlin Huntley explains: “Our story began with one of our earliest creations, Scholar. This premium English ale was inspired by the legend of a wild boar, killed by an Oxford Scholar walking in the forest of Shotover. As our own story continues, our new branding uses this striking image of the boar to represent the legend that started it all.”

The female-led brewery continues to produce all vegetarian and vegan friendly beers, which is great to see.

Head brewer Liam Cook and brewer, Angus Wallbank, continue to perfect their beers, ensuring the best across the entire range. They do this whist remaining in the original brewery, set in a 200-year-old stable on Manor Farm in Horspath.

“The expertise, time and effort from our brewers has paid off to bring our range of beers into their own like never before. We are all thrilled to see everything come together in time to mark this new chapter”. Elspeth Rochford, the newly appointed Sales and Marketing Manager for the brewery believes: “Making expertly crafted, independent beers is a celebration of our heritage, brewing and, in many ways, an experience of Oxford itself.”

The new website is easy to navigate, providing a great overview of beer ranges, brewery history and the new webshop.

Webshop wise, it’s well laid out and supplies bottles, cans, mini kegs and polypins. Gift packs of 4 bottles start at £12.30, ranging up to £39.90 for a 12 case of canned Matlida’s Tears. Matilda’s Tears is a beer by the way, they don’t keep poor Matilda in the brewery! The mixed cases of bottles at £28 provide a good range of beer that should suit most. I am particularly excited about Headless Laud, a cellar aged Old English IPA due for release later in the year. Sounds fantastic!

New Taproom and brewery shop

The new Taproom, that will accompany the upcoming launch is also another great idea. I promise it’s not because I live around the corner either! This will open this year, as COVID-19 restrictions ease – fingers crossed. This new Taproom will showcase Oxford Brewery ranges as well as some guest beers. You will also be able to purchase beers from a brewery shop.

Keep up the good work Oxford Brewery. I can’t wait for the April special either – Vivid Dreams of Calypso. Who doesn’t love a hazy session IPA after all.