For the second year in succession Okells’ Aile has won the Europe’s Best Flavoured Porter category in the World Beer Awards. Okells’ head brewer Dr Mike Cowbourne said: ‘I’m very pleased that Aile has, once again, been recognised by the industry. Aile, which means “fire” in Manx Gaelic, was launched some six years ago after months of research and taste trials. I had been wanting to create a smoked beer that was a “proper” porter for some time, and the challenge was to ensure the right balance; for the smokiness not to overpower the complex malt flavours of the beer. This we finally achieved and the beer went on to win the World Beer Awards’ Best Smoked Beer category in 2007 and 2008. Aile, which the judges described as “very dark brown with a crimson tint” and having a “long grainy finish with a fruity aftertaste” is very much a niche product, perfect for autumn and winter, sold in bottles only except each January when it is offered on draught. ‘Receiving recognition for our beers is always very rewarding - Okells has recently won a silver and two bronze awards at the International Beer Challenge - and spurs us on to create new products. Okells has been brewing for more than 150 years and gained a reputation for excellence, innovation and complex specialist beers; with Aile we are continuing that tradition.’ www.okells.co.uk www.worldbeerawards.com ENDS