There was an unusual level of traffic in Ballasalla last night, and not just from locals trying to navigate through a flooded Balthane Roundabout.
The Whitestone pub was heaving as folk from far-flung parishes poured into the village to witness the sacred annual moment: the arrival of the first firkin of Okell’s St Nick’s Ale.
For one evening only, the traditional borders of Ballasalla were breached without complaint, because nothing unites the island like the promise of free seasonal beer.
This year’s launch, which is held in a different venue every year, landed at The Whitestone, which was already looking like a Christmas card someone had shaken glitter over.
Fire roaring, wood gleaming, mulled cider steaming away; it was basically the cosy pub of your dreams, except with significantly more people than usual!
The Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band were in good voice too, projecting festive cheer across the parish (and possibly into the neighbours’ windows).
Moments later, the Okell’s dray rolled in with the star of the show: the very first barrel of St Nick’s Ale 2025.
The bar staff tapped it, the crowd cheered, and the free beer flowed.
Head brewer Kevin Holmes told Gef: 'The launch of St Nick is, for us, the start of Christmas. It’s free beer, and as soon as the first cask arrived the bar was open and people enjoyed.'
On the brew itself, he said: 'I’m proud of all of them, but this one is particularly nice. It’s fruity, has a caramel background, it’s 4.5% ABV and in perfect condition.'
Kev teased plenty more to come from Okell’s, including a new Falcon lager promo, a premium lager in development and fresh cider rolling out soon.
So there you have it, Manx Christmas is officially on.