Otter Brewery
Member Overview
Award‑Winning Devon Beer Brewed at the Source of the River Otter
Otter Brewery is one of Devon’s best‑known and most respected independent breweries, based at Mathayes Farm in Luppitt, high in the Blackdown Hills AONB, between Honiton and Taunton. Founded in 1990, the family‑run brewery produces handcrafted, award‑winning beers that are deeply connected to place, tradition and sustainability.
A Family Brewery with Deep Roots
Otter Brewery was established by David and Mary‑Ann McCaig, building on generations of brewing heritage. Still owned and run by the McCaig family, Otter has grown into a leading regional brewery while retaining a strong family ethos and commitment to quality over scale. [en.wikipedia.org], [tastebudsm...zine.co.uk]
The brewery sits on a 19‑acre farm site, centred around a thatched farmhouse dating back to 1806, with brewing water drawn directly from the head springs of the River Otter — a feature that underpins both flavour and identity.
Classic, Consistent & Characterful Beers
Otter Brewery is best known for producing a small, carefully refined core range rather than chasing constant new releases. This philosophy has helped establish strong loyalty among pubs and drinkers across the South West.
Core beers include:
- Otter Bitter – a classic session bitter
- Otter Ale – fuller‑bodied and balanced
- Otter Amber (cask only)
- Otter Bright – crisp and refreshing
- Otter Head – a strong, warming ale
The brewery also produces Tarka lagers, occasional seasonal beers, a cask cider, and a small batch gin.
Strong Regional Presence
Otter Brewery supplies hundreds of pubs across Devon and the wider South West, and its beers are a familiar sight in farm shops, independent retailers and regional supermarkets. Bottled beers are also available direct from the brewery and online.
The brewery is closely associated with Devon’s cultural calendar, including long‑standing links to events such as Beautiful Days Festival and the famous Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels, for which it brews the special Flaming Ale.
Pioneers of Sustainable Brewing
Sustainability is central to Otter Brewery’s operations. Notable initiatives include:
- The UK’s first underground eco cellar, using the earth’s natural temperature to reduce refrigeration
- Reed beds and ponds to naturally filter wastewater
- Re‑use of spent grains and yeast by local livestock farmers
- A sedum living roof and wildlife habitats on site
These approaches have earned Otter national recognition as a leader in environmentally responsible brewing.
Award‑Winning Reputation
Otter Brewery has received numerous accolades during its history, including:
- Good Pub Guide “Brewery of the Year”
- Most Sustainable Brewery, Society of Independent Brewers
- Multiple national and regional beer awards
These honours reflect both the quality of the beers and the integrity of the business behind them.
Brewery Shop & Direct Sales
Otter operates a brewery shop at Mathayes Farm, offering bottled beers, mixed cases, gifts and merchandise. Visitors can purchase directly from the source and explore the full Otter range.
Otter Brewery | Devon brewery | award‑winning Devon beer | sustainable brewery UK | East Devon ales | Producers | Breweries | Award‑Winning Drinks | Sustainable Producers | East Devon
Otter Brewery | Devon brewery | award‑winning Devon beer | sustainable brewery UK | East Devon ales | Producers | Breweries | Award‑Winning Drinks | Sustainable Producers | East Devon
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