By 1874 Dr. Okell owned many of the pubs on the island, had convinced Tynwald, the island's parliament, to create an act ensuring the purity of beer brewed on the Isle of Man (Isle of Man Pure Beer Act), and built The Falcon Steam Brewery just off Broadway in Douglas.

This imposing Building still stands today as Sheridan Apartments.

In 1972 Okells was bought by Heron & Brearley, a local drinks company.

Then, in 1986, it was merged with Castletown Brewery and H&B was renamed as The Isle of Man Breweries which later reverted to the name Heron and Brearley In August 1994 Okells moved to a new purpose built brewery built inside the existing Heron & Brearley Warehouse outside Douglas.

Bottled beer is also available in the Isle of Man, Sweden and Finland.