Following the success of “697,” Oriel College has rolled out the second in its line of anniversary beverages: an English extra pale ale called “698.”
Each of the beers in the line is named after the age of the college, and the series will culminate with a special batch of “700” in 2026.
The official launch of “698” took place in the college’s dining hall on Friday 16 February 2024.
Gift packs of the beer are now available from the porter’s lodge for as long as stocks last, and students can enjoy the beverage at the JCR and MCR bars.
Brewing a college beer was the idea of Lodge Manager Sam Henry. He said: “It’s great to have something that is uniquely ‘Oriel’ for the anniversary.
“My thanks go to Joe Cole, Oliver Sladen, Julian Main, Luke Morris and Niall Devereux for their help at the brew day, James Fletcher for coming up with the name, and Louisa Chandler for designing the label.”
Though retaining a subtle sweetness and complex malt character, “698” differs notably from its precursor, added Sam.
Oriel College registers seven hundred years of continuous existence on 21 January 2026 and celebrations are planned to continue yearlong.