Round Corner Brewing has reunited with Colchester Oyster Fishery to bring back Melton-on-Sea, a distinctive 4.5% ABV oyster stout. This is the third time the two independent producers have brewed together.
Round Corner Brewing head brewer Lara Lopes with fresh oyster from Essex’s Pyefleet Creek
Colchester Oyster Fishery is a family-owned business whose work is rooted in the traditions of oyster farming around Mersea Island, Essex. Their oysters live naturally on the seabed in the rich, fertile waters of Pyefleet Creek.
The fishery’s connection to the area stretches back through generations of coastal history. Founded by the Romans in 49 AD, Colchester became Britain’s first capital, and oysters have been part of the region’s food culture for centuries.
On brew day, fresh oysters were dredged and picked by hand from Mersea Island and rushed back to Round Corner Brewing in Melton Mowbray, where they were added to the kettle at the end of the boil.
The result is Melton-on-Sea, a smooth stout that pours deep black with ruby highlights. Roasted malts bring notes of coffee and dark chocolate, while the oysters add a subtle briny edge beneath the rich, velvety body. Gentle hop bitterness keeps everything balanced, with a toasted, dark chocolate finish and a hint of the sea.
“There’s something really special about taking an ingredient with such a strong sense of place and bringing it back to Melton,” said Round Corner Brewing co-founder and managing director Colin Paige.
“The oysters have their own character from living naturally in the waters around Mersea Island, and you get that subtle connection to the sea in the finished beer.”
Oyster stout has its roots in Victorian Britain, where oysters were a popular pub snack enjoyed alongside dark beer. Their briny richness made a natural match for stout’s roasted flavours.
Melton-on-Sea will be available on cask in the Round Corner Taproom, pouring from Friday (30th October).
