St Austell Brewery has unveiled a special commemorative glass celebrating its 175-year anniversary and Tribute, its much-loved pale ale that has been at the heart of the brewery’s beer portfolio for more than a quarter of a century.
Unveiled during Cask Ale Week alongside the return of the Tribute Ale Trail – which invites drinkers to explore more than 150 pubs across the South West – the glass forms part of St Austell Brewery’s wider 175th anniversary celebrations. The design was hand-drawn by St Austell Brewery’s Senior Designer, Jo Geeves, who has spent the past 13 years with the business.
Filled with colourful illustrations and hidden details, the glass captures the ingredients, people and places behind Tribute, honouring the Cornish beer’s history and the communities that continue to enjoy it. At the heart of the design sits a striking solar eclipse, a reference to Tribute’s origins. The beer was first brewed in 1999 by the late Roger Ryman, St Austell Brewery’s renowned Head Brewer, to mark the eclipse that crossed Cornwall. Due to its popularity, it became a permanent fixture in the brewery’s portfolio two years later.
“I wanted the design to reflect everything that makes Tribute special, from the ingredients and the people who brew it through to the communities who enjoy it,” said Jo. “The colours were an important part of that too. I paired Tribute’s signature purple with vibrant golds and oranges inspired by the brewing ingredients, creating something fresh and celebratory while still feeling unmistakably Tribute.”
After developing several initial concepts, one creative direction was chosen by colleagues from across the brewery before evolving into the detailed illustrated design seen today.
Golden barley – much of it sourced from Cornish farms – and vibrant hops feature throughout the artwork alongside brewers and production teams, highlighting the ingredients, craftsmanship and local roots behind every pint of Tribute. Scenes of pubs, sport and social gatherings reflect Tribute’s long-standing connection with communities across the South West and beyond.
Among Jo’s favourite details are a series of hidden ‘Easter eggs’ scattered throughout the artwork, including a light-hearted illustration of former Tribute mascot Trevor Tribute on a rugby pitch. “It’s a bit of fun,” she said. “Tribute has always had a connection with communities and sport, so it’s nice to include those little moments that might make people smile while they’re enjoying a pint.”
The commemorative glass arrives alongside the return of the Tribute Ale Trail, the first brewery-wide ale trail across St Austell Brewery’s South West pub estate in more than 10 years. Together, they offer drinkers new ways to celebrate a landmark year for Tribute.
“I’d spent so long looking at the design on screen that when the finished glass arrived it was a really proud moment,” added Jo. “To see it brought to life and know it’s helping celebrate such an important year for both Tribute and St Austell Brewery was incredibly special.”
The new Tribute glass is in pubs across the South West and available to buy online now.
