St Austell Brewery’s 2026 Extra Special Tribute (EST) has returned to Waitrose stores nationwide, marking the second consecutive year the sought-after limited-edition beer has secured a listing with the supermarket.
Brewed at 7.4% ABV and presented as a packaged single 500ml bottle, this year’s Extra Special Tribute arrives during St Austell Brewery’s landmark 175th anniversary year. Available at an RRP of £6.50, it is the fourth release in the brewery’s annual vintage beer series.
Extra Special Tribute was first launched in 2023 to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III. Following demand from drinkers and collectors, the one-off release evolved into an annual series, with each vintage featuring a unique recipe before undergoing bottle conditioning and maturation ahead of release.
This year’s edition pours a deep golden colour and showcases the best of Cornish brewing. A blend of Cornish Maris Otter and Cornish Gold from locally grown Laureate barley, sourced through long-standing relationships with around 10 farming families, provides a rich malt backbone. Traditional Fuggles hops bring a smooth bitterness with subtle earthy and pine notes, while modern British varieties Olicana and Harlequin deliver layers of apricot and stone fruit. Together these hops enhance the distinctive marmalade character from the yeast at this ABV and the gentle peppery spice associated with classic English ales. Bottled in May and now beginning to mature, the beer’s soft carbonation allows its complex flavours to shine.
The Extra Special Tribute concept is rooted in the heritage of Tribute, St Austell Brewery’s flagship pale ale. Originally brewed in 1999 under the name Daylight Robbery, the beer was renamed Tribute in honour of the people who helped the family-owned brewery reach its 150th anniversary milestone. Since then, Tribute has become one of the UK’s best-known premium cask ales, winning multiple awards and earning a loyal following across the country. It remains a staple on bars nationwide and is available in cask, bottle and can formats.
St Austell Brewery’s Brewing Director Georgina Young said: “Extra Special Tribute has become a beer that drinkers genuinely look forward to each year. What started as a one-off celebratory brew in 2023 has evolved into a much-loved annual release, giving people the chance to enjoy Tribute in a completely different way and even build a collection of vintages at home.
“This year’s release is particularly significant as it coincides with our 175th anniversary year. The beer reflects both our brewing heritage and our passion for innovation, and we’re delighted to see it return to Waitrose for a second year, making it more accessible to beer lovers across the UK.”
Extra Special Tribute 2026 is available in Waitrose stores nationwide and online via St Austell Brewery’s website.
