A toast to Tribute with our commemorative glass
As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, we’re proud to unveil a special commemorative glass dedicated to Tribute, our much-loved pale ale that has been at the heart of our beer portfolio for more than 25 years.
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 celebrates the story, heritage and people behind one of our most iconic beers.
Designed by our Senior Designer, Jo Geeves, who has been part of the St Austell Brewery team for the past 13 years, the hand-drawn glass is filled with colourful illustrations and hidden details inspired by the ingredients, people and places that have shaped Tribute’s journey.
At the heart of the design is a striking solar eclipse, a nod to Tribute’s origins. The beer was first brewed in 1999 by our late Head Brewer, Roger Ryman, to mark the eclipse that crossed Cornwall. Following its popularity, Tribute became a permanent addition to our portfolio two years later and has since become one of the South West’s most recognised and loved cask ales.
Speaking about the design, Jo said: “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.
“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, colleagues from across our brewery helped select the creative direction, which then evolved 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, celebrating the ingredients, craftsmanship and local roots behind every pint of Tribute.
The design also shines a light on the communities that have embraced Tribute over the years, with scenes of pubs, sport and social gatherings reflecting the beer’s long-standing connection with people across the South West and beyond.
Among Jo’s favourite elements are a number of hidden details woven throughout the artwork, including a playful illustration of former Tribute mascot Trevor Tribute on a rugby pitch.
“It’s a bit of fun,” said Jo. “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, our first brewery-wide ale trail across our South West pub estate in more than a decade. Together, they offer beer lovers new ways to celebrate both Tribute and this landmark year in our history.
Reflecting on seeing the finished glass for the first time, Jo added: “I’d spent so long looking at the design on screen that when the finished glass arrived it was a really proud moment. 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 now available in pubs across the South West and can also be purchased online.
Raise a glass with us and celebrate the story of Tribute. 🍻