Extra Special Tribute returns to Waitrose as St Austell Brewery celebrates 175 Years
11th November 2026: 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 (RRP £6.50) and online via St Austell Brewery's website.
About St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery was founded as a family-owned company in 1851 and has been fuelled by Cornish spirit and independent thinking ever since. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, it is the South West’s leading brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale business.
The company operates two breweries, in St Austell and Warmley (near Bath), following the acquisition of Bath Ales in 2016. Its award-winning beers - including Tribute pale ale, Proper Job IPA and korev lager - are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide.
St Austell Brewery owns over 160 pubs across the South West, comprising of 45 managed houses alongside managed operator and leased and tenanted sites that are independently run by business partners.
With a network of six distribution centres across the region, from St Columb to Wimborne, the company is the South West’s leading drinks wholesaler. In 2026, it became a majority shareholder in Harbour Brewing Company, expanding Harbour’s distribution footprint and making its high-quality craft beers available in St Austell Brewery pubs and for wholesale customers.
Proud of its heritage and inspired by the future, St Austell Brewery is brewing great experiences for generations to come.
For further information please contact Charlotte Turner via charlotte.turner@staustellbrewery.co.uk.
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