St Austell Brewery brings back Admiral’s Ale for 175th year

Legend has it that a messenger galloping from Cornwall to London with news of Nelson’s victory once stopped to catch his breath, and have a drink, at a pub belonging to St Austell Brewery. Two centuries on, that story has a beer named after it again.

A beer built on a Trafalgar-era tale

The South West’s largest independent family brewer has brought back Admiral’s Ale (5.0% ABV) as a limited-edition release in its 2026 special cask ale range, part of the brewery’s 175th anniversary celebrations.

Admiral’s Ale was first brewed in 2005 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. According to local legend, King George III’s messenger, carrying official news of Nelson’s triumph from Cornwall to London, stopped for refreshment at St Austell Brewery’s Blue Anchor Inn. The visit created a lasting connection between the pub and one of the nation’s most celebrated historical events.

What’s in the glass

Brewed with Celia and Cascade hops, Admiral’s Ale delivers floral, pine and berry notes, resulting in a full-flavoured ale with a bold character worthy of its namesake. The 2026 special cask range combines revived favourites pulled from the brewery’s archives with new brews inspired by 175 years of Cornish brewing.

‘We’re deeply rooted in tradition’

Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said reaching the 175th anniversary had given the business a chance to celebrate the beers, people and stories that shaped it, while continuing to look to the future.

“We’re deeply rooted in tradition. It’s hard not to be when you’re brewing in an original Victorian brewery where we still mill our malt in the tower. At the same time, we’re always looking forward, continuing to innovate while celebrating the beers and stories that have shaped us,” Georgina said.

“This year’s special cask range draws inspiration from recipes and brewing records dating back to the 1800s. The collection pays tribute to some of the most popular beers we’ve produced over the years, bringing back old favourites while introducing brews that reflect both our past and present.”

Two more archive favourites join the range

Admiral’s Ale isn’t travelling alone. Tinners Best Bitter (3.4% ABV) and Tribute Extra (5.3% ABV), the bigger sibling of St Austell Brewery’s bestselling Tribute pale ale, are also making a return as part of the special cask range for the remainder of the year.

The range is one of several initiatives marking the 175th anniversary, alongside events, collaborations and celebrations of the pubs, people and communities that have shaped the business since 1851.

Where to find it

Admiral’s Ale is available from today for a limited time across St Austell Brewery’s 45-strong managed pub estate in the South West, as well as in selected leased, tenanted and freehold pubs across the UK.

Whether the messenger really did stop at the Blue Anchor on his way to London with news of Nelson’s victory is, two centuries later, impossible to prove either way. The beer that grew out of the story is real enough, and it’s back on the bar from today.