Skinner’s Brewery has linked up with the crew of one of the Royal navy’s mightiest warships to celebrate its 30th birthday in traditional fashion – beer.
The Truro-based brewer had produced Lusty 30 – No Uncertain Beer, a unique ale that is available only to the helicopter carrier’s crew.
Just 3,000 bottles have been produced – which sounds a lot until you realise how many thirsty men and women there are on board the giant ship – nicknamed Lusty.
Sales of the celebratory beer will raise £600 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
Captain Martin Connell, the vessel’s commanding officer, said: “It is a proud and memorable time for HMS Illustrious as she celebrates her 30th Birthday. We asked Skinner’s Brewery if they would produce a beer to help us commemorate the occasion and I am pleased to say they have done a great job.”
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity exists to provide a better quality of life for serving and former Naval Service personnel. It supports the whole Naval family who are in need, suffering hardship or in distress. It does this through grants to the Naval charities which provide through-life care to those whose service might be long behind them but can always call on the safety net available to them.
The links between the Royal Navy and alcohol are plentiful and go back centuries.
From grog to shanties about drunken sailors it’s a part of the cultural heritage.
Combining Illustrious’ nickname and her motto Vox Non Incerta (No Uncertain Sound) led to the name of the beer.
Steve Skinner, chief executive of Skinner’s Brewery, said: “It is a real honour to be commissioned by the ship to create a celebration beer. We feel privileged to play a part in celebrating the important achievements of HMS Illustrious and her crew.”
Skinner’s Brewery has close links to the Royal Navy and particularly Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose. In the past the brewery has created limited edition beers for RNAS Culdrose such as Falklands 25 and Fleet Air Arm.
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