Dorset-based independent family brewer Hall & Woodhouse is marking its Founder’s Day on 8 June with the launch of a new limited-edition beer, Frank’s Integrity. The 7% ABV refined and warming, bottle conditioned chestnut ale is a tribute to former chairman Frank Woodhouse, and is the third in a series of five Founder’s Day beers which are being released annually in the countdown to the brewery’s 250th anniversary in 2027.
Founder’s Day has been a Hall & Woodhouse tradition for many years, as a way of celebrating the key people who have moulded the brewery over the last two centuries and more. Frank’s Integrity, like other Founder’s Day beers, will be available in 500ml bottles from Hall & Woodhouse pubs, the Brewery Shop and the Badger online store www.badgerbeers.com. It has an RRP of £4 per bottle.
Hall & Woodhouse head brewer Toby Heasman said: : “Frank Woodhouse spent nearly 60 years working for the family brewery and his sharp instincts and steady leadership helped to shape the business we have become today.
“We’re pleased with the beer we’ve created to honour him and his remarkable tenure: a bold, warming ale which reflects his character. We hope customers in our pubs and at home will join us in raising a glass to Frank on or around Founder’s Day.”
Frank’s Integrity is brewed from a blend of Pale Ale, Crystal, and Chocolate malts to bring depth, warmth, and a satisfying hint of caramel. English hops – Target, Goldings, and WGV – add a balancing bitterness and classic character.
Frank Woodhouse trained as a doctor before joining his two older brothers in the family business, becoming its chairman in 1916. He steered the company through major changes including the move from its original site in Ansty to its current home in Blandford. His quick thinking saved ‘Hector’s Brewery’ in Ansty from a devastating fire in 1900, saving most of the valuable casks and vital records.
Previous Founder’s Day beers
2024: Teamwork. This 9% Stingo Ale celebrates Edward and John Woodhouse, two brothers who brought distinct yet complementary skills to the brewery, and made the Stingo style famous during their tenure in the 1960s.
2023: Jock’s Dedication. A strong English ale brewed in tribute to John ‘Jock’ Woodhouse who joined the brewery in 1962 after a distinguished career in the army, eventually serving as chairman until 1988. The beer was brewed to 6.2% to reflect the year he joined the business.
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Issued on behalf of:Hall & Woodhouse
By:ShielPorter Communications
For further information:
Ros Shiel:ros@shielporter.com / 07841 694137
John Porter:john@shielporter.com / 07734 054389
Notes to editor
- Badger Beers have been brewed in Blandford, Dorset since 1777 by independent regional family brewer, Hall & Woodhouse, which also owns around 180 pubs across the south of England. The business is now under the stewardship of the seventh and eighth generations of the Woodhouse family.
- The Badger range of characterful, award-winning premium bottled ales (PBAs) have widespread, national distribution, with listings in all major supermarkets and in thousands of independent grocery and specialist drinks stores, as well as with leading wholesalers and cash & carry outlets.
- The PBA range includes well-known names such as Golden Champion, Fursty Ferret and Tangle Foot. In September 2023, Badger launched vibrant new designs, with each beer featuring an illustration of a Dorset wildlife character – including a mouse, ferret and hare – above a clear, brief taste description. The redesign has driven an increase in consumer penetration for the brand of 9.3%, compared to a -13% decline in penetration for the PBA category overall (Kantar, 12 weeks to 29 September 2024).
- In April 2023, Badger launched a range of craft beers under the new Outland brand. The range now includes nine variants, packaged in 440ml cans. Outland was developed to offer the interesting, innovative flavours associated with craft beers, presented in a way that also appeals to more mainstream beer drinkers.
- Badger Beers have won an impressive number of awards in UK and international beer competitions over the years. In 2024, Outland was a finalist in the Grocer Gold Awards, and in 2023 was named Supreme Champion, Pack Design, in the International Beer Challenge. Badger took eight medals in the World Beer Awards 2024 across its PBA and Outland ranges, including a Country Winner medal for Outland Ginger Pale Ale.
Downloadable Images:
Frank’s Integrity outside Brewery
For further information:
Ros Shiel:ros@shielporter.com / 07841 694137
John Porter:john@shielporter.com / 07734 054389
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