Dorset-based independent family brewer Hall & Woodhouse is marked its Founder’s Day on 8 June with the launch of a new limited edition beer: Frank’s Integrity.
The 7% ABV beer is a refined and warming, bottle-conditioned chestnut, crafted as a tribute to former chairman Frank Woodhouse; this is 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’s pubs, the brewery shop and the Badger online store.
Commenting on this year’s beer, 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.
We were approached by the company’s PR agency who brought this limited edition beer to our attention and they kindly agreed to send samples.
The description of the beer sent through on behalf of the brewery certainly whetted the appetite and we’re delighted to report that Frank’s Integrity more than equalled our expectations.
This one-off beer is a strong, dark stout-like beer that delivered complex flavours: there was dark chocolate notes and an almost burnt caramel coming through, but this 7% ABV beer was extremely smooth and easy drinking.
There was the expected bitterness derived from the choice of hops, but balanced perfectly with the variety of malts used to create what we would say was exceptional.
We don’t like to rush our lives away, but we’re already looking forward to the penultimate Founder’s Day beer before the celebrations really start in 2027.
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