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About Ad Gefrin Distillery
Most popular bottles from the bottler
A brief History
Ad Gefrin, England. Founded in 2023
Anglo-Saxon Spirit with a Modern Twist in Northumberland
You don’t usually expect to find a state-of-the-art whisky distillery in a sleepy English border town, but Ad Gefrin is full of surprises. Set in the heart of Wooler, Northumberland, this distillery is a bold revival of ancient hospitality, inspired by the nearby royal Anglo-Saxon court of the same name. It's more than just a whisky project — it's part heritage centre, part architectural wonder, and part love letter to northern English spirit.
Opened in 2023, Ad Gefrin is Northumberland’s first legal whisky distillery in over 200 years. Their focus? Producing English single malt whisky using locally grown barley and pure Cheviot water, all matured on-site. While the spirit is still in its early days, everything about Ad Gefrin screams craftsmanship — from the copper stills to the cask selection. It’s young, yes, but it's got pedigree, passion, and some seriously promising spirit in the warehouse.
Taste Profile
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 |
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| Sweet |
Fruity
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Malty / Cereal |
Ad Gefrin’s early releases lean on precision distilling, clean malt character, and gentle cask influence. You won’t find overly sherried monsters here (yet) — instead, expect well-balanced, fresh, and slightly creamy whisky that’s easy to sip and hard to forget.
Ad Gefrin is known for its clean, fruit-forward new make and its early matured releases that show impressive clarity. Their flavour profile leans fresh and gently spiced, thanks to ex-bourbon and virgin oak cask maturation. Key flavour characteristics include:
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Crisp green apple and pear
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Creamy malt and digestive biscuit
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Vanilla sweetness with gentle cinnamon warmth
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A soft, dry finish with hints of oak and white pepper
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Apple / Pear |
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Cinnamon / Clove |
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Vanilla |
As a brand-new distillery, the range is still growing — but a few bottles have already made waves, especially their Anglo-Saxon-inspired blend.
| Whisky | ABV | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tácnbora Blended Whisky | 42.7% | Apple, citrus peel, soft spice, honeyed cereal, smooth and subtle |
| Ad Gefrin Single Malt (coming soon) | N/A | Expected to feature creamy malt, orchard fruit, and light vanilla |
| Distillery Exclusive Casks | Varies | Small batch bottlings – fresh, youthful, full of texture |
Tácnbora — their debut blend — is a nod to early leadership and union between Scottish and English traditions. A fitting dram to kick things off.
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The Bottler
Ad Gefrin
Address: South Road, Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6NJ, England
 Open in maps |
 https://adgefrin.co.uk |
 01668 283 100 |
Visitor Centre & Tours
Yes, and it’s genuinely impressive. Ad Gefrin isn’t just a distillery — it’s a full-on cultural destination. The visitor experience includes a whisky tour, immersive history exhibits about the Anglo-Saxon royal court, and a shop and bistro that feel like you’ve stepped into a high-end travel magazine spread.
Opening Times:
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Monday to Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
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Tours: Run regularly – booking ahead is smart, especially on weekends
The space is stunning, the storytelling is thoughtful, and the whisky? It’s just getting started.
Ownership & History
Current Owners:
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Eileen and Alan Ferguson – Founders and long-time champions of Northumberland heritage
Year Established:
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2023
Backstory:
The Ferguson family wanted to create something meaningful for Wooler — a legacy project that blended culture, tourism, and local pride. Ad Gefrin is named after the historic Anglo-Saxon royal palace nearby, believed to be one of the most important archaeological finds in the north of England. Today, that ancient story continues through cask, copper, and craft.
Bottler Facts
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Location: Situated in Wooler, Northumberland, near the historic Yeavering Bell.
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Name Meaning: Named after the ancient Anglo-Saxon royal palace site "Ad Gefrin," meaning "hill of the goats."
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Founders: Created by Eileen and Alan Ferguson, with a focus on local heritage and regeneration.
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Opened: Officially opened to the public in March 2023.
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Distilling Milestone: The first legal whisky distillery in Northumberland in over 200 years.
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Production: Uses locally grown Northumbrian barley and water sourced from the Cheviot Hills.
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Signature Release: Tácnbora – a blended whisky combining Scottish and Irish malts, matured in Oloroso sherry, bourbon, and virgin oak casks.
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Other Spirits: Also produces Thirlings Dry Gin, infused with local botanicals like heather, pine, sea buckthorn, and elderberry.
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Cultural Hub: Includes a museum and visitor centre that celebrates Anglo-Saxon history with immersive exhibits and reconstructions.
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Facilities: Offers guided distillery tours, tastings, a bistro, and a retail shop.
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Community Focus: Designed to support local economy, tourism, and cultural pride in the region.
