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- 4th Feb 2026
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Behind-the-scenes of Ad Gefrin as Northumberland’s first single malt whisky nears release
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Ad Gefrin has put Northumberland on the distillery map, making history for the region.
For centuries, Northumberland has been a land of quiet legends. Ancient kingdoms, hidden hills and stories passed down in pubs and farm kitchens. But until recently, one tradition had been missing from the county’s modern story: whisky.
That all changed with Ad Gefrin.
Today, nestled at the gateway to the Cheviots in Wooler, Ad Gefrin is home to the first Northumbrian single malt whisky in over 200 years.
But this is a story that has been years in the making, one rooted in family, place and an unshakeable belief that Northumberland deserved a whisky of its own.
A BIG IDEA WITH DEEP ROOTS
The journey began long before the first drop was distilled. Back in 2018, the Ferguson family, Northumbrians through and through, set out with an ambitious vision: to create a world-class distillery and visitor experience that didn’t just make whisky, but told the story of the ancient Kingdom of Northumbria.
When planning permission was granted in September 2019, it marked a pivotal moment. The multi-million-pound development on the former Redpath’s Yard site in Wooler was officially given the green light, backed unanimously by the local community.
This wasn’t just another regeneration project. Ad Gefrin was designed to be a catalyst, creating jobs, supporting local producers and placing Wooler firmly on the international whisky map.
A BIG CHEERS TO THE COMMUNITY
From the outset, Ad Gefrin was shaped by its surroundings. Local consultation received 100% support, and the commitment to Glendale was clear: employ local people, showcase Northumberland food, drink, art and design and build something that would last for generations.
Significant funding followed, including £3 million from the Borderlands Growth Deal, alongside regional and council investment. By early 2021, Ad Gefrin became the first Borderlands project in Northumberland to break ground, a major vote of confidence in both the vision and the people behind it.
ENTER THE DISTILLER
Every great whisky needs a great distiller, and in March 2021, Ad Gefrin found theirs.
Ben Murphy was appointed Head Distiller with a clear mission: to create the first Northumbrian English single malt. With experience spanning Norway, the USA and award-winning distilleries closer to home, Ben brought both technical excellence and a genuine love of place.
What drew him north wasn’t just the job; it was the terroir. Cheviot water is drawn from beneath the site. Barley is grown literally on the doorstep. A sense of heritage that felt alive rather than staged.
As Ben puts it, “At the end of the day, it’s all about the place.”
WHEN THE HEART ARRIVED IN WOOLER
If there was ever a moment that made the project feel real, it was March 2022, when two towering copper stills rolled into Wooler.
Built by Forsyths of Rothes and weighing three tonnes each, the stills were welcomed like local celebrities. School children lined the streets. Northumbrian pipes filled the air. Vintage wagons from the Redpath and Ferguson family history led the procession.
It was a full community celebration. A visible symbol that whisky was once again being made in Northumberland. Ad Gefrin opened its doors to the public in March 2023, offering behind-the-scenes distillery tours, delicious dining options and a museum to dive into the past.
A TASTE OF WHAT WAS TO COME
Tácnbora was named after the standard bearer for the 7th-century kings and queens of Northumbria. In Old English, it means “Standard Bearer”, the person who carried the standard and went ahead of royalty, announcing their arrival.
This blended whisky sets the tone for what’s to come, arriving while the single malt quietly matures in its cask. Approachable, layered and steeped in storytelling, Tácnbora also reflects the heritage of Ad Gefrin: a blend of Scottish and Irish whiskies, honouring the travellers who once visited the original site.
It was the perfect introduction to Ad Gefrin, proving that the brand is not just about heritage, it’s about quality.
COMING OF AGE
On 22nd December 2025, exactly three years and a day after distilling began, Ad Gefrin reached a historic milestone.
The first ten casks distilled on site officially became whisky – the first Northumbrian English single malt.
Made with Cheviot water and barley grown by five local farming families, every stage of production takes place within 40 miles. Field to glass, in the truest sense.
For a county with a long, often illicit whisky past, it marked a powerful return.
Image credit: Phil Wilkinson
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
While the whisky continues to mature, with release planned soon, Ad Gefrin has already welcomed more than 138,000 visitors in its first two years. It has created jobs, boosted tourism and given Northumberland something truly its own.
This isn’t just about whisky. It’s about belonging, hospitality and pride in place.
Or, as Ad Gefrin itself was in Anglo-Saxon times, a gathering place where stories were shared, bonds were forged and everyone was welcome at the table.
Some traditions are worth waiting 200 years for.
Photography: Sally Ann Norman
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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