- Play Hard
- 28th Feb 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
Discover the spirit of Ad Gefrin: A whisky and gin lover’s paradise in Northumberland
- Advertisement Feature
Photo credit: Sally Ann Norman, Gulp Photography, Sean Elliot
If you’re a fan of whisky and gin, there’s one place you can’t miss – Ad Gefrin, Northumberland’s award-winning distillery.
Nestled in the picturesque Cheviot Hills in the beautiful village of Wooler, Ad Gefrin is not just about fine spirits; it’s a full-day experience.
Whether you’re looking to go on the guided distillery tour, sample spirit tastings or enjoy a delicious meal at the Bistro, this hidden gem lets you raise a glass to Northumberland’s past.
THE SPIRIT OF AD GEFRIN
Photo credit: Sally Ann Norman
Ad Gefrin takes inspiration from a 7th-century royal summer palace discovered just four miles from the site. It brings history to life, celebrating Anglo-Saxon Northumbria’s forgotten kings and queens while embracing the art of modern whisky and gin craftsmanship.
Step inside, and you’ll be transported through time, from the immersive museum that tells the story of Northumbria’s golden age to the state-of-the-art distillery where centuries-old traditions meet cutting-edge innovation.
Ad Gefrin is about community, history and the spirit of Northumbria. From the moment the stills arrived in Wooler to the first cask being filled, every milestone has been celebrated with the local community. This sense of belonging is infused in every bottle, making Ad Gefrin’s whisky and gin something special.
THE DISTILLERY TOUR & TASTING EXPERIENCE
Photo credit: Sean Elliot Photography
The heart of Ad Gefrin lies in its world-class distillery, where the magic happens. On the 90-minute Distillery Tour & Tasting experience, you’ll witness the full journey of spirit-making – from the arrival of locally grown malted barley to the art of mashing, fermentation and distillation. You’ll even step into the cask store, where spirits mature to perfection before being bottled and shared with the world.
And of course, no tour is complete without a tasting. You’ll have the chance to sample Ad Gefrin’s signature spirits, Tácnbora whisky, Thirlings Northumbrian dry gin and Flýte whisky cream liqueur.
For an even more unique experience, book the Twilight Tour, Dinner & Tasting on a Friday or Saturday evening. This package includes a guided distillery tour, a delicious dinner in the Bistro, and an alchemist-led spirit tasting to complement your dessert perfectly.
BRINGING THE AWARD-WINNING NORTHUMBRIAN WHISKY TO LIFE
Photo credit: Sally Ann Norman
Ad Gefrin is breathing new life into Northumberland’s whisky-making tradition – one that’s been dormant for over 200 years. From grain to glass, every step of the process is a blend of time-honoured craftsmanship and modern innovation.
It all starts with the finest Diablo barley, grown by local farmers in the lush Northumbrian valleys. This top-quality grain is then malted at Simpsons Malt – one of Europe’s most respected maltsters – before making its way to Ad Gefrin every few weeks.
From there, the magic unfolds. The whisky ferments in handcrafted Douglas Fir Washbacks before being distilled in stunning copper stills, custom-built by the legendary Forsyths of Rothes in Scotland. Every stage – from milling and mashing to fermentation and cask aging is carried out with precision and care, resulting in award-winning spirits that capture the true spirit of Northumbria.
A TRUE TASTE OF NORTHUMBERLAND
Photo credit: Sally Ann Norman
The very same landscape that once welcomed ancient royalty—where they held court and shared their hospitality with people from all over the world—now provides us with the finest malting barley and the purest Cheviot water. These natural gifts are at the heart of each spirit craft, helping to create their Single Malt Whisky, award-winning Tácnbora blended whisky and Thirlings Northumbrian Dry Gin.
Beyond the distillery, Ad Gefrin offers a complete visitor experience. After your tour, unwind in the stylish Bistro, where you can enjoy locally inspired dishes paired with signature spirits. The menu celebrates seasonal produce from Northumberland’s rich larder, offering the perfect way to finish off your visit.
Looking for the perfect gift or a bottle to enjoy at home? The Ad Gefrin shop is stocked with exclusive spirits, elegant glassware and unique gifts that celebrate the best of Northumberland’s heritage.
HLN LOVES:
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
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…
Comments