the First Whisky Blend from England’s Northernmost Distillery –

Ad Gefrin, a pioneering Anglo-Saxon museum and distillery in Northumberland, launched its first whiskey blend this month. It’s a brand built on a spirit of belonging, combining Scotch and Irish whiskeys.

Freezer display

The £14million Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whiskey Distillery opens to the public in Wooler, Northumberland in February 2023. Created by the local Ferguson family, the immersive visitor attraction is designed to bring people together. an intergenerational regeneration effort that will be a catalyst for positive change. The aim is to revitalize the local community, celebrating and showcasing their unique heritage, old-world hospitality and contemporary craft whilst unveiling the fascinating history of Northumberland’s Anglo-Saxon ‘Golden Age’. And it’s the county’s first (legal) distillery in 200 years with a bistro, bar, bespoke tours and tastings.

The distillery team

Ad Gefrin is led by Ben Murphy, Director of Distilling, who is passionate about maintaining tradition while being innovative. Ben’s CV includes Head Distiller at Berentsens Brygghus, Egersund, Norway; and at the Poetic License Distillery in Sunderland. He is joined by Canadian Craig Stock; a postgraduate from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University who brings experience at Durham Distillery. They are joined by Germano Molinari of the Sambucca heritage and Alan Rutherford, past President of the Malt Distillers Association of Scotland, Councilor of the Scotch Whiskey Association and recipient of the OBE for ‘Service to Whisky’.

Read our guide to our favorite whisky

A flag bearer

The blend’s name means ‘standard bearer’ in Old English – a fitting name for the spirit that precedes all others (a single malt is planned for a 2026 release). The Venerable Bede reports that King Edwin was always preceded by a standard-bearer carrying a standard with an effigy of a goat’s head – a symbol central to Ad Gefrin’s brand. Tácnbora’s blend of Scots and Irish whiskeys represents two of the nationalities that would have made up the Anglo-Saxons of Northumbria (Scottish, Irish, English and Scandinavian), with future editions reflecting different combinations. And all four have been brought together for his exclusive blend; Corenkyn, which means “chosen family” in Old English (this is currently only available to members). Tácnbora has notes of honey, vanilla, candied citrus peel and spices, which are underscored on the palate with flavors of sultanas, cream soda and nutmeg and a lingering finish.