Ad Gefrin celebrates first single malt whisky

The English distillery in Wooler, Northumberland, began producing whisky three years ago. Now the distillate in its first ten casks can call itself "whisky". The most northerly distillery in England, located just before the Scottish border, is thus celebrating the achievement of an important milestone. The next one is set to follow in 2027, when the first Ad Gefrin Single Malt Whisky will be bottled and launched on the market.

Ad Gefrin produces with a strong regional focus

Ad Gefrin is the first legal whisky distillery in Northumberland for 200 years. They are continuing an old tradition here, explains Ad Gefrin, the affinity for whisky has always been higher here than for other spirits. There were once many illicit stills in the Cheviot Hills.

Ad Gefrin prides itself on producing "field to glass" and working closely with five farmers in the region. The barley used comes from a maximum radius of 40 miles. Every year, 250 tonnes are malted for Ad Gefrin not far away at Simpsons Malt in Berwick. The water for whisky production comes from the surrounding Cheviot Hills and is taken from a borehole on the site.

An extraordinary journey that has only just begun

Ben Murphy, Director of Distilling, commented: “It’s been an extraordinary journey so far, but the story has only really just begun. Our water, barley, provenance and environment has given us our DNA, and we know our spirits will be full bodied, flavourful and bold. But it is what happens between now and when we release it to the public that will truly shape the enduring character that Ad Gefrin Single Malt will become recognised for.”

And Eileen Ferguson, co-founder of the distillery and the associated Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum, said: "This is such an exciting moment for us. Three years ago, we thought this day was a long way in the future, and yet the time has flown. It has taken time, a lot of care, passion and dedication to get to this point. We couldn’t be more excited for where we go from here.”

More detailed information and a brief photographic insight into the Ad Gefrin Distillery can be found in a personal visit report on meinwhisky.com.

Image: Ad Gefrin