Savour the taste of Northumberland’s rich history with a visit to whisky distillery and Angl0-Saxon museum, Ad Gefrin.
Located a few miles outside Wooler, Ad Gefrin is just over an hour’s drive from Newcastle.
The visitor attraction opened in March 2023 and it has it all: a museum, distillery, bistro, and gift shop – all the ingredients for a great day out.
At its heart, Ad Gefrin celebrates the Golden Age of Northumbria and it’s also home to Northumberland’s first Single Malt Whisky.
If you’re thinking about visiting, here are 6 highlights to tempt you through its doors.
Go behind the scenes with a distillery tour
If you’ve ever wanted to find out how whisky is made, then Ad Gefrin’s distillery tour will take you through the process step by step, from grain to glass.
From malting and fermentation to distillation and maturation, the tour takes you around the entire site where you can watch the production processes in action, see the shiny copper stills up close, and soak up the pungent smells.
I found the whole experience fascinating. Our tour guide really knew his stuff and shared so many interesting facts.
It was also great to learn that the whisky is crafted from barley grown by local farmers and uses water from the Cheviots pumped up from a bore hole below the distillery. It really is a local affair!
At the end of the tour, you’re also treated to a peek inside their separate warehouse – a treasure trove of casks filled with their very first batch of Single Malt Whisky.
Enjoy a whisky and gin tasting
Ad Gefrin’s guided tasting takes place in a private room. The walls double up as digital screens, with painterly landscapes of fields, flowers and plants creating a calm and fully immersive backdrop.
Our session featured two drinks: Tácnbora (Ad Gefrin’s blended whisky) and Thirlings Gin, also created on-site.
We discovered the best techniques for tasting velvety smooth whisky and how adding a single drop of water into your glass can completely alter the taste!
It was all very informative, and our charismatic host was great at interacting with everyone.
Whether you’re a whisky novice or connoisseur, you’ll get something out of this experience.
See Anglo-Saxon artefacts up close
The museum is small, but brimming with interesting artefacts, including jewellery, ceramics, weaponry, and art. Some of the pieces haven’t been seen by the public for years, or at all.
Ad Gefrin’s collection includes objects found nearby at Yeavering, on loan from the Gefrin Trust. It also has exhibits loaned by the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the Ford and Etal Estates, among others.
You’ll also find an assortment of interactive activities dotted around the museum. I rather enjoyed creating my own bejewelled necklace on screen, inspired by ‘trends’ from 1,400 years ago!
Delve into fascinating Northumbrian history
The museum’s Great Hall is where you’ll hear from royalty, noble folk, and ordinary people from Northumbria’s Golden Age during the 7th and 8th centuries.
In this space, you can grab a seat (choose from wooden benches or a majestic throne) and listen to all their stories, as various ‘characters’ take centre stage and bring the region’s history to life via a film projected onto the wall.
Marvel at the beautiful architecture
Ad Gefrin’s striking architecture provides the wow factor as soon as you step through the entrance.
Its domed atrium is stunning, complemented by ambient lighting and a staircase that winds around the interior walls – just remember to look up to fully appreciate it!
Interestingly, the building’s minimal lighting was incorporated into the design to respect the protected dark skies of Northumberland National Park nearby.
Tuck into seasonal food in its stylish bistro
No trip to a visitor attraction would be complete without enjoying a bite to eat.
Ad Gefrin’s bistro is a bright, modern space with a menu that celebrates Northumbrian and Borderlands produce. They also serve afternoon tea and Sunday lunch.
As you might expect, whisky flights are available alongside a selection of ales and ciders from local independents such as Alnwick Brewery.
The verdict
Ad Gefrin is indeed a unique blend, sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in local history or curious to find out more about the whisky-making process.
But, we all need to be a little bit patient as we wait for the release of its first batch of single malt!
For more information about Ad Gefrin, visit adgefrin.co.uk.
