A new limited-edition whisky has been released by Ad Gefrin, the Anglo-Saxon museum and distillery in Northumberland. The Tácnbora Limited Edition: Cognac Cask Finish is a small-batch cask strength blend, finished in ex-Cognac oak.
This release marks the next step in Ad Gefrin’s journey toward its first Northumbrian Single Malt, which is due in 2026. The name Tácnbora, taken from Old English, refers to the ceremonial ‘standard bearer’ who would lead royal processions, a symbolic nod to the blend’s role in leading the distillery’s whisky development.
The Tácnbora blend combines selected Scottish and Irish whiskies, brought together and finished in Northumberland. This latest edition has been matured a further six months in ex-Cognac oak casks, enhancing the whisky’s signature sweetness with added structure, fruit and spice.
Just six casks have been bottled, making for a limited release of between 1,800 and 2,000 individually numbered bottles. The whisky is presented at natural cask strength of 58.6% ABV and is non-chill filtered and naturally coloured.
The Tácnbora blend combines selected Scottish and Irish whiskies, brought together and finished in Northumberland…
Official tasting notes for the Cognac Cask Finish describe a complex and expressive dram. The nose opens with honey, raisins and sandalwood, rounded with clover and sweet custard. On the palate, fudge and dried fruit lead into resin and gentle spice, before finishing long with notes of gorse flower, soft honey and freshly sawn wood.
Ben Murphy, Director of Distilling at Ad Gefrin, said: “The Cognac finish adds a dry fruit character and gentle spice that enhances the signature sweetness of Tácnbora. It’s a wonderful example of how different casks can elevate a whisky while still retaining its heart.”
The Cognac Cask Finish follows the sell-out success of the Tácnbora Peated Islay Cask edition, launched in 2023, and is expected to attract similar interest. Bottles are priced at £57.
The release complements the distillery’s ongoing Corenkyn Blends programme, an exclusive four-part whisky series for founding members, which includes previous expressions matured in ex-Bourbon, Rum and Madeira casks.
The Cognac Cask Finish is available from the Ad Gefrin visitor centre and online at www.adgefrin.co.uk.
Prawn lovers, we have found your festive dining plans in the capital. ISSO Prawn Crazy, the new Sri Lankan restaurant in Canary Wharf, is serving three Christmas menus packed with seafood, curries and traditional island flavours. Book a festive meal and you could also win a holiday to Sri Lanka for two in 2027. Available…
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
A new limited-edition whisky has been released by Ad Gefrin, the Anglo-Saxon museum and distillery in Northumberland. The Tácnbora Limited Edition: Cognac Cask Finish is a small-batch cask strength blend, finished in ex-Cognac oak.
This release marks the next step in Ad Gefrin’s journey toward its first Northumbrian Single Malt, which is due in 2026. The name Tácnbora, taken from Old English, refers to the ceremonial ‘standard bearer’ who would lead royal processions, a symbolic nod to the blend’s role in leading the distillery’s whisky development.
The Tácnbora blend combines selected Scottish and Irish whiskies, brought together and finished in Northumberland. This latest edition has been matured a further six months in ex-Cognac oak casks, enhancing the whisky’s signature sweetness with added structure, fruit and spice.
Just six casks have been bottled, making for a limited release of between 1,800 and 2,000 individually numbered bottles. The whisky is presented at natural cask strength of 58.6% ABV and is non-chill filtered and naturally coloured.
Official tasting notes for the Cognac Cask Finish describe a complex and expressive dram. The nose opens with honey, raisins and sandalwood, rounded with clover and sweet custard. On the palate, fudge and dried fruit lead into resin and gentle spice, before finishing long with notes of gorse flower, soft honey and freshly sawn wood.
Ben Murphy, Director of Distilling at Ad Gefrin, said: “The Cognac finish adds a dry fruit character and gentle spice that enhances the signature sweetness of Tácnbora. It’s a wonderful example of how different casks can elevate a whisky while still retaining its heart.”
The Cognac Cask Finish follows the sell-out success of the Tácnbora Peated Islay Cask edition, launched in 2023, and is expected to attract similar interest. Bottles are priced at £57.
The release complements the distillery’s ongoing Corenkyn Blends programme, an exclusive four-part whisky series for founding members, which includes previous expressions matured in ex-Bourbon, Rum and Madeira casks.
The Cognac Cask Finish is available from the Ad Gefrin visitor centre and online at www.adgefrin.co.uk.
Prawn lovers, ISSO Prawn Crazy’s festive menus come with the chance to win a Sri Lankan holiday
Prawn lovers, we have found your festive dining plans in the capital. ISSO Prawn Crazy, the new Sri Lankan restaurant in Canary Wharf, is serving three Christmas menus packed with seafood, curries and traditional island flavours. Book a festive meal and you could also win a holiday to Sri Lanka for two in 2027. Available…
Laphroaig Strong Characters Chapter Two is a 35 Year Old single malt tribute to its historic distillery owner
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
This Peckham-brewed Pure English Sake is a different kind of festive pour
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
Share this: