The world of whisky can be a complicated one, with flavours, blends and ages all coming into play. Fortunately, the city of Manchester offers the perfect antidote to such confusion; a slew of bars containing clued-up bartenders ready to escort you on a whisky adventure.
Manchester, much like other northern cities such as Newcastle and Liverpool, has a great whisky drinking community, with bars and shops aplenty. Here, we’ll talk you through some of our favourites and why you should be visiting them when you stay in this diverse and vibrant city.
The Whisky Jar
Found tucked away on Tariff Street, The Whisky Jar has a collection that rivals some of the best bars in the UK, with a wide range of Scottish whiskies from a plethora of distilleries, along with American, Japanese and Irish, English, and even Taiwanese and Indian!
Their sips range from £3-£4 all the way up to around £20 for the more desirable, aged drinks.
Whisky is not all that’s on offer at this location either, with regular live music events such as jazz nights on a Monday and frequent open mic nights. The bar also offers whisky tasting and whisky festivals which allow you to try a variety of drinks from their collection.
The Briton’s Protection
An old public house located on Great Bridgewater Street, expect a warm and welcoming, classic city pub when setting foot in the Briton’s Protection. There is a selection of rooms to sit and drink, two with roaring fires during the colder months, perfect for defrosting from the harsh northern weather. Although a fine range of other beverages is available, the whisky collection is the star of the show (just as it should be!).
The bar is seemingly tardis-like, modest from the outside but an elaborate maze of rooms on the inside.
Their whisky collection is over 200 strong, with a collection of old favourites, celebrated news blends and some more exotic flavours thrown in for good measure. The Briton’s Protection is award-winning, and it’s easy to see why when setting foot into the place. When visiting Manchester, this is not one to miss!
The Gas Lamp
The aptly named, underground atmospheric masterpiece that is The Gas Lamp opened in 2010, making a relatively new addition to Manchester’s array of drinking locations. Found on Bridge Street, the whisky catalogue on offer is a sizeable collection of bottles from around the world, mostly made up of well known and well-loved Scottish brands.
There is also a fine selection of beer and gin available for those who aren’t dedicated whisky-drinkers.
With the usual suspects such as Highland, Islay and Speyside all present and correct, the selection then ventures into Japan, Ireland and Sweden, offering the chance to try something a little different. With prices starting at just £4, sips can range up to around £20, for the rarer and more desirable drinks.
Whiskey Down
If you’re looking to make a night of it, then you’ll want to head to Whiskey Down, located on Lloyd Street. Stepping through the doors, you’ll be transported back in time to a James Bond-esque private members club that recalls the great era of the 1970s.
Their whisky collection, although not as sizeable as others on this list, is broad in diversity and prices begin at around £7, and range as high as £40 catering to more experienced drinkers’ tastes. Speaking of tastes, the location bills itself as a ‘superluxe playground’ meaning that you can encounter anything from the beautifully styled games room to a ‘she wants revenge’ room with influence taken from Fifty Shades of Grey.
Lost in Tokyo
As you’d expect with a bar of this name, this location is entirely Japanese in style, offering food, drinks and atmosphere that is influenced by this Asian nation. A stroll down Lever Street, you’ll see Lost in Tokyo, a subtle doorway to a whisky haven, especially for fans of Japanese whisky!
Beers, cocktails and most importantly, whisky are sold here, with a strong range of each to keep you going back to the bar to try something new. A range of music is played, with Thursdays being predominantly alternative, pop-punk and emo, while hip-hop and RnB will be heard on Friday and Saturday. For something a little different, Lost in Tokyo is where you want to go!
If you’re looking for something to tide you over until your next visit to Manchester? Why not check out our range of Scottish, Irish or Japanese whisky for sale on our website? You can also find a great hoard of useful information on whisky drinking on our blog!
Best Whisky Bars in Glasgow
12 November 2019 by Ellie
Scotland, along with Ireland, is very much the spiritual home of whisky, with the origins dating back roughly 1000 years ago. Travelling monks from Europe brought with them the skills and knowledge required for distillation; however, due to Scotland’s lack of vineyards, the locals fermented grain mash as a substitute. The progress is slow at first, but popularity begins to boom in the 1400s and is noted as ‘aqua vitae’, translating as the ‘water of life’.
Fast forward to the 21st-century and although popularity for the amber liquid has grown exponentially, the core science behind the whisky production has stayed true to its heritage. If you’re planning on taking a sip of aqua vitae in its homeland of Scotland, then Glasgow is a fantastic choice of venue. Here, we take a look at the best whisky bars in the city that are fit for a dram or two.
The Piper Whisky Bar
The award-winning bar located on George Square in the city centre is something of a whisky haven. Stocking whiskies from absolutely every Scottish distillery, they will have something for all tastes and preferences. Glasses can range anywhere from £3 up to a slightly more eye-watering £35, depending on the age and quality of the sip. The bar also hosts public and private tasting events for you to sample a range of whiskies and advance your knowledge of the drink.
Coyote Whisky Bar
You’ll find the Coyote Whisky Bar located on Howard Street at the heart of the city. They like to keep things simple with a strong range of whiskies and an ever-rotating malt of the month, along with regular live music and great atmosphere. If you’re looking for a hipster joint with a flashy interior, this one won’t be for you. But if you want a classic pub with a homely feel, then we’d definitely suggest popping in and giving them a try!
The Pot Still
Boasting a wild collection of over 700 different whiskies, if you’ve got a taste for variety, then this is the place to go! Not only do they offer a fine range of Scotch, but also whiskies from every corner of the globe. Despite being in Scotland, you may fancy a drop of Japanese whisky UK, in which case, the bar staff will happily oblige. You can also grab one of their amazing homemade pies to help soak up the drink, meaning you can stay a little while longer.
The Bon Accord
Looking for a homely pub that offers comfy surroundings? Then look no further than the Bon Accord. Their constant rotation of drinks sees them sell over 800 different ales a year, mostly sourced from the excellent breweries across the UK. They also support a 400-strong whisky collection, ranging from Scottish sourced sips to more exotic drams. The food they offer is traditional, home-cooked classic pub food, with a reasonably priced menu covering most bases.
The Ben Nevis
Having recently hit its 20th birthday, the Ben Nevis is considered one of Glasgow’s best-kept secrets. The Ben Nevis has all the makings of a great and classic pub, with a regular calendar of live music, great selection of beers and ales, and most importantly, plenty of whisky. The bar is located at 1147 Argyle Street and is conveniently located close to the Exhibition Centre train station and the SSE Hydro.
Oran Mor
Jack of all trades Oran Mor, this is not just a bar, but a restaurant and live entertainment venue housed under one roof. Their ever more exciting calendar of live events is underpinned by a well-stocked bar and delightful restaurant. The main whisky bar has a tempting selection of over 280 malts to choose from. You can also pop into the restaurant for a bite to eat, or if you’re happy in your surroundings, choose to have your food in the bar.
Dram!
The clue is really in the name with this one, Dram! is a beautifully kitted out bar with wood panelling and a certain rustic charm. You can find it located towards the west end of Glasgow and the shelves are always stacked with whiskies from Scottish distilleries. Roughly 70 malts are available here alongside a tasty range of locally sourced craft beers. Their main menu is packed with reasonably priced pub food, perfect for making an evening of it.
Which of these will you be visiting during your time in Glasgow? Maybe you discover a hidden gem that we need to know about! Either way, let us know on Facebook and Twitter! In the meantime, why not check out our blog for more tips and articles on whisky!
Best Whisky Bars in Liverpool
24 September 2019 by Ellie
The northern city of Liverpool is one that is known for its heritage and history. In 2008, it held the joint position of being Europe’s capital of culture, sharing the title with Stavanger in Norway. The city of Liverpool and the people that inhabit it haven’t always been on the right side of the media and press; however, even a short trip to the city will quash any reservations you may have previously had. For whisky drinkers and connoisseurs, Liverpool presents a new opportunity to discover drinks and bars that may not have been found otherwise. In this article, we’ll be taking you through some of the finest bars and lounges in the northern city to which we warmly suggest you pay a visit or two.
Mackenzie’s Whisky Bar
Mackenzie’s website proudly shouts that the bar holds over 300 whiskies, and this is evident when stepping through the doors. The bar shelves proudly adorn the not-so-modest collection that ranges from well-aged Scotch to exciting Japanese blends. The bar staff will happily guide you through their catalogue and suggest anything from an old favourite to a challenging new sip. Prices typically start at around £3 and increase according to age and quality. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing dram or you’re thirsty to explore new drinks, Mackenzie’s is a great place to start your whisky journey through Liverpool.
Puffin’ Rooms
Transporting you back in time is Puffin’ Rooms. Located on Liverpool’s Old Hall Street, the lounge and cocktail bar is a great place to spend an evening with family, friends or work colleagues, venturing through their whisky and drinks menu. Every evening, there is live jazz to enjoy while sipping one of the 200 rare whiskies, or one of the many whisky cocktails on offer. There is also a fine array of other drinks such as wines and champagnes, along with a modest menu of food and nibbles. Sunday night is blues night, and across the road, you’ll find a cigar sampling store to pair the fine whisky with a great cigar.
Berry and Rye
Berry and Rye is simultaneously the least and most beautiful whisky bar in Liverpool, perhaps even in the UK. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, in the sense that it looks like an uninhabited retail unit along Berry Street. No signs or other indicators that it is, in fact, a cavernous whisky haven. Once you have stepped inside, after knocking on the seemingly rotten door to gain entry, the penny begins to drop. The experience and atmosphere will wash over you. You know those secret bookcases you see in films? This is better! The range of drinks is fantastic, offering anything from a cheaper whisky cocktail to an aged gem. Blues music rings out from the walls and you’ll feel immediately at home.
Whisky Business
Owned and run by the same people behind Berry and Rye, Whisky Business is a slightly different affair, taking a more traditional approach. Although they offer tastings for customers and dedicated tasting sessions throughout the month, their main purpose is as a seller. If you’re planning on booking a tasting session, there are three to choose from, ranging from £25 – £50. Each of these consists of 5 drinks finishing with a cocktail. During these, you’ll have a chance to taste whiskies from across the world including Scotland, America and Japan.
Jenny’s Bar
Located on Liverpool’s Fenwick Street is Jenny’s Bar, a beautiful location to enjoy a cocktail or a drop of whisky. Here, you’ll escape the busy streets of Liverpool and be delivered into a world of hushed tones and vintage furniture. The bar staff are experienced in their craft and can offer helpful suggestions of which of the many whiskies you could be drinking that evening. The bar also excels in providing a high-class range of cocktails that incorporate exciting and unique flavours, making them almost too easy to drink. Whether you’re just visiting for the day and fancy a midday dram, or spending the evening out in the city, Jenny’s is a great place to enjoy your drinks.
Philharmonic Dining Rooms
Despite being part of the Nicholson’s chain of pubs and bars, this doesn’t stop the Philhamornic having its own signature style and feel. With a fine array of food and drink to choose from, the pub is a great all-round location, offering good menu selection and something to suit everyone. The whisky on offer here is anything but below par and their collection, along with the quality, makes this a great spot to enjoy a dram or two. You can also do your homework before you arrive by checking out their online whisky library. This has been split into sweet, smoky, spicy and fruity, with a special section for new arrivals.
For more articles on whisky, including the best whisky bars in London, check out our blog! You can also find a prime selection of the amber liquid on our website, so whether you’re looking for Irish, Scotch or Japanese Whisky, UK, our catalogue will more than satisfy.
Best Whisky Bars in London
15 August 2019 by Ellie
Being the UK’s largest city, and the capital of England, London should, in theory, have a wealth of fantastic whisky bars. Well, we’re pleased to report that this is, in fact, true; there are innumerable worthwhile establishments that will happily serve you all manor of this golden liquid. Often, the most difficult part is choosing the whisky you drink!
To make your foray into London’s whisky drinking territory a little easier to navigate, we’ve put together some of our favourite bars, pubs and lounges. All will offer a fine range of whisky and will more than satisfy your appetite for a dram. Take a look through and make sure to pop in on your next visit to the capital.
Black Rock
For a refined, experienced and well-educated whisky drinking experience, Black Rock will tick all boxes. Offering a unique take on a whisky bar, they don’t employ the typical ‘bartender behind the bar’ approach. Instead, they let their guests roam the open floor and choose their beverage from a selection of well-stocked cabinets.
The centrepiece of the room is the half oak tree, sliced length-ways to offer a long glass-topped table. The tree also doubles as a whisky river, with two streams of the amber liquid flowing from top to bottom which can be served at the end. Although the intensity of the bar may be off-putting for the less-experienced whisky drinkers, for the connoisseur, it is heaven.
Boisdale of Canary Wharf
For a taste of the Highlands while in the South East, there is no better place than Boisdale of Canary Wharf. Their whisky menu is laid out in an epic 90-page document available on their website and in the bar, detailing their range of Scotch and information on each of the distilleries. For those who like to understand the source of their dram, this will be a dream come true!
They also have live music on most evenings, which is a perfect accompaniment to a great tasting beverage. However, we would suggest booking as the place can get pretty busy!
Bull in a China Shop
Packing a serious punch with a range of premium whiskies, this Shoreditch bar will tantalise the taste buds of even the most experienced connoisseur. Although their whisky selection isn’t the most comprehensive, their focus on quality over quantity warrants them a place on our list. With a range of Japanese, Scotch and other whiskies available, you’ll have no trouble finding your perfect drink.
They also host regular events ranging from screening the final of Love Island to hosting a whisky and vinyl pairing session. Their evening food menu is relatively restrained but should have something for everyone. A great bar that definitely is worth a visit.
Soho Whisky Club
For those who are a diehard fan of the drink, the Soho Whisky Club will be your reward. As the name ‘club’ suggests, this is a members-only affair through which you’ll gain access to a seemingly endless library of bottles to try. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is some ‘open to all’ scheme. Applicants will be invited to an interview before being allowed the join the club, meaning if you’re lucky enough to join, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with other connoisseurs. Bear in mind; you’ll have to stump up £250 for the privilege.
Merchant House
Not only is their whisky collection something to be marvelled at, but they also offer a staggering range of gins and rums. With over 600 varieties of whisky available, there will be something to suit all budgets and tastes. Additionally, their masterclasses will help to illuminate the history and the heritage behind your favourite beverages.
Their staff are well trained and educated in the world of alcoholic spirits, which means you can enjoy your drink while discussing whisky with the house experts.
The Britannia
If you’re looking to stop off somewhere a little less harsh on the wallet, step into the world of The Britannia on Kipling Street. You’ll be welcomed with a relaxed atmosphere and hearty selection of whiskies available. Prices tend to be a little more reasonable with many doubles ranging around the £5 – £10 mark. They also offer a fine ‘Malt of the Month’ which can introduce you to something new.
To keep your whisky appetite in check when you’re not in the city, why not check out our range of Scotch, Irish and Japanese Whisky for sale? We also have a blog jam-packed with information and tips on how to get the most from your whisky.
Best Whisky Bars in Edinburgh
25 June 2019 by Ellie
Scotland is practically synonymous with whisky for all the right reasons. The seemingly endless list of amazing distilleries, both big-name labels and small batch, is enough to make any whisky fan drool. So it’s no surprise really that Edinburgh, Scotland’s second largest city, is home to some of the UK’s most well-stocked and well-reviewed whisky bars. No matter what kind of blend you’re looking for, whether a well-aged whisky or something more modern, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in these establishments.
When picturing a whisky bar, you may imagine a close and intimate setting, low lighting and a stocked larder of amazing whisky, well, this is Usquabae. This underground gem is certainly not to be missed as the selection of whisky is really quite staggering! They offer a modest menu if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat. But, this place is not built for food, rather, to end the night on a high note as you sample some of Scotland’s finest blends. If you are looking for a more curated experience, then we’d suggest checking out the whisky tasting option as this will allow you to sample some of the finest whiskies they have to offer.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society takes whisky very seriously. Their location at 28 Queen Street is an establishment to behold. With four storeys containing a restaurant, whisky bar and selection of exclusive members-only lounges that are stocked to the brim with exciting and flavoursome bottles! They hold a steady rotation of events throughout the year, so if you’re planning a visit to the city, we’d suggest checking to see if any coincide with your trip.
The suitably named Haggis and Whisky House located on the cobbles of Cockburn Street is something of a majestic sight to behold. The extensive range of whiskies would be enough to make even the most devout drinker’s eyes water, with over 100 different bottles. You can either pop in during the middle of the day for an afternoon dram, or head there in the evening for some freshly served haggis and a taste of their whisky. Their whisky menu can be seen on the website and ranges from entry level sips to speciality blends, including whiskies from across the world.
Whiski Bar and Restaurant
When a bar is named after the drink they serve, it can’t afford to be anything other than top-notch. Their food menus are equally as appealing with lunch and dinner offering a great range of Scottish inspired classics. There is also an Ardbeg menu which is heavily influenced by the use of Ardbeg whisky in the recipes. Their whisky tasting is a great chance to get an insight into the drinks they offer, with courses ranging from beginners to the most experienced whisky fan.
Part of the ‘a room in…’ chain, Teuchters Landing is a self-described whisky and beer pub that focuses on stocking a wide range of drinks, not just whisky, to suit everyone. The food menu brings a taste of Scotland to the plates they serve, with mentions of haggis across the menu. However, their whisky menu is another thing entirely, offering plenty of reasonably priced drinks along with a few more speciality blends. Teuchters Landing aims to be inclusive, so whether you’re with family, friends, or alone, you’ll be welcome there!
Michael Neave Kitchen and Whisky Bar
For those in search of something for something more opulent, the Michael Neave Kitchen and Whisky Bar will surely deliver. The a la carte menu showcases some of the exquisite dishes they prepare, with high-quality ingredients, while the express lunch menu gives you a chance to sample their cooking while on a tighter budget. Alternatively, the Saturday fixed menu allows you to sample three courses for under £15, a bargain that should not be missed! Having finished your meal, make sure you stick around to try some of the whisky on offer. Their menu offers anything from entry level sips to more refined whiskies depending on your appetite.
If you’re heading to Edinburgh, make sure you head to at least one of these amazing whisky bars! If you’re planning on pairing whisky with a nice cigar, you’ll need to pack your travel humidor to keep your sticks in top condition.
The Best Whiskey Bars in Dublin
28 March 2019 by Ellie
The ebb and flow in popularity of Irish Whiskey is a story in of itself. Once the producers of the most popular spirit in the world, Irish distilleries saw a sharp and dramatic decline throughout the 19th-century which coincided with Scotland opening new whiskey producers and expanding their industry. From 1890 to 1990, 27 of the 30 distilleries in Ireland closed their doors due to the damaged industry that Irish whiskey had become, however, the past 30 years have seen a great increase once again in Irish Whiskey, with current distilleries in Ireland being expanded and new ones being opened.
This recent rise in popularity has also created a demand for new places to consume this golden liquid, prompting the opening of many new whiskey bars and the renovation of many less frequented establishments. In this article, we look at some of the best places in the beautiful city of Dublin that you can drink both Irish Whiskey, and spirits from across the world.
57 The Headline
If the fantastic food and monstrous range of craft beers weren’t enough to get you through the door of 57 The Headline, then surely the extensive range of whiskeys will do the trick! The bar stocks a fantastic range of predominantly Irish whiskeys, with some beautifully aged bottles of Jameson, Red Breast, Bushmills and more!
In addition to this already fantastic offering, they serve a range of tasting trays for those looking to explore new flavours. Each tray comes with three different whiskeys so you’ll have the chance to try something new alongside one of your old favourites.
The Dingle Whiskey Bar
Owned and run by The Porterhouse Group, The Dingle Whiskey Bar is located at the heart of the city in an ideal location. The bar takes its name from the Porterhouse Group-owned distillery of the same name in Co. Kerry and is run with the sole intention of providing great tasting whiskeys to the people of Dublin.
They stock a range of both Irish and Scottish spirits for you to try and are also working on their own distillery which will be stocked on the shelves of the bar when ready. The Dingle also offer a whiskey tasting package which offers you the chance of tasting some fine whiskeys, either from around the world or from a little closer to home in Ireland. These are accompanied by a host that will guide you through the tastes and the histories of the whiskeys.
Bowes Lounge
Stepping into Bowes Lounge is like stepping back in time in the best possible way. It’ll transport you to a by-gone era and treat you with a brilliantly extensive collection of whiskey. They also offer a good range of other beverages and serve food throughout the day. The establishment was opened in 1880 making it one of the city’s oldest bars. Great atmosphere, great whiskey selection, what more is needed?
Against the Grain
Against the Grain is a nicely decked out classic pub with great beers and a top-notch range of whiskey. The walls are covered in brilliant framed artworks and have been painted with some real pub style. They serve food from lunch until the late evening which can be washed down with one of their brilliant craft beers. Their whiskey range is vast and covers spirits from across the world so you’ll never run out of drinks to try!
Searsons
The fact that they have a page dedicated to whiskey on their website, along with numerous shelves dedicated to the golden beverage at their bar suggests that they take whiskey pretty seriously! They have 150 drinks to choose from, of these, 90 are Irish, so there’s certainly no shortage of choice! They have a small seating section called ‘the snug’ which seats a small group and can be hired out for private whiskey tasting sessions.
If you’ve got the taste for some of the good stuff after reading this, why not check out our fine collection of whiskey? We have a range of drinks from around the world, including some fine Irish whiskey!
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