Offering everything from Southeast Asian fusion liqueurs to some of the official world’s best gin in Oldham, Manchester has become a copper-columned haven for renowned spirit distilleries.

Here are some of the best Mancunian spirits you need to try.

Three Rivers Gin

Manchester’s first city centre gin distillery, Three Rivers offers a smooth, mild small batch dry gin from a combination of eleven botanicals and spices including black pepper and cardamom. You can find a bottle in a range of local spirits stores, as well as Selfridges, Waitrose, The Whisky Shop and Majestic Wines.

21 Red Bank Parade, Manchester, M4 4HF
The Salford Rum Company | Blackfriars

Inspired by the flowing Caribbean imports through Salford Docks in the late Victorian era, The Salford Rum Company produces critically acclaimed spiced rum in small batches, with gorgeous bottle designs illustrated by local artist Dave Draws. They also offer an in-house Spiced Rum Experience. You can pick some up in Harvey Nichols, The Whiskey Exchange, Threshers or a range of local spirits stockists.

33 Viaduct St, Salford, M3 7WX
ARLU Rum | Salford

With ‘Caribbean born, Manchester made’ as their slogan, the ARLU team create an irresistible range of party-starting rum infusions, alongside their classic spiced option, out of their award-winning Demerara Diamond Distillery. Pick up one (or two) of their Blood Orange or Mango & Passionfruit bottles from almost any Co-Op in Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside.

Conavon Court, 12 Blackfriars St, Salford, M3 5BQ
DEFIANCE Gin | Oldham

Voted the actual best gin in the world at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, DEFIANCE produces a dizzying selection of flavoured and steeped gins, with endless combinations of flavours and vintages, out of their Oldham distillery. From a Bubblegum Gin Liqueur to an unaged 57% ABV ‘Navy Strength’ option, as well as the new Maple Toffee Vodka and a gin simply called ‘High Octane’, The DEFIANCE Distillery effortlessly mixes quality with quantity. Pick up any of their range from Master of Malt, Distillers Direct or their own website below.

Unit 9 Woodend Mill, Oldham, OL4 5DR, Tel: 0161 624 4566
Tarsier Gin | Greater Manchester

Following a 2014 backtracking trip, the Tarsier founders developed a range of gins based on the various sensory joys of Southeast Asia. Now offering a peppery dry gin, an ‘Oriental’ pink gin, a Khao San chilli-infused gin and more, Tarsier can be found instore at Reserve Wines, The Epicurean in Heaton Moor, Kwoff in Bury and even Tebay Services. Check out the website below for a full list.

FOUR SIS4ERS DISTILLERY | Salford

Born of ‘passion, pride and sheer willpower’, FOUR SIS4ERS produces small batch gin, rum and pre-mixed cans in dozens of flavours in their Salford distillery. Partnered with the SEVEN BRO7HERS Brewing Company, FOUR SIS4ERS has picked up numerous awards since opening, including silver at the World Gin Awards 2020 with their strawberry small batch. Pick up a bottle at Selfridges, or via their website.

Unit 39, Waybridge Enterprise Centre, Daniel Adamson Rd, Salford, M50 1DS
Didsbury Gin | Didsbury

Promising a ‘Life More Luscious’ in bold print on the bottle, Didsbury Gin produces an array of unapologetically British flavour combinations, including Plum & Rosehip, Raspberry & Elderflower and, while predictably sold out at present, Manchester Tart. Pick up a bottle or pre-mixed can on the website below, or enter your postcode to find the nearest stockist.

Conavon Court, 12 Blackfriars Street, Salford, M3 5BQ
Chorlton Whisky | Chorlton

Limited-run whisky independently-bottled right on our doorstep? Yes please. Along with producing some of the most exciting, sublime whisky you’ll try, Chorlton Whisky also host events and tastings that’d be a perfect gift for any whisky aficionado.

Emerald Gin | Heald Green

Set up by two brothers-in-law, Emerald Gin operates out of a garden shed distillery which they built themselves — a brilliant story in itself. The guys currently produce three different flavours, London Dry Gin, Pink Gin and for those wanting a little extra kick, 57% Navy Strength Gin.

Ancoats Distillery

After two mates spotted blackberries growing through the remains of a derelict pub, Ancoats Distillery came about via one of the more unlikely origin stories. Since then, the team have significantly bolstered their offering, and stock now ranges from classic and flavoured gins to craft vodka and honey rum.

Manchester Gin

From distilling gin 60l at a time in their living room, Seb and Jen have gone on to create one of the city’s most recognised drinks brands in Manchester Gin. These days, the pair have stacked up countless awards and recognition for their creations, and their Watson Street distillery, housed within the historic railway arches of Manchester Central, invites guests on an immersive journey through their process, from creation to tasting. For those who prefer to be a little more hands-off, the team also have their gorgeous-looking bar, Three Little Words, right next door.

10-15 Watson St, Manchester M3 4LP
Fri 1 Mar
Words:
Wire Editor
Published on:
Wed 1 May 2024