Lauren Coulman Fast becoming a Manchester institution, The Liqourists bar consultants and spirit experts are currently on their third round of rum trails. They also run whisky, bourbon and gin events, with The Gincident taking place on a barge crossing the River Irwell.
Taking spirit fans and wannabe afficionados round the cityâs liveliest bars to learn about and experience the best rums available, the trails offer reasonable value at just £35 on a weeknight, rising to £45 on a weekend. Food matching is a big part of the experience too, with a meal to end the evening back at The Liqourists HQ included in each ticket price.
Hula, Tusk, Blue Pig and more
Starting out at Hula (Stevenson Square) we were given a brief history of the origins of rum which, it turns out, was born in the West Indies with roots tied to the 17th century slave trade. Tasting advice for the sipping rums was provided in each bar following the slow sampling of cocktails showing the best of the creative potential of the spirit.
A five year-old Barbados plantation rum kicked off the night, followed by a refreshing daiquiri with small plates of rum-soaked caramelised pineapple, before taking in Keko Moku, Odd, Tusk Bar and the Blue Pig to try, among others, a 15-year-old Guyanan El Dorado with fruity notes, a three-year-old Dominican Metusalem mixed with lime, navy style, and Jamaican Wray and Nephew at 63 per cent proof.
Detailing the history of the various rum brands, rum drinking culture across the world and tasting notes for each drink, we were both educated and entertained, with the experience rounded off with a green Thai curry. With six rums and six cocktails across six bars, though, the only thing The Liquorists canât deliver is their no hangover guarantee. But with a bunch of new friends, and a new favourite drink, the pain was worth it.