TASTE of Manchester appreciates that premium gin is now being distilled in a railway arch in the city but in the semi-subterranean world of alcohol artisanry the small scale brewers still hold sway.
A perfect way to explore the latest arrivals (and one pioneer) along the so-called Piccadilly Beer Mile comes from an operation called UK Beer Tours, which has made a success of similar treks in London and Bristol.
Their latest venture, Manchester Brewery Tours, is launching on Saturday, September 3 (1pm to 4pm), taking in three of our microbreweries – Beer Nouveau, Carbon Smith and Alphabet Brewing Co, all located along North Western Street.
Beer Nouveau founder/brewer Steve Dunkley (pictured above) is opening his doors for an equipment tour, an introduction to the brewing process and, of course, a tasting.
Next stop is Carbon Smith, where Ollie Smith (above) is putting together all the shining new kit for his brewery after moving down from Edinburgh. So in many cases it’s a chance to taste beers new to Manchester. Finally, you arrive for more of the same at old stager Alphabet, a brewery launched by the folk behind Kosmonaiut and PLY bars in the NQ.
Tickets are £40. But them via this link. Not no fancy dress is allowed. And there was ToM dusting off the red plastic nose and lederhosen.