GIN-MAZYIUM – Tipples is just the tonic for discerning drinkers

Tipples is the new liquor store which is an Aladdin’s cave for quaffers who want to sniff out the weird and wonderful when it comes to spirits without, as they say, paying the price tag of a yellow ‘exclusive big store’ bag (Selfridges for those who didn’t get it).

 

Launched just a month ago on Lloyd Street (off Deansgate) it’s a jam packed, rustic emporium, stuffed to the rafters with hand-picked bottles of the hard stuff by Greg,  the incredibly knowledgeable owner who has worked in the booze business for nearly two decades – from glass collector to cocktail master to running 40 odd outlets when Living Ventures was in its prime.

 

It specialises in spirits and not just gin, although it has eighty different versions of the big G on offer, as well as a small offering of wines, because, as Greg says, you have to for those doing a smash and grab vino on their way home.

 

All the bottles have to pass Greg’s tipple test which is: does he like it? And can he stock it for the price he wants to.

 

And that’s why this place is special.

 

 

Viva went to sample their gin-tasting odyssey – around the world in eighty gins – and we can’t remember a thing!

 

Kidding, in fact you sample six gins in the evening, which is £25 pp, and comes with canapes, a 10% discount on any of the bottles you’re tempted to buy and a fascinating insight into all things gin from Greg. It’s perfect as a treat – they’re doing gift vouchers -a girly get together or just for pure fun.

 

I’m not going to nick Greg’s script, so here are just a few of his gin gems, so claxon ‘spoiler alert’ for those that would rather find out on the night:

 

FUN GIN FACTS:

• Gin is actually flavoured vodka and can be made with everything from rice to potatoes
• Dutch Courage – this is what the Brit navy swilled before doing battle and you probably knew that. But did you know the official tot of gin was a modern-day pint and 57% AB? Just wow and how did they drive the boat.
• Gin was the equivalent of Spice back in the day, with a staggering eight acts to try and curb its effect on society which coined such phrases as ‘Mother’s Ruin’
• You taste gin by holding the glass by the stem, doing a swirl and bringing it up from your chest and getting the first wafts of citrus, perfumes, wood herbs, and a host of other gorgeous scents. Then you sip, swill and swallow, enjoying the intense flavours and length
• Nope, that’s it, I’ll let Greg tell you other fun gin facts …

 

As gin can basically be made by any starch and flavour is added though botanicals the globe-trotting gin trip was perfect to taste the world through gin. Some you sip and add nothing too other than an ice cube, others are perfect to dilute with tonic and others for cocktails.

 

My favourite was Brooklyn Gin, which comes in a beautiful bottle (£37) and the Edinburgh Seaside Gin (£44), which really did bring the seaside to all senses.

 

 

Ki no bi, a Japanese rice-based dry gin, was universally adored and Gin Mare, sipped chilled is fantastically sophisticated.

 

The evening closed with a nightcap of Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz, an Aussie mix of red wine and gin, again made for sipping and was described by one guest as Focaccia in a glass.

 

As well as the gin tour, Greg holds regular tasting sessions to showcase new additions to his beautiful spirit world and you can find out what and when from their website https://tipplesmcr.co.uk/.

 

Viva verdict: Tipples is a wonderful booze emporium and a great addition to the Manchester artisan scene, with unbeatable prices, beautiful bottles and fascinating know-how from Greg and the team.