Manchester now has its very own whiskey shop.

Last night was the official launch of the Whisky Shop’s flagship Manchester store so I went down to take a look (and try to score some samples, obviously). I may as well admit now that I’m not much of a whiskey drinker – give me a wine tasting or a wine festival any day of the week – but even so I was impressed by the quality of the drinks and the knowledge of the staff.

A spirited effort

I’m told the Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest whiskey-only retailer. And I doubt the Whisky Shop Manchester, its 22nd and newest store, will let the side down. It’s immaculately laid out with 600 sq ft of retail space full of sleek fittings, timber floors, glass displays and under-shelf lighting that makes the whiskey bottles positively glow.

Also, the store couldn’t really have…