This week it’s very heavy on the booze news. From a brand new whisky release, to beer and gin for a good cause. But don’t worry – I’ve also got something for those who like their booze much lighter (or no booze at all).
Oh and for those who’ve ever fancied being a judge, now is your chance! You’ll want to check out the Hos Goss!
Events
Le Social Wines have announced the second in their series of no and low alcohol events, with the Low Down at Ducie Street Warehouse. Exploring the options for those cutting back, or reducing their alcohol intake to zero, the ticket also includes
Openings
The Northern Quarter has a new tiki bar! Oh yes, Lono Cove, named Chester’s number one cocktail bar has now opened on Thomas Street in the NQ. Promising plenty of tropical flavour, plus an environmental focus (they source sustainable products to keep their carbon footprint as low as possible), I’m adding this to my to visit list!
Closures
In case you missed it, Nutters Restaurant in Rochdale is to close after 28 years. Sometimes all good things have to come to an end, and it seems that following Rodney’s death, and the Pandemic, it’s time for this venue to close. The Bird at Birtle will continue to trade, but for anyone wanting to squeeze in one last visit, bar a couple of last hurrah style dinners, the last trading day will be 17 October. As a diner there myself, I’m rather sad to see it go – I was hoping to squeeze in a visit with my dad and his wife when he felt well enough – the Bird it will be instead! All our love to Nutter, Jean and team.
Booze News
East London Liquor Company have released their first single malt which is grain to glass under one roof, and run through their swan neck still. The 2021 release as a 48% ABV, so this is one is good for drinking both neat, with a splash of water, and for mixing (though the £75 price tag might mean you don’t want to mix it with anything!). It’s great to see more whiskies being produced in England, and I must admit to a fondness for their gins too.
Spitfire Heritage Gin will be supporting Variety, the Children’s Charity’s Legends of Industry Awards in Manchester in November. The star studded event takes place at the Klimpton Clocktower Hotel and attendees will be greeted with a Spitfire Heritage Gin and tonic, courtesy of Spitfire Heritage Distillers. The gin celebrates the legendary women who flew RAF aircraft during WWII, and is made by Dr J (Dr John Walters) at his distillery in Cambridge for brand owner Ian Hewitt. It’s designed to be a genuine 1930s botanical gin, and includes borage for courage, rosemary for remembrance, English rose petals for the flowers of Britain, and blood orange for the women who didn’t make it.
The distillery will also create a bespoke Legends of Industry label for the charity and donate a case of this gin to be auctioned on the night.
Fierce Beer has joined together with Beer52, and US brewery Notch, to launch a ‘Brave Noise’ pale ale. The limited brew will be sent to all Beer52 subscribers in December, with a portion of the profits going directly to hospitality industry charity The Drinks Trust.
The Brave Noise project was instigated by Brienne Allan known as @ratmagnet on Instagram (who has featured heavily in previous Round Up posts), production manager at Massachusetts-based Notch Brewing. In Spring 2021 she used her Instagram account to highlight the accusations of sexism that had been shared with her. The outcry was huge and is still being echoed across the industry worldwide today. And it’s led to a number of breweries signing up to the Brave Noise Code of Conduct and brewing their own Brave Noise beer.
Manchester is to lose one of it’s gins – as Nicholas James Gin have announced they’re to end production. The owner, Nick McCance has announced that as his property business is flourishing, the business will come to an end just three years after it started. So if you fancy getting your mitts on a bottle before they disappear, you can still buy it from Selfridges and Uniquely Manchester.
Hos Goss
I’ve often been asked ‘how can I do what you do?’ – not around eating out, or even around writing, but around drinks. How do people get into reviewing, or judging gins, wines, whiskies?
Well, now you have your chance. The People’s Choice Drinks Awards are looking for members of the public (yes, people like you) to judge drinks. There are plenty of categories to choose from, so whether you’re into your rum, fancy yourself as a bit of a home sommelier, or just know what you like, you can get involved. Get those applications in here!