Manchester Malt Whisky Trail

Consider this for a top night out of tipples and tastings: A tour of some the city's coolest, most individual bars with a Scottish whisky tasting, accompanying bite and cocktail in each one, and a hot buffet at the end to soak it all up.

It's the second Manchester Spirit Trail by drinks experts The Liquorists. The first one held earlier in the year, focused on rum, a couple of the Confidential team went along and had one of the best nights out they've had in ages (and they go out a lot).

In each bar, there's an area set aside for the group with a taster glass of a super fine spirit waiting for you. The nice chaps who run The Liquorists talk you through a tutored tasting, sharing their knowledge from years working in the bar and drinks industry, and passing on tips about how to serve and drink like a true bon-vivant.

Then the head barkeep for that particular establishment mixes each of you a decadent cocktail based on the spirit – the sensuous whisky cocktails will be an eye opener for people who think that whisky is just for experts. You also get a snackette to accompany – for the malt whisky trail expect delectables such as cocoa-rich chocolate and locally produced mature cheeses.

Then it's on to the next bar – they take you in a bus between those that are a further away so there's no trekking on foot across town. It's a civilised affair. You visit five bars in total, from Northern Quarter hipster joints to luxurious salons, and in the last one you'll have a hot buffet to set you right after all the drinking.

It's not a rowdy piss-up – though if you want to get giddy it shouldn't be too tricky with five cocktails and five tasters. It's more of an appreciation of the elixir of whisky rather than a competition to drink as much of it as possible in one evening.

The Manchester Malt Whisky Trail will take place every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 29 June to 21 July. The bars will be Apotheca, Socio Rehab, Obsidian, Corridor and Epernay.

Tickets cost £35 including the five tasters, five cocktails, the tutoring, and the food so it's good value for money.

We think it'd make a great gift for someone as well as an entertaining night out with your friends or partner.

There's limited spaces on each tour so make sure you book well ahead of time. To get the full details and buy tickets, click here.