Our favourite whisky bars in Liverpool

Hidden behind an unassuming façade, this indie drinking den is a bijou speakeasy that transports us back to the Prohibition era. It specialises in whiskey, blues, jazz and gin. There’s always a bottle of the month — just ask the bar staff for the “dream dram”. Past labels to have featured include Mortlach: The Katana’s Edge and Midnight Silkie Whiskey 46%. Loved the liquor in this indie bar? You can take home medicine-style bottles of their Old Fashioneds, to enjoy long after closing. Book Berry and Rye on a Monday night, if you’d like to be serenaded by a singer-songwriter as you sip on your bevvies. 

In 2019, founders Matt and Beck founded what they planned to be ‘the people’s whisky bar’. Since then they have been bringing independently bottled whisky to the Fabric District. Focussing on diversity rather than quantity, they nevertheless have a sizeable selection with 130 whiskies and rums, all stored with the greatest of care and with a rotating cast of brands. Casual, affordable and friendly, this is the place for those who prefer a down-to-earth atmosphere and artisanal approach. If you’re a member of the Liverpool Whisky Club, you’ll receive a discount here. 

Housed in a former Victorian pharmacy (and later a seafood restaurant) Jennys is now a disco den doubling as a vintage-inspired setting for whisky enthusiasts. The bar’s wooden beams, Tiffany-style stained glass, gilt-framed paintings and low lighting create an inviting atmosphere that contrasts with its DJ sounds and mirror balls. Enjoy Jenny’s collection of beverages neat, on the rocks or in one of the whisky-based cocktails (the Whisky Mac is a winner) — all the way until 3 am at the weekend. This is where history and indulgence merge on a packed dance floor. You’ll find it in the Commercial District. 

For sheer numbers, this bar in the Georgian Quarter is hard to beat. Hibiki, Old Pulteney, Nikka From the Barrel, Woodford Reserve, Michael Couvreuer, Timorous Beastie and Eagle Rare Bourbon are some of the stars of the show, nestled among over 300 different bottlings. Mackenzie’s loves to procure obscure options, so if you have a keen sense of adventure in your drinking, let the bar staff guide your taste buds into the unknown. You might like to come for Sunday lunch, brunch, or just grab a doughnut from the bar, as sustenance and to soak up the strong stuff. Look out for live music nights, sports on the screen and Feelgood Fridays, when you can drink more for less.

Whisky seekers who plan on entertaining clients and customers, or hosting a meeting within a less pubby or clubby setting, should book a table at the Pullman Restaurant. Part of the Pullman Hotel in the King’s Dock, it boasts an iconic setting beside the waterfront. The whisky list is an exploration of international distilleries, which you can take your time to savour in this convivial setting. 

And now for something a little bit different… The Oracle will serve up your whisky cocktail with a side of artifice and first-class magic. Designed in the form of a 1900’s era speakeasy, with vintage brace-wearing bartenders, the venue will furnish you with a creative taste of whisky unlike any other. Its cocktails are strong, seductive and sophisticated, like the Forager’s Old Fashioned, made with whiskey, wild mushroom liqueur, rosemary and thyme syrup and bitters and the Penicillin with 12-year smokey Scotch whisky, 10-year blended Scotch whisky, honey and ginger syrup and lemon. Then again, you may prefer a simple glass of old-school bourbon as you pick a card by the fireside.