If you take your spirits seriously, then it only helps that you find like minded people who are ready to help you out. From helping you pick a bottle that suits your taste to letting you in on all the new and upcoming brands in the market, an exemplary spirits merchant would go above and beyond to ensure that you are satisfied with your purchase. Listed below are some of the UK’s top notch merchants that you ought to know about in order to make just the right decisions when it comes to spirits.

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s original wine and spirits merchant, boasts over 300 years of history and holds two Royal Warrants. With a significant presence in Asia, the company made history in 2013 by being the first major UK retailer to offer Chinese wines. The firm is distinguished by its team of experts, including three Masters of Wine. Spirits Curator Felix Dear is known for hosting engaging whisky tastings and fostering a community of spirits enthusiasts, with a focus on independent bottling and cask selection.

Image Source: Berry Bros & Rudd (Instagram)

 

The Whisky Exchange

Founded in 1999 by two brothers passionate about whisky and fine spirits, The Whisky Exchange has grown into the world’s leading specialist online retailer for fine whiskies and spirits. With three London shops and a range of award-winning events, The Whisky Exchange serves a global community of drinks enthusiasts. Based in Park Royal, London, the company is dedicated to sourcing and offering the best whiskies, spirits, and wines from across the globe.

Image Source: The Whisky Exchange (Instagram)

 

WoodWinters

Established by Douglas Wood in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling, WoodWinters has expanded to include stores in Edinburgh and Inverness, as well as a London office to support its growing wholesale operation. Recognized for its exceptional wines, Woodwinters has also made a name in the whisky world, earning accolades such as IWC Scottish Merchant of the Year and Decanter’s UK Retailer of the Year. The company is consistently acknowledged as one of the UK’s top independent wine and whisky merchants.

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Luvians

Home to nearly 1,200 whiskies and recognized as an “Icon of Whisky” in 2011 by the World Whisky Awards, Luvians is a premier destination for whisky lovers. Founded in 1981 and located in St Andrews and Cupar in the Kingdom of Fife, Luvians Bottle Shops specialise in high-quality whiskies, wines, beers, and spirits from around the world. Harpers Wine and Spirits has named Luvians Bottle Shop the best independent wine shop in Scotland and the third best in the UK.

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The Vintage House

One of London's oldest whisky shops, The Vintage House was established in the 1940s and offers over 1,300 whiskies, including many rare and hard-to-find bottlings. Located in Soho, the shop works closely with whisky producers to offer exclusive whiskies that can only be found here. In addition to its extensive whisky collection, The Vintage House stocks a wide variety of other spirits, including wine, port, sherry, tequila, and more.

Image Source: The Vintage House (Facebook)

 

Nickolls & Perks

Established in 1797, Nickolls & Perks is the 1,520th oldest company in the world, having opened during the reign of King George III. The company is known for its extensive tasting events, hosting around 50 to 60 a year, including whisky and gin festivals that attract hundreds of attendees. With a 16th-century cellar under the store and ownership of the building, Nickolls & Perks offers a unique venue for tastings and events at affordable prices.

Image Source: Nickolls & Perks (Instagram)

 

Field and Fawcett

Founded in 2006 by Cathryn and Peter Fawcett at Bingley House Farm, Grimston Bar, Field & Fawcett has been recognized as Independent Drinks Retailer of the Year for its high-quality offerings. This York-based retailer is known for its premium spirits and great-value wines, with a particular strength in the New Zealand category, influenced by owner Peter Fawcett’s dual citizenship. The shop even sells a unique ‘Vandal’ Sauvignon Blanc co-fermented with New Zealand Bluff oysters.

Image Source: Field & Fawcett (Instagram)

 

Gerrys Wines and Spirits

Founded in 1985 by Michael Kyprianou and Gerrys Leeds, Gerrys Wines and Spirits has become a Soho institution, known for its vast selection of spirits, including many rare and hard-to-find varieties. Michael is regarded as a West End legend, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of wines and spirits. Gerrys is the go-to place for obscure spirits, including mezcal, liqueurs, and a wide selection of absinthe for those inclined towards the green fairy.

Image Source: Gerry Wines and Spirits (Instagram)

 

Cadenhead's Whisky Shops

For Scotch whisky aficionados, Cadenhead's Whisky Shops in London represent more than just iconic whisky shops or famed specialist bottlers of rare whiskies—they are landmarks in the history of the Scotch whisky industry. The company is known for its impressive list of firsts that have significantly influenced the evolution of Scotch whisky. Visitors can expect to engage in deep discussions about the nuances of Scotch whisky with the knowledgeable and hospitable staff. The weekly tastings and innovative food and whisky pairings offered by Cadenhead's are legendary and highly sought after.  

Image Source: Cadenheads (Instagram)

 

House of Townend

House of Townend is meticulous in sourcing spirits, working closely with distilleries to ensure the highest standards. Their extensive range is enjoyed by some of the UK’s finest hotels and restaurants. Proudly independent, House of Townend ensures that their beverages, which include both spirits and wines, are not sold through supermarkets or multiple retailers. Their dedication to quality has earned them multiple accolades, including being voted ‘Regional Merchant of the Year’ at the prestigious International Wine Challenge four times in the last five years.

Image Source: House of Townened (Instagram)

 

Oxford Wine Company

The Oxford Wine Company is recognized as a leading independent wine merchant with a strong national presence. This multi-award-winning company consistently secures a position among the top 10 in Harpers Wine & Spirits’ "50 Best Indies," and has earned accolades such as 'Small Chain of the Year' at the Drinks Retailing Awards and 'Regional Merchant of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge. In 2023, the company was honoured as the Best Independent Wine Merchant in the UK by Harpers Wine & Spirit. The Oxford Wine Company offers an extensive selection of over 2000 products, encompassing a diverse range of wines, spirits, and beers, from popular favourites to rare finds.

Image Source: Oxford Wine Company (Instagram)

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House of Malt

Founded in 2015, House of Malt is a family-owned business that has rapidly grown into a leading online retailer for whisky and other spirits. Serving thousands of customers monthly, the company’s remarkable expansion is attributed to strong word-of-mouth recommendations, fair pricing, and exceptional customer service. House of Malt is celebrated for its ability to source the finest products, making it a trusted name among spirits enthusiasts.

Image Source: House of Malt (Instagram)

 

Royal Mile Whiskies

Established in 1991 on Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, Royal Mile Whiskies has developed a global reputation as a premier whisky merchant. Managed by Mark Davidson, with over two decades of experience, the shop is staffed by passionate whisky enthusiasts who excel in customer engagement and product knowledge. The store also offers a range of corporate and private tastings and supplies many of Scotland’s top hospitality venues. The selection includes a broad spectrum of spirits, liqueurs, and beers, from everyday essentials to exclusive single cask whiskies.

Image Source: Royal Mile Whiskies (Instagram)

 

Milroy’s

Milroy’s, established in 1964 by John 'Jack' Milroy, quickly became a staple in Soho for wines, spirits, and Champagne, known for offering high-quality products at competitive prices. In 2014, the brand relaunched its bar, which now features over 300 whiskies available for tasting. Milroy’s is also well-regarded for its tasting events, which have been a cornerstone of London’s spirits culture for more than 50 years, guiding enthusiasts through the rich landscapes of Scotch whisky.

Image Source: Milroy's (Instagram)

 

The Good Spirits Co.

Founded in 2011 by Shane Goodbody, Matthew McFadyen, and Mark Connelly, The Good Spirits Co. is Glasgow's go-to specialist spirits shop. The founders, who met while working at Oddbins, saw a need for a dedicated spirits store in the city. The shop offers an eclectic range of spirits, liqueurs, beers, and more, with a focus on hard-to-find bottles. Additionally, The Good Spirits Co. hosts public tastings, WSET qualifications, and private events, both on-site and externally.

Image Source: The Good Spirits Co. (Instagram)

 

The Bon Vivant’s Champion

Adjacent to The Bon Vivant bar and restaurant, this modern wine and spirit merchant offers a curated selection of independent wines, spirits, and beers. Known for its personalised service, The Bon Vivant’s Champion features a variety of artisan liqueurs, global whiskies, and unique gins, rums, mezcals, tequilas, and brandies, appealing to those in search of distinctive and high-quality beverages.

Image Source: The Bon Vivant's Champion (Instagram)

 

The Artisan Wine & Spirit Co.

The Artisan Wine & Spirit Co., Salisbury’s only independent wine and spirit merchant, serves both local and national customers with a carefully curated selection of nearly 500 wines and over 100 spirits.The shop offers exceptional value on high-quality wines from artisan producers worldwide, along with a diverse array of vermouths, liqueurs, craft beers, and ciders. The Artisan Wine & Spirit Co. also supplies products to pubs, bars, and restaurants.

Image Source: The Artisan Wine & Spirits Company (Instagram)

 

The Spirits Room by Caviste

The Spirits Room by Caviste, located at Newlyns Farm in Hampshire and available online, offers an impressive array of bottles, ranging from accessible selections to rare and aspirational finds. The store specialises in Scotch whisky while also excelling across other major spirits categories. The Spirits Room is a destination for enthusiasts seeking expertise and a diverse product range.

Image Source: The Spirits Room by Caviste (Instagram)

 

Ellis Wharton Wines 

Ellis Wharton Wines is a prominent UK wine merchant known for its commitment to sourcing wines and spirits from organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wineries and producers. With a strong presence in London, the South East, South West, and Midlands, they are a trusted supplier for on-trade buyers, offering a portfolio that combines choice, value, and premium quality. The owners are dedicated to sustainability, partnering exclusively with producers who share this ethos. 

Image Source: Ellis Wharton Wines (Instagram)

 

The Secret Bottle Shop

The Secret Bottle Shop, based in Herefordshire, is an independent wine and spirits business with a passionate and knowledgeable team. Originating from the well-known Saxtys bar and nightclub, which was established in 2001, the business expanded into a dedicated retail space in 2016, complementing its online presence. The shop is known for its welcoming atmosphere and offers a unique ‘Tasting Station’ where customers can sample products before purchasing. The Secret Bottle Shop is committed to providing exceptional customer satisfaction and a personalised shopping experience.

Image Source: Secret Bottle Shop (Instagram)

In the ever-evolving world of spirits, the UK's top merchants stand out for their expertise and commitment to offering only the best. By sourcing rare and high-quality spirits, they provide customers with a unique and premium experience, ensuring that the tradition of fine spirit appreciation continues to thrive.

Header image sourced from The Vintage House.