The Dram Gift Shop
3.67/5.0
Logan Cooper
5/5.0
05, May 2025
Local gem for whisky fans
This independent shop stands out in Churchtown. Great curation of whiskies from small distilleries worldwide. Try-before-you-buy policy is clever, letting you taste before committing. Gift options match theme well. Friday tastings bring people together, taught by passionate hosts. Lounge and small garden corner feel sophisticated yet relaxed. Excellent experience for both gift shopping and whisky exploration.
Lillian Bell
5/5.0
21, Apr 2025
Well supported purchase
Ordered via website and got an update when stock ran low. Offered refund or wait, then included extras as thanks. Delivery packaging secure. Invoice clear. Bought whisky, glassware and jam?they arrived beautifully boxed. Communication professional and personable. Felt bespoke and attentive.
Liam Davis
4/5.0
07, Apr 2025
Authentic whisky shop
Feels grounded and sincere?family-run, locally based. Sampling encouraged but not forced. Walked through shelves of independent whiskies, aisle displays named by region. Tasting notes on display help non-experts. Bought gift box wrapped neatly. Lounge corner is inviting. Secret beer garden adds unique touch. Overall a thoughtfully laid-out space with attention to detail.
Leo Sullivan
5/5.0
24, Mar 2025
Warm & knowledge-rich
Hosted by Darren and family, this shop combines hospitality with deep whisky insight. Friday tastings feel like guided casual meetups. Sampling gives clarity. Browsing after, discovered whisky from Australia, Wales and boutique labels. Packaging elegant and gifts complementary. Community vibe in their secret beer garden is a nice plus. Felt personal, inviting, and refined. A standout whisky gift destination.
Leah Coleman
5/5.0
10, Mar 2025
Stylish and informative
Lovely little gift shop with strong emphasis on whisky learning. Tasting lounge is spacious and comfortable, samples generous and discussions insightful. Owners know their stock well. Giftware suits the whisky theme?barrel decor, tea, flasks and branded merch. Even dog biscuits tied to the theme. Location in Churchtown village adds charm. Visit felt curated and relaxed. Won?t forget the Glenlaird recommendation either!
Layla Peterson
4/5.0
24, Feb 2025
Well executed concept
This shop nails the balance between learning and selling. Booked tasting online easily. Samples offered first, then browsing. Bottles ranged in price with clear descriptions. Gift items well themed: whisky tea, jam and glassware. The owners engaged with guests personally. Lounge and small outdoor garden area offered relaxing breaks. Plenty of space to chat and taste. Well worth visiting for whisky fans or as a unique gift shop.
Lauren Sanders
5/5.0
10, Feb 2025
Immersive whisky shop
The Dram Gift Shop combines whisky education with shopping fun. Tried tasting for the first time in their cosy lounge, sipping drams while learning about distilleries from different countries. Bottles are arranged well; price labels clear. Gifts like infused tea and barrel coasters complement the experience. Hosts were chatty and caring. Walked through a secret beer garden too. Even if not buying, the ambience felt welcoming. For novices and connoisseurs alike, this place is a hidden gem everyone should try at least once.
Landon Bennett
5/5.0
27, Jan 2025
Memorable whisky evening
Attended a themed tasting evening?six drams, booklet notes, lively discussion. Staff shared insider insights like small batch cask finishes. Group atmosphere friendly. Afterwards browsed whiskey wall and accessories. Bought a bottle recommended during session and received tasting notes as takeaway. Presentation and service felt artisan. D?cor was warm and lounge comfortable. Even dog treats made the list, which felt personal. A memorable and enriching visit.
Kylie Watson
4/5.0
13, Jan 2025
Detailed tasting and product
Started with a booking online?site straightforward. Arrived to find a taste corner dedicated to whisky from small distilleries worldwide. Host had clear passion and explained each dram patiently. Sampling before buying meant no regret. The shop also features merchandise: barrel-made decor, whisky tea, stylish hip flasks, and glassware. Communication about stock was timely; when one product ran low, the owner reached out with alternatives. Packaging was neat and transport secure. Located on Botanic Road in a picturesque village setting. A thoughtful and well-executed concept.
Khloe Brooks
5/5.0
30, Dec 2024
Excellent learning experience
A relaxed evening spent at the Friday whisky tasting session was truly informative. Host guided us through six carefully chosen whiskies, ranging from Scottish single malts to Welsh and Yorkshire selections. Each pour came with context: age, cask finish, flavour notes. The atmosphere in the tasting lounge encouraged questions and conversation. Afterwards we browsed the shop: independent labels, interesting giftware like whisky-infused jam, glassware, flasks and even treats for dogs. Sampling allowed confident bottle selection. Staff were approachable but not pushy. D?cor stylish, location in Churchtown charming. The secret beer garden added to the ambiance. An enjoyable blend of education, discovery and pleasant shopping. Definitely worth the trip.
Kevin Gray
4/5.0
16, Dec 2024
Highly engaging presentation
Tasting host shared distiller stories, production insights and tasting tips. Session balanced education with enjoyment. The bottle wall included labels hard to find elsewhere. Gifts matched whisky themes. Would recommend for anyone curious about artisanal whisky culture.
Kennedy Barnes
5/5.0
02, Dec 2024
Atmosphere with variety
Shop blends world whiskies with accessories like flasks, glassware, jams and themed tea. Sample drams gave confidence to explore unknown brands. Owners friendly, floor layout inviting. Lounge and outdoor garden add to ambience. Felt upscale yet friendly. A treat for whisky and gift lovers alike.
Kayla Edwards
5/5.0
18, Nov 2024
Excellent tasting nights
Attended the ?cask finish? whisky evening. Six samples included Scottish, Welsh and Yorkshire whiskies. Presentation lively, knowledgeable host, engaging group discussion. Time flew. Follow-up emails included more info and links. Bought a bottle recommended during the talk. Felt worth the ticket price. Great way to meet fellow whisky fans too.
Kaitlyn Price
4/5.0
04, Nov 2024
Stylish whisky lounge
Decor stylish yet cozy. The tasting lounge makes sampling inviting. Hosts explained differences well and answered questions kindly. Shopping layout intuitive, gifts like barrel wood items and accessories framed nicely. A well executed concept with real attention to customer comfort.
Julian Foster
5/5.0
21, Oct 2024
Family-run warmth
Feels like a local boutique. Owners were warm, dog-loving and engaged. Their son welcomed our pup while we browsed. We tried samples, browsed bottles, jam, glasses, flasks. Conversation flowed naturally. No sales pressure. Bought a whisky and gift box. Enjoyed the secret beer garden glimpse. Felt special.
Julia Kelly
4/5.0
07, Oct 2024
Relaxed and educational
Visited without appointment, spent the afternoon sipping small drams and chatting. The host described each whisky?s origin, taste and best food pairings. Lounge seating felt welcoming, and signage helped understanding. Shop stocks good range of whisky-themed gifts. Nice location in a lively village street. Affordable drams and helpful guidance made the learning enjoyable without pressure.
Joshua Bell
5/5.0
23, Sep 2024
Superb gift experience
Ordered online for a birthday gift. Communication was excellent?staff contacted me about limited stock and offered options. Included freebies in parcel for patience. Presentation was elegant, contents as described. Recipient loved the whisky and glassware. Friendly service from order to delivery made the instalment delightful. Would buy again from here.
Joseph Russell
5/5.0
09, Sep 2024
Unique flavour discovery
Diverse whiskies from lesser-known regions felt exciting. Tried Japanese, English and Australian single malts. The lounge sets a cozy tone, owners share real passion for craft spirits. Tried the whisky-infused raspberry jam on sight, enjoyed pairing with toast later. Tasting experiences on Fridays made me feel included even as a beginner. D?cor is tasteful and gift-packing tidy. Loved it.
Jordan Long
4/5.0
26, Aug 2024
Well curated selection
This little whisky gift shop impressed with its artisan selection. Bottles frame shelving beautifully, each labelled with origin and tasting notes. Sampling allowed ordering confidently. Tasting evening was engaging, with stories from distilleries told by enthusiastic hosts. Gifts like infused tea, hip flasks and dog snacks were thoughtful touches. Booking was easy online. Costs are fair considering cask-finish offerings. Would visit again.
Jolie Ward
5/5.0
12, Aug 2024
Charming & informative
Owners Darren and Rebecca created a welcoming space in Churchtown. The shop sells quality whiskies from Scotland, Wales, Japan, Australia and more, focusing on independent distillers. The innovative try-before-you-buy feature lets shoppers sample via 25ml drams in the tasting lounge. On a Friday tasting evening we enjoyed guided sips, learned distillery histories and chatted comfortably. Wine-inspired jam and gift accessories made browsing fun. No pressure to buy. Well-stocked, nice layout, friendly and knowledgeable staff. A relaxing and educational visit for whisky lovers.
John Richardson
1/5.0
29, Jul 2024
Booking error
Tasted slot cancelled unexpectedly without notice. Staff apologetic, but disappointment lingered.
Jessica Howard
2/5.0
15, Jul 2024
Limited variety
Many common names missing. Mostly indie selection only. Good concept, poor inventory.
Jeremy Rivera
3/5.0
01, Jul 2024
Gift items ordinary
Glassware and flasks looked generic. Not much design appeal.
Jennifer Cooper
2/5.0
17, Jun 2024
Ambience fine, service slow
Quiet lounge but waited too long before someone attended. Made visit feel awkward.
Jeffrey Cox
1/5.0
03, Jun 2024
Few labels for tasting
Arrived for tasting but only one whisky available. Felt misleading.
Jayden Nelson
3/5.0
20, May 2024
Staff friendly but rushed
Interaction polite but felt hurried. Hard to ask follow?up questions. Tasting corner empty.
Jason Perez
2/5.0
06, May 2024
Stock uneven
One visit had many bottles, another nearly empty shelves. Inconsistent stock makes planning difficult.
Jasmine Garcia
3/5.0
22, Apr 2024
Website glitchy
Tried booking online but site didn?t load correctly. Phoned to fix but confirmation came late. Small shop, nice lounge though.
James Cook
2/5.0
08, Apr 2024
Higher prices than expected
Bottles cost a fair amount more than elsewhere. No explanation of rarity or craft. Sampling helped but didn?t justify markup.
Jade Roberts
3/5.0
25, Mar 2024
Tasting options limited
Tried to sample whiskies but found only two available. Usually more. Staff were polite but lacked suggestions. Shopping felt forced after limited tasting.
Jackson Rodriguez
3/5.0
11, Mar 2024
Potential but inconsistent
This shop has potential: interesting tasting corner, nice vibe, unique gifts. But inconsistency shows: some visits samples plentiful, others none. Staff warmth varies. Knowledge sometimes excellent, other times vague. Pricing not always transparent. I'd return if stock improves and staff training more consistent.
Jack Morris
1/5.0
26, Feb 2024
Overpriced
Bought a bottle that felt overpriced compared to supermarket conds. Sample sizes good, but bottle markup excessive. Staff didn?t discuss price rationale. Felt more tourist trap than local shop. Taster lounge nice corner, but labels limited. Disappointed after reading rave reviews.
Isabella King
2/5.0
12, Feb 2024
Booking confusing
Tried to reserve a tasting online, but website showed no slots. Called phone number and booked via email. Confirmation delayed. On arrival there was no record. Had to reschedule. Staff apologetic but experience felt disjointed. Lounge looked inviting but tasting didn't happen. Left with boxed gift instead. Concept is strong, execution shaky.
Isaac Hall
3/5.0
29, Jan 2024
Good decor, odd gaps
The space is nicely styled with lounge and small garden. But stock distribution felt random. Few American bottlings and only one Japanese whisky. Asked about restock, staff seemed uninformed. Gifts (glasses and flasks) looked generic. Visit felt more like gift store than whisky specialist. Friendly but lacked depth.
Henry Allen
1/5.0
15, Jan 2024
Limited stock disappoints
Expected an extensive selection of whiskies but many labels missing. Shop primarily offers a few independents. Vanilla jam was interesting but variety sparse. Sampling area seemed nice, but at visit they had no samples left. Worked long enough but seemed unprepared. Showed photos online of more bottles than available. Felt over?hyped. Probably better for locals but not for someone seeking discovery across styles.
Hazel Hall
2/5.0
01, Jan 2024
Promised tasting but ran short
Booked a tasting event but only three drams served instead of six. Host apologised but no compensation offered. Felt half?finished; group ended early without guidance on remaining whiskies. Refreshments minimal. Informed concept is to taste first, buy later, but experience felt rushed. Shop decor nice, staff polite but detachment let down a session I had looked forward to.
Delaney Toure
3/5.0
18, Dec 2023
Friendly but sparse
People were friendly but shop seemed understaffed. Only one person handling both register and samples. This led to wait times and brief interactions. Bottles seemed high?end priced but explanation incomplete. A fine place for casual browsing, but not ideal if you want hands?on tasting. Nice corner lounge but mostly empty.
Hayden Parker
2/5.0
04, Dec 2023
Ambience ok but tasting missed mark
Atmosphere felt pleasant, but tasting session lacked structure. No clear guidance on tasting order or flavours. Staff didn?t explain differences effectively. The lounge seating is comfy, but group conversation drifted. Couldn?t taste enough varieties?only four were offered. Bottles behind the counter were hard to view. Gift items looked decent but packaging felt basic. Good concept, poor execution.
Harry Brown
1/5.0
20, Nov 2023
Was expecting more variety
Picture a broad whisky range but found selection limited compared to expectations. Many famous brands missing; mostly small indie labels. Tried samples but only two varieties available that day. Staff seemed friendly but offered no alternative suggestions. The tasting corner and secret garden were modest and under?utilized. Not bad but fell short of promise of global whiskies. Giftware looked nice but nothing stood out. Felt pricey for what was there. Won?t rush back unless they expand stock variety and improve sampling experience.
Harper Lewis
2/5.0
06, Nov 2023
Service slower than expected
Visited on a Saturday afternoon hoping to sample and buy whisky. While the whisky selection looked interesting, service took longer than expected. Waited fifteen minutes before being offered a dram. When asked about origins, answers were polite but vague. The tasting lounge felt under?used. Bought a bottle but left feeling neutral due to the slow pace. While ambience was nice, value felt off given the delay. Might try again on a weekday but first visit lacked energy compared to online claims.
Hannah Young
5/5.0
23, Oct 2023
Excellent whisky lounge
The tasting lounge and secret beer garden add charm. Friendly hosts shared passion for craft distilleries. Bottles displayed beautifully. Shopping felt curated. Enjoyable visit and informative session.
Grace Walker
4/5.0
09, Oct 2023
Engaging and calm visit
Staff help you learn without teaching at you. Shop is well stocked with bottles, gifts and even dog snacks. Loved trying before buying. The lounge corner is chill and the beer garden is a lovely bonus.
Gianna Esposito
5/5.0
25, Sep 2023
Relaxed discovery
Came in just to browse but ended up tasting and chatting about whisky origins. No hard sell. Variety is impressive, staff genuinely care. Coffee offered while deciding. A nice afternoon experience in a small family?run shop.
Gabriel Adebayo
4/5.0
11, Sep 2023
Welcoming Churchtown gem
Super warm welcome in a cosy shop. Loved the tasting lounge and friendly chat without pressure. Selection included independent bottlers and fine accessories. Hard to find elsewhere. Walked away with a new bottle and enthusiasm.
Gabriella Russo
5/5.0
28, Aug 2023
Artisan selection
Offers artisan whiskies not found in supermarkets, plus whisky?themed gifts. We tried several via sample drams. Helpful staff explained each distillery?s style. Even items for dogs included whisky jam! A unique shopping experience in Churchtown.
Finnian Singh
4/5.0
14, Aug 2023
Good tasting services
Enjoyed a tasting session?about six drams, friendly guidance, no awkward pressure. Small group chat and owners shared stories about whiskies? origins. Learned new flavour profiles. Recommend for curious whisky drinkers.
Fiona Goldberg
3/5.0
31, Jul 2023
Pleasant shop visit
Shop is clean and decor is attractive. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful. Small sampling drams offered which is useful. A bit pricey for some bottles, but overall a pleasant browse and nice atmosphere.
Felix Sharma
5/5.0
17, Jul 2023
Lovely variety
Selection covers whiskies from around the world: Scotland, Japan, USA, Wales and more. Also includes glassware, hip flasks and infused teas. Tasting before buying was helpful, and shop layout is nice. Didn?t feel rushed and learned lot about options.
Faith Green
4/5.0
03, Jul 2023
Friendly knowledgeable owners
Owners Darren and Rebecca with son Elliot made the experience comfortable. They answered questions about cigars too. A well stocked mix of whisky, accessories, glassware, even dog?friendly non?alcoholic treats. Felt very welcoming and informative.
Evelyn Hill
5/5.0
19, Jun 2023
Relaxed visit to shop
Visited to browse bottles and chill in their tasting nook. Knowledgeable host suggested some unique choices. Offers tea, coffee and soft drinks while you explore. No rush, just a relaxed place to enjoy whisky culture. Bought a bottle and related jam product.
Eva Rodriguez
5/5.0
05, Jun 2023
Informative tasting experience
The Friday evening whisky tasting is both educational and fun. We tried whiskies from Scotland, Wales and USA, guided by knowledgeable hosts. Atmosphere was relaxed, chatty and inclusive. Great way to learn if new to whisky. Left with a better understanding and enjoyed the selection.
Ethan Taylor
4/5.0
22, May 2023
Nice local hidden gem
This little gem in Southport Churchtown offers an interesting range of whiskies from lesser?known producers. No pressure in tasting sessions, and the owner explains complex flavours clearly. The lounge and secret beer garden feel soothing. Quality service with a human touch.
Eric Thomas
5/5.0
08, May 2023
Great for gifting
Fantastic selection of whisky gifts, from neat single malts to themed merchandise like glasses and tea. The gift boxed presentation looked well chosen. Staff helped pick something suitable after asking what the recipient liked. The tasting lounge adds an extra touch for learning something new.
Emma Scott
4/5.0
24, Apr 2023
Easy online booking
The website was straightforward and booking a tasting session was smooth. The staff were friendly and shared useful knowledge without pressure. The shop offers small 25?ml drams to taste before purchase, which made picking a bottle stress?free. Location in a charming village setting added to the pleasant experience.
Emily Williams
5/5.0
10, Apr 2023
Welcoming atmosphere
A family?run whisky shop with a nice tasting space. Friendly staff present craft whiskies from Scotland, Japan and beyond. The try?before?you?buy policy makes exploring easy. Welcoming decor and a relaxed vibe in Churchtown is very inviting. Got a hip flask gift and jam infused with whisky too. Pleasant afternoon spent.
The Dram Gift Shop
Address
United States
Website
the-dram.co.uk
Email
Telephone
