Check out these four annual events held in Las Vegas, you may be surprised at what our city has to offer for whisky, wine, and food lovers.
1. The High Roller Experience from Universal Whisky is an elite package that ends with the Nth, the main tasting event, on the final evening. There are several experiences to choose from, with the most elite and coveted going for five full days.
Standouts included Bhakta 1962 Armagnac, Dewars 38 year old, The Dalmore 25 year old, everything at the Impex Beverages table, Benromach 40 year old, Convalmore 1984, Rosebank 1991, Glenfarclas 30, 35 and 40 year olds, Fettercairn 40 year old, Scapa 21 year old, Caperdonich 27 year old peated and non-peated, Lagavulin 1997, Johnnie Walker 52 year old, Pittyvaich 1992, Singleton of Dufftown 1985, Bowmore 1998, Bardstown Cathedral French Oak (that would be from Notre Dame) Barrel Finish, Bardstown Silver Oak finish, and Midleton Very Rare.
2. The Nth Connoisseur ticket is the culminating night of the Universal Whisky Experience, the signature event founded by Mahesh Patel in 2010. While the “High Roller” ticket holders had multi-day tastings of rare whiskies, the Connoisseur gets a very full taste in that final night. They now have Nth events in Singapore, Dubai, and Bermuda in the fall and winter, and the participating spirit brands only continue to grow – including not only fine and rare Scotch whiskies but also fine blends, bourbon, tequila, rum, Armagnac, Cognac, and more.
Having covered this event since 2018, my favorite parts include not only discovering new spirits – like the Dalmore 38 YO – but also seeing so many new faces opening themselves up to the huge spirits category.
The Universal Whisky Experience also has a dedicated website (FindRareWhisky.com) for collectors who want to be the first to know when a special bottle becomes available or to purchase a bottle that they tasted at the show right now.
3. Vegas Unstripped is the only food event that I know of that puts the focus on the chefs rather than the restaurants. Even more remarkable, as organizer Eric Gladstone said, “Virtually all expenses of the independent chef/restaurateurs are covered by event revenue. Most principal staff are volunteers. Chefs and their staff donate their time.”
Some of the participating chefs were Johnny Church and oysters, Steve Kestler with Latin dishes, Joel Ott made a Pastrami pizza BBQ, Luke Palladino and his Frittelle, Gary FX Lamorte made an amazing grilled oyster, sweets from the Summer House, and Kari Garcia baked spicy cookies.
A special mention on the cocktails, with my favorites from Nick Palmeri from Gaetano’s, Adam Rains from The Golden Tiki, and The Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. Collaborators Eric Gladstone and Jim Trees knocked it out of the park.
4. Have you been to the Wine Spectator Grand Tour in Las Vegas? It’s the only wine tasting event that features wines rated 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator magazine. Gourmet food is included, along with opportunities to learn from winemakers, brand ambassadors and winery owners.
To give you a snapshot of the event, here are some of the 90+ scored wines we tasted of the 200 plus wines offered: 2021 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon which was awarded 96 points and the number one wine of the year, 2018 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder with 95 points, Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape with 94 points, a 95-point 2021 Monsanto Chianti Classico, Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny Port with 94 points, and the 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port got a whopping 97 points.
Eve Bushman is Wine and Spirits Education Trust certified, a North American Sommelier Association American Wine Specialist®, authored Wine Etiquette for Everyone, and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru, and the Global Wine Awards
Las Vegas has the finest events for locals and visitors. From trying the world’s most rare whiskies over two nights, to tasting the foods our best chefs have to offer and, finally, enjoying the most top-scoring wines of the year. These four events are the crème de la crème.