Bourbon (and whisky) in Las Vegas

[jburlowski]

Spent last weekend in Vegas. In addition to the usual places to find a decent bourbon selection, I paid a visit to The Whisky Attic, which is a locals place near UNLV. http://www.whiskyattic.com/index.htm It's a short cab ride from the strip.

The website does not begin to do do their selection justice ---- I saw many, many more labels and expressions than are listed on-line. What the site doesn't make clear is that it is a semi-private club and is not always open or may be close for private parties. I would definitely call ahead. The night I stopped by the bartender downstairs was gracious enough to unlock the attic, let me look around, and select a few pours to try. (I did an Old Williamsburg #20 and a Clasic Cask 20.)

The bar downstairs, the Freakin' Frog, has a selection of some 700 beers and makes a pretty good burger.

Before I left I added a copy of Chuck's book Bourbon, Straight to the Attic's library.

Definitely worth a try next time your visiting but, as I mentioned above, I'd call ahead to avoid disappointment.

[fishnbowljoe]

Looks like I got lucky. My wife will be going to Las Vegas for business in October, and I get to tag along. Any info on liquor stores or other bars with a good selection of bourbons would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Joe

[spun_cookie]

Man.... I need to take a trip to Vagas.... I have a coupel SW tickes to use soon.... add a poker table and I will just stay there...

Another good spot is:

http://louislasvegas.com/fishcamp.html

[cowdery]

I hate to bite you, John, especially since you did me a solid with the book there, but I have to say how vile I find the construction "Bourbon (and whisky)." Bourbon is whisky (spelling is irrelevant) and the beverage you seemingly intended with the word whisky is called scotch. Ceding the word "whisky" to scotch is offensive to bourbon enthusiasts.

Because I love you, I'm going to consider this an innocent mistake, but watch it, Mister!

[jburlowski]

I agree that bourbon is whiskey (in fact, IMHO, the best kind). The differences in spelling are imporatnt to some (as evidenced by the long and somewhat passioned discussion in other threads here). I was merely trying to make the point (admitiedly in a clumsy way) the said establishment also carries a very broad selection of scotch whiskys (or whiskeys).

Please forgive me for any offense. :bowdown:

[Gillman]

Just got back from a few days in Las Vegas. Since straightbourbonian minds think alike, I too found the Freakin' Frog and the Whiskey Attic upstairs.

I had a La Bavasienne biere de garde in the Frog yesterday because the 31st of August was the one year anniversary of the passing of beer and whisky expert Michael Jackson, and I visited the tiny French brewery which makes that beer with Michael in the early 1990's. It is near Bavay, a town with significant Roman history (exposed accidentally by WW II bombing) which is on the French side of the Franco-Belgian frontier.

Michael, we miss you.

Like John, I was given a tour of the upstairs whisky club. Many fine bourbons are represented. In terms of rarities, there seemed not that many, I noticed Hill and Hill and Bellows. But many great brands are there to be sure and many fine malts.

I left a note for the manager about SB and our forthcoming gathering in Bardstown. Perhaps we will hear from him, his first name is, coincidentally, Gary.

The FF is an excellent beer bar and (as always in such circumstances) I wish I had more time. It specializes in bottled beers backed by a good dozen fine American and International drafts.

More whiskey and beer notes to come re Vegas, including how to find some primo 1960's Beam decanters at a great price.

Gary

[Gillman]

I haven't had much luck in dusty hunting in Las Vegas with one exception. On this trip, I focused on the east side mostly, stopping in perhaps a dozen places here and there. Oldest whiskey I saw was a couple of bottles from the UDV group that included a 12 year old VSOF (as I recall).

However, a liquor store right on the Strip, across from the Sahara, has a small collection of mostly Beam Choice decanters, some inexpensive (under $30.00), some going for about $100 or more (the latter are the more elaborate railway car and other such decanters). I've bought a few of the less expensive ones in the last 2 years and while it can be hit or miss, the last two contained excellent, rounded Beam's Choice bourbon of the era.

The store also has a good choice of modern bourbons and a great collection of minis of all kinds of liquors, including some bourbons seemingly from 20 years ago or so (Rebel Yell, OG 114, Forester). I bought a couple of old scotches which I drank there which were excellent.

The retail store with the best selection of current bourbons (that I saw) is the Lee's Discount chain.

In the past, the stores on and around Fremont had some older items but this time I didn't see anything of this type in those visited.

In the hotels I visited, there was a good selection of current bottlings in some (e.g. MGM Grand) but nothing that would surprise this group (from what I saw).

I have a feeling that the retail store hunting would be better in North Las Vegas and perhaps Henderson and other towns outside Las Vegas proper, but haven't had a chance to test this theory.

Gary

[Gillman]

More Vegas notes. In a town that almost floats on liquor, there is clearly something for everyone. Wine expertise abounds at the good hotels but also elsewhere: at Lawry's roast beef restaurant I had the best California cabernet by the glass I've ever experienced. It was supple, velvety, quite amazing. I was with a group and had no time to inquire as to provenance.

At the airport when I left I ran into a doctor I hadn't seen for probably 40 years, whom I grew up with in Montreal. He told me a winery that brings in grapes from California makes excellent wines north of Las Vegas, it is called Parrumps (sp.?).

In the excellent small bar at Tower Suites at Wynn, I saw Hirsch 16, but the top closure had been taken off so I couldn't tell if it was gold wax or gold foil, I would think the latter. However in general bourbon whether there or elsewhere seemed, the Whisky club mentioned below on South Maryland Street apart, a question of a few bottles, often good stuff, but limited in number. Wynn had a Van Winkle too, 20 or 23 I think. At some places you'll see the Beam group (Booker's, Baker's etc.), or often now Jack Single Barrel. Once I saw EWSB 1998. But in general the choice of bourbon and rye, from what I saw, is relatively restricted. A couple of bartenders told me that fine bourbon is more popular than it was but when it comes to spirits vodka by far is still the name of the game. Some bartenders were aware that some people like to pair a fine bourbon or malt with a cigar. I think there are lots of opportunities for the companies to educate the restaurants and bars on what great whiskey is, how to sell and serve it, etc. It's coming, but still early days from what I could see.

The beer scene there is very good now, but I've described that in previous posts.

Gary

[fishnbowljoe]

Thanks everyone. I'll keep my eyes and options open. One of my old managers from where I work here, is now the superintendent of our facility in North Las Vegas. I plan on visiting him, so I might hit him up too.:smiley_acbt: Joe

[doubleblank]

Hey Joe......go to the bar at Craftsteak at the MGM. They have a great selection....and ORVW 15/107 at the bar. Considered better than Pappy 15 by many here at SB. Delmonico's at the Venetian has VWFR Rye 13yo and ORVW 10/107 at the bar....plus Pappy 20 and 23 if you're so inclined. The Bellagio's $1 poker machine bars have a great selection including Hirsch 16. If you put $50 in, you can get several pours on the house while you play the $1 poker. Last time I was there I got two pours of Hirsch Blue Wax and left with my $50.....I broke even playing poker. They're currently pouring gold foil.

My strongest suggestion though is go to the bar at Craftsteak. That ORVW 15/107 is tough to beat. Hopefully they still have some. I had some there with Rob (Redvette) back in January and again in June.

Randy

[fishnbowljoe]

Well....., just got back from Vegas. Didn't have as much time as I thought I would to do any hunting or hit many of the places recommended. I did stop at the gift shop/liquor store that Gillman mentioned. Picked up three minis there. An Old Forester with tax stamp from 1981, a Rebel Yell and an Ancient Age. We stayed at the Stratosphere. As luck would have it, the lounge at the top of the tower had a jazz group playing nightly. They were awesome. I closed the place Sunday night, and we went back again Tuesday night. They had a very normal selection of bourbons. MM, KC, Bookers, WR, WT 101 and 1792. I ended up drinking MM, KC, and Bookers there. I had a brief talk with the bar manager (a very pretty brunette) about bourbon and whiskey in general. She let me have a free taste of Crown Royal Cask 16. It was just okay IMHO. I could have spent all my free time in the evenings there. Good bourbon, great music, and a view to die for. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. If we ever make it back there, and have a little more time, I'll be sure to check them out. All in all it was a great trip. Just too short. Hope you all like the pics. Thanks again, Joe

Pictures

#1. The front of our hotel

#2. The tower

#3. Elvis WAS in the building

#4. The wonderful jazz group that played in the lounge

#5. The view from the lounge in the tower

[OscarV]

I've been to Vegas once, the highlights for me was the weather, 100 degrees but no humidity it felt great.

The Penn & Teller show, second time I saw them the other in Ann Arbor and the Penn & Teller theater in Vegas was the best in town.

Also saw Elton John, he was OK my wife to see his show.

We went in July so I drank gin and tonics, almost all were free.

[fishnbowljoe]

A few more pics from our trip to Vegas. Joe

Pictures

#1. Sign at the entrance to one of the bars at the Rio

#2. In keeping with my monicker, sign from Lucky Strike Lanes at the Rio

#3. Vegas sunrise from our hotel

#4. Night view of the strip from the top of the tower at our hotel

#5. Hoover Dam

#6. Hoover Dam, different view

[OscarV]

Oh yeah, how could I forget Hoover Dam.

Did you tour it Joe?

It is awesome.

[smokinjoe]

Thanks for the pictures, Joe.

Joe, now I can see why the Jazz band was so awesome. Good music my eye buckle

I can see you explaining why you closed the jazz bar down, to the wife. Like that scene at the hotel after Chevy and Christie Brinkley go skinny dipping, in the original Vacation movie:

Clark, do you like that girl?

What honey?...Who?...THAT girl? Naaaah, how could anybody like a girl like that. She's ugly.

[Gillman]

Nice pics Joe, glad you visited the liquor store across from Sahara. I wonder if you saw the shelf of 60's Beam decanters (not the ones near the ceiling, they are on a small shelf near the front to the right a bit as you walk in).

I wonder if they are all gone now. The last two I bought there were really good.

Gary

[fishnbowljoe]

Yes, we did do the Hoover Dam tour. Awesome! On the way back the tour bus stopped in Henderson at the Ethel M chocolate factory. :yum: Got to sample a few things. Their bourbon liqueur chocolates were marvelous. Better than any of the bourbon balls I had at the KBF. Bought a big box to bring home. If anyone is interested their website is: ethelschocolate.com. About the jazz group......, well......, this wasn't even the girl that was singing with them Sunday. The girl singing Sunday was slightly older, but an equally good looking blonde girl named Kim. The girl pictured is named Pellita. For you jazz afficienados out there, here is another picture of her, and a few more from the trip. Joe

Pictures

#1. The Nevada side generators at Hoover Dam

#2. Due to severe drought the last 10 years or so, the lake is about 80 to 100 feet low. Notice the white "bathtub" ring

#3. They are building a bridge across Black Canyon in order to get traffic off the dam

#4. Treasure Island

#5. The Venetian

#6. The Rio

#7. Part of Caesars Palace

#8. A pic of our hotel, The Stratosphere, from down The Strip

#9. Last but not least, Pellita and the jazz trio

[callmeox]

Wow.

I think that she could stand there and burp the alphabet while the guys beat pots and pans together and I'd still be enamored.

(wow!)

[fishnbowljoe]

Looks aside, she did have a remarkable voice too.:shocked: Joe

[doubleblank]

Jeff E and I just returned from our annual trip to Vegas to meet up with Rob (AKA Redvette) at the CES. As usual, we had a great time meeting up with Rob and seeing all the new gadgets, TV's, etc etc. There was another show in town at the same time, but any reports about that one would be deleted so fast......oh well.

Now to the bourbons......Wynn's newest project recently opened......Encore. The high end bars and high end video poker bars have some of the best selections in Vegas right now. Pappy 20 and 23, VWFR Rye, Saz Jr, Er 10 SB, Ritt 100, Blantons, and all the usual suspects. Put $50 in a video poker machine and you'll get a pour comp'd (but not Pappy 23).

Additionally, I continue to be surprised at how many bars in Vegas continue to serve ORVW 15/107 from L'burg. I found it at two bars this trip. I'm currently hunting down their source. PM me if you want to know which bars still carry the ORVW 15/107.

Randy

[Blitz]

I hate to bite you, John, especially since you did me a solid with the book there, but I have to say how vile I find the construction "Bourbon (and whisky)." Bourbon is whisky (spelling is irrelevant) and the beverage you seemingly intended with the word whisky is called scotch. Ceding the word "whisky" to scotch is offensive to bourbon enthusiasts.

[doubleblank]

I could basically repeat my earlier post about Vegas. Jeff E and I met up with Rob for a few bourbons during the Geeks and Freaks Show last weekend. ORVW 15/107 still exists in the bars out there. $16 for a healthy pour.

Randy

[jburlowski]

Jeff E and I just returned from our annual trip to Vegas to meet up with Rob (AKA Redvette) at the CES. As usual, we had a great time meeting up with Rob and seeing all the new gadgets, TV's, etc etc. There was another show in town at the same time, but any reports about that one would be deleted so fast......oh well.

Now to the bourbons......Wynn's newest project recently opened......Encore. The high end bars and high end video poker bars have some of the best selections in Vegas right now. Pappy 20 and 23, VWFR Rye, Saz Jr, Er 10 SB, Ritt 100, Blantons, and all the usual suspects. Put $50 in a video poker machine and you'll get a pour comp'd (but not Pappy 23).

Additionally, I continue to be surprised at how many bars in Vegas continue to serve ORVW 15/107 from L'burg. I found it at two bars this trip. I'm currently hunting down their source. PM me if you want to know which bars still carry the ORVW 15/107.

Randy

Did you guys check out the Whisky Attic while you were there?

What bars had ORVW 15/107 (I going to Vegas a a couple of weeks)?

[tigerlam92]

Did you guys check out the Whisky Attic while you were there?

What bars had ORVW 15/107 (I going to Vegas a a couple of weeks)?

I'm actually in Vegas now and would like to know too. ORVW15/107 is still my favorite.

Any place to go hunting as well that you won't mind sharing?

[smokinjoe]

I'm actually in Vegas now and would like to know too. ORVW15/107 is still my favorite.

Any place to go hunting as well that you won't mind sharing?

Emeril's Delmonico Steakhouse in the Venetian had ORVW 15 in the bar the last time I was there. But, that's been a year.