Vegas and liquor are pleasures to be enjoyed simultaneously, and whisky lovers should rejoice if they have the opportunity to make it to this year’s Universal Whiskey Experience in Las Vegas. Celebrating its third year, the event will be held at the Las Vegas Wynn Resort
from March 1st to 2nd, beginning with some preliminary events beginning on February 27th. If you’re into top-tier whiskey, then this is the place to be as it will be showcasing over 200 of the world’s finest and rarest.
During the Universal Whiskey Experience guests can indulge in a variety of activities, like master classes taught by industry names. They are provided the chance to mingle among connoisseurs, collectors, and distillers while sampling some of the best (and rarest) whiskies in the world via a leisurely strolling tour of the Exhibit Hall inside the Wynn Resort. For the event, Johnnie Walker will be presenting their U.S. debut of its Diamond Jubilee. This will be alongside rare pours of exclusive whiskies valued at upwards of $300 a dram, as well as a tasting of Karuizawa Single Malt Whisky from Japan.
One of the coveted activities offered during the event is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour ($1,295) led by William Grant & Sons’ global brand ambassador, Ian Millar, during which participants can sample three rare whiskies from the Glenfiddich Distillery. The other is a chance to partake in a round of golf with a master distiller or whiskey expert on a custom course by Jack Nicklaus at the Bear’s Best Club. Whisky samplings will be offered during the round and it will be concluded by a guided whiskey tasting ($365).
To kick off the weekend, Wynn’s executive Chef James Benson will be preparing a gourmet welcome dinner. As we all know the high life is about customization, so patrons can choose from the following experiences. The “Connoisseur” ($525.00) lets guests choose from two pre-show events, and includes two “super pours,” the stroll tasting, welcome dinner, and a handmade cut crystal Glencairn tasting glass. The “High Roller” ($2,295.00) can also enjoy all this plus unlimited “Super Pour” tastings and a commemorated Bottle of 1966 Nth Glenfarclas; for those nice enough to accompany the drinkers, the “Companion Experience” includes events, champagne, and wines for $275.
Mahesh Patel, a real estate developer in Atlanta and an obvious whiskey enthusiast, is the founder of the Universal Whisky Experience. He says, “Whisky enthusiasts value rarity and exclusivity not only in their sips, but also in their experiences. In creating this year’s experience, we’ve curated the finest and most rare whiskies, alongside some truly spectacular excursions and added whisky and investment enrichment sessions to create a one-of-a-kind weekend that will truly wow our guests.” As a hobbyist and collector, he has attended whisky events around the world for the past 20 years and brings his knowledge to the “most luxurious whisky event.”
