Las Vegas Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival, Mar 4, 2017

The Las Vegas Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival proved to be an interesting evening even though the Crown Royal whiskies didn’t make it to the VIP section.  The Las Vegas Whiskey and Fine Spirit Festival was held on the fourth floor of Topgolf on the beautiful Strip, Las Vegas, Nevada.  The whiskies that made an appearance on Saturday, Mar 4, 2017 were as follows:

Note:  The whiskies shown in bold-faced type were the ones I was able to sample before my taste buds took a nose dive due to whisk(e)y saturation.

1. The MaCallan Rare Cask and Double Cask (VIP section) ~approximate price $350.00
2. Highland Park 12 YO (VIP section) ~approximate price $50.00
3. The Black Grouse and Famous Grouse (VIP section) ~approximate price $30.00
4. Octomore 6.1 Scottish Barley (VIP section) ~approximate price $160.00
5. Octomore 7.3 Islay Barley 2010 (VIP section) ~approximate price $160.00

The whiskies in the VIP section helped to make up for the Crown Royal whiskies (which probably were Crown Royal XO and Crown Royal XR) that didn’t make the event.  I was pleased to eye The MaCallan Rare Cask Scotch whisky from across the room since it has a unique nose and flavor palate which can be somewhat smooth but strong-armed.  I would need a couple drops of plain water to open it up (water was not available).  This would probably be a whisky to budget for since the price point is approximately $350.00.  The Black Grouse whisky had a nice, smooth flavor since it’s a blended whisky xx.  I tried both of the Octomore whisky expressions and found that the Octomore 6.1. Scottish Barley was the winner for me.  It had a good strong but somewhat peaty flavor and it paired well with the chocolate truffles that sat near the whisky.  The Octomore 7.3 Islay Barley whisky was stronger than I am used to and it offered more intensity than expected.  If this had been a wrestling match I would be tapping out and allowing the next person to give the Octomore 7.3 a try.

The non-VIP whiskies were as follows:

6. Irishman Single Malt Whiskey ~approximate price $45.00
7. The Irishman Founder’s Reserve Whiskey ~approximate price $65-70.00
8. Bastille 1789 French Whisky ~approximate price $35.00

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9. Russel’s Reserve Whiskey ~approximate price $35-40.00
10. Pendleton Canadian Whisky ~approximate price $20.00
11. Pendleton Midnight Canadian Whisky ~approximate price $30.00
12. Aberlour 12 YO Scotch Whisky ~approximate price $50.00
13. Evans Williams Single Barrel ~approximate price $30.00
14. Jack Daniels’s Tennessee Honey Whiskey ~approximate price $35.00
15. P. Wiser Rye Whiskey ~approximate price $20.00
16. HilHaven Lodge Blended Whiskey ~approximate price $45.00
17. Amador Straight-Hop Flavored Whiskey ~ approximate price $90.00

18. Amador Double Barrel Bourbon ~ approximate price $40.00
19. And etc.

Topgolf was a good venue and the event was a fantastic way to get folks together to support a worthy cause and I can only suggest that probably another floor within the complex would have offered more elbow room.  The floor was still occupied by Topgolf patrons as well as whisk(e)y festival attendees, so maybe another location within the MGM Casino and Hotel would probably have afforded a little more exclusivity and a little less noise .  The on-site bar added a great touch for attendees that were not sampling whiskies or any of the other spirits available to attendees.  The Las Vegas Whiskey and Fine Spirit Festival was an overall success where it brought people and fine spirits together in a social setting.  We look forward to hearing from other Lovers of Whisky fans and festival attendees on your TopGolf whiskey experience.