Color me and 13 other pals happy as we were just one whisky-loving group that attended the 2022 Universal Whisky Experience, aka the Nth, a couple of weeks ago. It’s taken me that long to absorb everything we got to taste!
The event, now celebrating its tenth year, is the pinnacle of whisky tasting – and learning – events. (Google the name Universal Whisky if you don’t believe me!) And after a couple of Covid years it was great to see several of the same enthusiasts we hadn’t seen in so long! Some had gone all out in getting the multi-event ticket, the “High Roller”, while many of us were happy with the “Connoisseur” experience that gave us three hours of heaven with more opportunities to taste than any one of us could fully take advantage of – there were so many tables with rare and unique bottles to share! Not to mention Master Distillers, blenders and knowledgeable brand ambassadors.
Some of my favorites; 26 Year Old Grande Couronne Glenfiddich, Ichiro’s Malt The Single Cask, Richter’s 20 Year Old Bourbon, Glenmorangie 18 Year Old, Komagatake Single Malt Japanese Whisky and their IPA Cask Finish, Frapin XO and Extra Cognacs, Kavalan Sherry Cask (single cask) and their Sherry Oak, Stellum Rye Cask Strength, Bhakti 27-07 (Brandy and Armagnac), Jefferson’s Ocean Rye, Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart and their 18 Year Old, 21 Year Old Balvenie, and Royal Salute 21 Year Old…
Some comments from friends on social media included:
Rolex Whisky, aka Gavin Linde, “…what a weekend of #whisky and friendships. We drank a lot lot of #rarewhisky it was mind blowing the selection this year for the 10 Nth…Another fun time in Vegas for Universal Whisky Experience and the pours this year were nuts. Good time, and mind blowing whiskies and of course a lot of good food.”
SipWithMeLV, aka Ashley Norris, “The Nth was truly a spectacular experience and should be included on every whiskey lovers bucket list. The selection was unmatched, and the incredible people representing their brand and telling their story was inspiring.”
scotchy_scotch_scotch, aka Erik Kluver, “(At) Universal Whisky – quality friends, conversations, and spirits with an opportunity to wear a suit and tie, yes, say no more. So many delicious spirits, too little time to taste them all sufficiently. I, however, put forth a noble effort, sampling single malts, cognacs, bourbons…ryes and tequilas. Benriach 25yr, a true banger, set things off right, after which I encountered delightful whiskey after whiskey, then cognac, and back to whiskey mostly. Limiting myself to products I had never experienced before, the standouts for me were Benriach 25yr, Westward Sourdough, Frapin, and Gordon and MacPhail’s Scapa.
Lance Martin, “Great evening of whiskey and friends: discovering a Swiss single malt, a sublime 19 year old Ardberg, an 18 year Highland Park that was perfection in a glass, and a once in a lifetime chance to discuss The Dalmore with Richard Patterson himself. What a night!”
Drammers Club, “…last night was an embarrassment of riches here in Vegas at the Nth Universal Whisky Experience. So many friends In town, there was barely any time to drink (we made due somehow, ha).” (Charlie Prince, the president of this global club, had a LOT more to say on the event. Scroll to the bottom of his recent newsletter to read all about it and see more photos.)
Moe Hafizi, “Great variety of whiskeys, bourbon and tequila. Enjoyed (everything) very much.
Linda Hafizi, “Whisky tasting at the Wynn…lots of tasting going on, a great night, thank you Eve and Eddie Bushman.
David Tinoco, “Fun weekend in Vegas for the Nth Ultimate Whisky and Spirits Experience. Good friends, good pours, good food!”
Founder Mahesh Patel, “Thanking everyone for supporting us to reach our 10 year anniversary and making the Nth a spectacular Luxury Whisky And Spirits Experience in the World.”
Vendors included Camus, Dewar’s, Garrison Brothers, Tomatin, Gordon and MacPhail, Benromach, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Heaven Hill, Jack Daniel’s, Whistle Pig, The BenRiach, Westward Whiskey, Cincoro Tequila, Bulleitt, Fable Whisky, Loch Lomond, Hine, Martell, Green Spot, Glengoyne, Oban, Mortlach, Laphroaig, Royal Brackla, The Macallan, Aberfeldy, Yellow Spot, Chivas, Highland Park, Duncan Taylor, Aberlour, Yamazaki, Booker’s, Bowmore, Hennessy, The Glenlivet, Glen Scotia, Glenfiddich, Glenfarclas, Hibiki, Old Pulteney, Kavalan, Knob Creek, Paul John, Nikka, Cognac Frapin, Westland, Littlemill, Maker’s Mark, Lagavulin, Michters, Johnnie Walker, Ancnoc, The Balvenie, Glenmorangie, Santa Teresa, Tequila Patron, Jim Beam, Ardbeg, The Glenrothes, The Dalmore, Balblair, Hardy, Glenturret, Royal Salute, Midleton Distillery, Bhakta Spirits and Frey Ranch.
Follow The Universal Whisky Experience so you don’t miss the 2023 event!
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival team gathered 3 March with key event partners to reveal some of the events on offer.
