Reimagined Glory and New Beginnings for Las Vegas Distillery

(Courtesy Las Vegas Distillery)

Las Vegas Distillery is reopened for business! Taken under new ownership in the summer of 2022, the local gem underwent a complete overhaul. The new space features a fully operational distillery and a sleek tasting room filled with classic homages to the glitzy golden age of old Las Vegas. โ€œWe saw tremendous untapped potential in Las Vegas Distillery,โ€ Robert Saucier, Owner of Las Vegas Distillery, told us. โ€œWe felt that with some TLC, new management, and a new brand vision, the Las Vegas Distillery could be an intriguing destination for locals and tourists alike. We wanted to bring our guests back to the โ€œglory yearsโ€ of Vintage Vegas, which is reflected all throughout the Tasting Room with the black and white photos, custom retrofitted TV, and elegant dรฉcor.โ€

A Vintage Revival: The New Face of Las Vegas Distillery

โ€œOur vision and determination focus on producing the highest quality spirits. To achieve this, significant investment was necessary in the acquired facility. Every inch of the old distillery was assessed for improvement; existing equipment was upgraded to meet top standards, and new equipment was added to enhance the distillation process. Additionally, the previous tasting room was completely renovated to create an inviting space where guests can gather with friends and family, interact with our knowledgeable staff, and savor the creations of our expert mixologists.โ€

โ€œLas Vegas Distillery stands out as the only place in Las Vegas where both locals and tourists can witness expert distillers crafting high-quality, handcrafted spirits,โ€ Saucier said of the distilleryโ€™s mark on the city. โ€œThe distillery offers informative and interactive tours that showcase its processes, complemented by a fantastic tasting room where guests can indulge in some of the finest cocktails around.โ€

Emphasizing a commitment to traditional methods, Las Vegas Distillery blends heritage techniques with a creative spirit to produce a diverse range of products, from whiskey to vodka. Each batch is carefully distilled to capture the unique essence and flavor profiles that reflect the innovative spirit of Nevada. โ€œJonny Ver Planck (Master Distiller) places a strong emphasis on balancing tradition and innovation throughout our spirit-making process. He uses time-honored distilling techniques, from the use of classic copper pot stills to the meticulous attention to detail in every step of fermentation, distillation, and aging,โ€ Cody Fredrickson, Tasting Room and Tour Manager/Brand Mixologist, told us. โ€œThese practices allow us to respect the craftsmanship that has shaped the industry for centuries. However, we are equally passionate about pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. We experiment with modern techniques, such as refining our mash bills and exploring unique aging processes, all while introducing contemporary ingredients and flavors that challenge conventional norms. This fusion of old and new allows us to create spirits that feel both familiar and fresh, and it keeps our offerings dynamic and exciting for our guests. Ultimately, itโ€™s this blend of tradition and innovation that helps us stand out and keeps our spirits evolving with each release.โ€

Las Vegas Distillery Tasting Room (ยฉMelanie Lee)
Las Vegas Distillery Tasting Room (ยฉMelanie Lee)

In addition to producing its exceptional spirits, Las Vegas Distillery offers tours and tastings that provide insights into the distillation process and allow visitors to experience the craftsmanship firsthand. โ€œWe begin by welcoming you with a sample cocktail, setting the stage for a deep dive into the history and art of distillation. Youโ€™ll learn about our process, explore the story behind our meticulously crafted German-made Carl stills, and gain insight into how we produce our high-quality, all-natural spirits,โ€ Frederickson said of the experience. โ€œDuring the tour, youโ€™ll enjoy two informative videosโ€”one detailing the rich history of spirits and cocktails in Las Vegas and another highlighting our commitment to sustainability and quality in everything we do. Youโ€™ll also have the opportunity to experience our raw materials up closeโ€”touching, smelling, and tasting the ingredients that go into our spirits. The tour includes tastings of three of our handcrafted spirits, providing an opportunity to truly appreciate the care and precision that define our products. Finally, weโ€™ll take you through our barrel and bottling room, where youโ€™ll learn about the aging process and barrel maturation and see our bottling line.โ€

The experience is not only educational but also immerses guests in the storied legacy of spirits, highlighting its place as a significant player in the evolving landscape of American craft distilling. โ€œWe believe that exceptional spirits begin with exceptional ingredients. By using high-quality ingredients like Louisiana cane sugar and partnering locally with Dark Moon Coffee Roasters for our Colombian coffee beans, we ensure our spirits have a unique and authentic flavor,โ€ Fredrickson explained. โ€œThese local partnerships are crucial to usโ€”they allow us to support our community while working with like-minded businesses committed to quality. This focus on locally sourced, premium ingredients ensures that every sip of our spirits tells a story of craftsmanship and collaboration.โ€

The brand is already looking at expansion and growth. โ€œAfter just four months of being open to the public, the Las Vegas Distillery has recently expanded to support further growth. Management is actively exploring additional distilling and tasting room options throughout the Las Vegas Valley. While bottled spirits are currently available only at the distillery, there are plans to distribute many of these spirits to retail stores, local restaurants and cocktail lounges in the near future. Subsequently, plans are being made to expand distribution to other states and eventually internationally. This will allow the Las Vegas Distillery to share its high-quality spirits with a broader audience and reach new markets.โ€

For now, there are still plenty of things to come. โ€œOn November 2nd, weโ€™ll be releasing our first-ever aged spirit, a 1-year aged Blue Corn Bourbonโ€”a huge milestone for us. In December, our new winter cocktail menu will launch. In the coming months, you can also look forward to the releases of our American Single Malt and Agave spirits, followed by our very first gin in the spring. Weโ€™re also excited to announce the upcoming launch of Jazz Nights, bringing live music to the tasting room experience. Follow us on Instagram for all the latest updates and event details!โ€

Las Vegas Distillery Opening (ยฉMelanie Lee)
Las Vegas Distillery Opening (ยฉMelanie Lee)