Private Bourbon and Whiskey Barrel Selections at MGM Properties

Watch BourbonBlog.com‘s Tom Fischer in Las Vegas as he speaks with James Mulidore, ‎Director of The Villas at The Mirage in the video interview above.

While there is continued popularity of private barrel bourbon selections, the MGM resorts in Vegas have always been ahead of the game.  In 2010, when we were only beginning to see the trend begin, we spotted and tasted an exquisite private barrel selection of Woodford Reserve Bourbon at Aria.

From Brown-Forman’s private barrel programs of Jack Daniels and Woodford to Jim Beam’s Knob Creek Single Barrel program, private barrel programs exist at a large number of major distilleries and a growing number of craft distilleries for licensed establishment and liquor retailers.  The benefit to having a private barrel with unique flavor profile that differs from the original release under the label is that it becomes a way of communicating”here is what we like about whiskey at our establishment.”

In this private tasting we attend at The Villas, MGM shares their private selection of Knob Creek Single Barrel, Jack Daniels Single Barrel, and Woodford Reserve. Additionally, they are pouring extremely rare treats like Pappy Van Winkle 15, Frank Sinatra Jack Daniels, and Gran Patrón Burdeos.

The themes of “private” and “rare” go way beyond the whiskey at The Villas. There are few secluded paradises where guests can stay and entertain in this type of luxurious space coupled with the accessibility of a casino and resort like The Mirage. Upon entering The Mirage, the lavish hallways lead to a world-class escape complete with a 24-hour staff of chefs, butlers and concierge representatives. When guests wish to return to main casino and resort at The Mirage, they are only steps away from a discreet entrance. The Lanais start at 2,650 sq ft moving all the way up to Villas at 8,554 sq ft; each with its own backyard (see photo below).

Our tasting is all part of the Vegas Guys Weekend #MenWhoBlogLV including fellow journalists and friends: James Hills of ManTripping.com, Colby Shipwash – DaysOfADomesticDad.com , Jeff Bogle of OWTK.com.Philip Van der Vossen  Gunaxin.com, Daniel Garcia of ConsumerQueen.com, and Russ Weakland of HollywoodLife.com. Check out their coverage and websites.

If you are interested in a private barrel selection, contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be pleased to connect you with the appropriate distillery contact.

Many thanks to The Villas at The Mirage and MGM for having us in!

Some Photos above by Jeff Bogle.

Photo below of James Hills and Tom Fischer.