Benjamin Mitrofan-Norris
One of our regular readers could possibly deny that there’s something truly special about Whisky. Ancient yet modern, endlessly varied yet wonderfully reliable, it’s the spirit that has been the rocket fuel for countless parties, the subject and stimulus of thousands of rambling conversations, and the drink which boasts a set of flavor profiles and characteristics quite unlike any other. As history has grown, evolved, and found its way all over the globe, it has picked up communities of like-minded fans; groups of aficionados who seek out the rarest, the finest, and the most noteworthy examples of the craft of distillation. When such people come together to share their enthusiasm – not to mention to get a chance to sample some of the greatest bottles in existence today – there’s no doubt that it’ll result in an event never to be forgotten.
This expo is to be an exclusive, immersive, and utterly peerless celebration of all things Whisky…
We’re fans of fine Whisky in almost any setting, and don’t need much of an excuse to get our tumblers out. However, top-class Whisky events provide plenty of spectacle and excitement – they allow connoisseurs to come together and wax lyrical about their favorite bottles, uncover the hidden histories of their favorite brands, and get up close and personal with the great minds behind the latest Whisky developments. Whisky inhabits a very special world indeed, and the great Whisky events of the calendar are a fantastic excuse for some exploring.
Nth 2018 is the ultimate gathering of Whisky fans, expert distillers, master craftsmen and other influential movers in the industry
Few spirits events this year will be able to match or compete with Nth 2018, which will be hosted at the brilliantly decadent Five Star Encore in Wynn Las Vegas. This expo is to be an exclusive, immersive, and utterly peerless celebration of all things Whisky… and aficionados of the spirit world are gearing up to get to the desert, in order to throw themselves into the party spirit, and see some of the delights on display. Nth 2018 is the ultimate gathering of Whisky fans, expert distillers, master craftsmen and other influential movers in the industry. They’ll be joined by exhibitors from a truly impressive array of Whisky brands from all over the globe… and they’re all in Las Vegas this spring to indulge, explore, and share their passion for Whisky. There will be more to see, do, and taste than you could shake a bottle at… so let’s take a brief look at some of the highlights promised.
A True Display of Excellence
Nth 2018 is pulling no punches when it claims to be the finest showcase of the leading brands and spirits from all around the world. This weekend of Whisky-based delights is a rare opportunity for Whisky fans to descend upon Las Vegas, and spend four fun-packed days luxuriating in the most lavish of settings. The list of panels, classes, experiences and entertainments on offer is as long as it is impressive… but for many of the delegates attending, it’s the chance to mingle with master distillers and innovators in the Whisky world which is the main draw of the event. Nth 2018 offers delegates a wide range of packages, each designed to allow you to make the most of the event – the High Roller Package, for example, allows you to experience the heady thrill of ‘Whisky Speed Dating’, alongside some seriously indulgent dinners, fascinating classes, and the chance to taste some of the unicorn bottles that will be opened specially for the event.
There’s no doubt whatsoever that Nth 2018 is going to feature a steady string of eye-popping moments, sure to leave Whisky connoisseurs reeling in their good luck. Just a quick look over last year’s roll-call of tastings gives you a clear idea of the wonders that can be expected this year: a $70,000 bottle of Glenfiddich 38 was opened to rapturous applause, as was the very last bottle of Benromach 1949, and more than one bottle of fine Whisky from the early 1930s – a rare treat indeed, and one which is going to be hard to top this year (although the organisers claim 2018’s event is going far above and beyond the expo in 2017). To say we’re excited to see what will be unveiled at Nth 2018 would be a serious understatement!
As an indulgent Las Vegas calendar event, the expectations of thrills and fun at Nth 2018 is sky-high
Revealing True Legends of Whisky
As an indulgent Las Vegas calendar event, the expectations of thrills and fun at Nth 2018 is sky-high. Indeed, the organizers have put on a truly spectacular range of things to do for those heading to the event this year. Despite this, however, the main draw of Nth 2018 is surely the ‘Super Pours’ – the moment when some incredible, rare, super-aged and distinguished bottles are opened for tasting and comparing. The line-up of tastings last year set the bar incredibly high; we saw museum bottles of Gordon & MacPhail from 1938 and 1949, a 60 y.o bottle of Hardy Noces de Diamant, 50 y.o bottles of The Last Drop… it really was a showcase of the spectacular.
While the full list of Super Pour bottles for Nth 2018 hasn’t yet been revealed, a few tempting tidbits have been released… and they really give a clue as to the quality on offer this year. Macallan Reflection, two Gordon & MacPhail bottles from 1954 and 1965, a 35 y.o OP Navigator – it’s the kind of list which will stir the heart of even the most jaded fine Whisky drinker. The full list will doubtlessly feature the finest Whiskies available, taken from the four corners of the earth, and selected for their distinction, flavor, rarity, and power to seduce and fascinate. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience and one which will doubtlessly be treasured by the assembled crowds.
Master Classes and Masterful Malts
Of course, at its heart, Nth 2018 is an education event and one which packs in the chance to learn from some of the greatest minds on the Whisky scene today. To spend time in the company of master distillers and brand ambassadors has the power to transform the way you appreciate your favorite drinks forever… and that’s clearly a fundamental reason why so many people are set to make the trip this year. The organizers claim that the event has been set up to challenge preconceptions and deepen devotion and that their educational sessions, classes, and panels have been arranged with that at the forefront of their minds.
The Master Classes at Nth 2018 are sure to be fascinating journeys into the depth of the culture, history, and subtleties of fine Whisky. They’ll be buzzing with top tips for tasting, insider information, and new ideas to take your love of Whisky ever further… all hosted by some of the leading names in the industry.
This year, there will be master classes from some true giants of the Whisky world. Gil Schwartz is set to take delegates through the history of fine rum and Scotch, and Richard Paterson (of The Dalmore) is going to host a tasting and a seminar based on the differences Port and Sherry casks bring to The Dalmore’s famed single malts. Alongside this, there will also be a class on the history of Oban, during which some of their true unicorn bottles will be opened, no doubt to gasps of joy and excitement.
The bar is to be raised higher than ever by Nth 2018, and the master classes held by expert distillers is a key part of this event’s appeal. To learn from these people is to enrich your enjoyment of spirits to a whole new level – in essence, it’s the perfect distillation of what Nth 2018 is all about. Bringing to light rare spirits, offering the chance to discuss and celebrate their virtues, and allowing guests to leave enlightened, entertained, and eagerly anticipating 2019’s offerings.
Nth 2018 is hosted by Universal Whisky Experience and will be held April 4th – 7th 2018 at Encore, Wynn Las Vegas.
