Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/188061
The Palazzo," says Hayes. "And of course, almost all of The Bourbon Room's specialty cocktails are based on bourbon." Indeed, it is dramatically evident that The Bourbon Room is a serious contender for showcasing America's propriety whiskies as soon as you walk up to the lengthy bar or sit at the guitar pick-shaped tables and spot multiple rows of spirits silhouetted against the pink-hued neon wall of the backbar—which includes not just one, but three bottles of such stalwarts as Knob Creek and Gentleman Jack. And then of course, there are the numerous boutique brands, such as Hudson Baby Bourbon and their Four Grain Rye, and High West's 21 Year Old Rye and their Son of Bourye. Lounge Manager Kristijan Matic enjoys one of The Bourbon Room's signature cocktails, the Millionaire Manhattan, made with Jack Daniel Single Barrel, Grand Marnier, pineapple juices and orgeat syrup, as made by mixologist/dancer Joanne Chow (background). "We have close to 60 bourbons, but the list is expanding," says Kristijan Matic, The Bourbon Room's Lounge Manager, Beverage. "We started listing our bourbons alphabetically. but we are changing that and will be listing bourbons by type, based on traditional, wheated, rye, single barrels, small batch, plus moonshine or clear whiskey and even flavored bourbons." Although beer and wine are also served, it is The Bourbon Room's namesake spirit and propriety cocktails—such as the Mint Julep from Hell (made with jalapeño-infused Knob Creek, fresh mint, honey water and powdered sugar) and Jimmy Powers (Jim Beam and Jameson)—that attract customers. In addition, a number of three-shot flights are offered, such as a one ounce sampling of The Palazzo's special barrel-select whiskies from Eagle Rare, Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek, accompanied by a fourth "shot" of Vegas-made gourmet maple popcorn and a bourbon-cured bacon strip. "By ten o'clock it's pretty packed in here," says Matic. "But because of our name, we want to become the most unique bourbon bar in Las Vegas. So when people think bourbon, this is the place they'll come." october 2013 / the tasting panel / 115 TP1013_104-152.indd 115 9/23/13 10:34 PM