Japanese whisky became trendy about 10 years ago, but the spirit has a long history, led by innovators like Suntory, Nikka, and Mars. Distilleries, inspired by methods associated with Scotch, tend to favor barley, but also use wheat, rye, and to a lesser extent, corn. Some even use rice. Learn more about Japanese whisky at the following Vegas spots.
🥃 🐮 SushiSamba
SushiSamba at the Grand Canal Shoppes has the largest Japanese whisky selection in Las Vegas — and one of the best in the entire country. A modified Old Fashioned with whisky washed in Wagyu beef is a bucket-list cocktail, but don’t hesitate to try a curated flight.
🥃 😉 Bar Ginza
Japanese whisky is the specialty at Bar Ginza in the Downtown Arts District. Even the ice is imported from Japan; ultra-pure and carved to order. The cocktail list focuses on classics done right, featuring a choice of spirit from an extensive list. Neat pours are available in half-ounce and two-ounce servings with a bartender eager to guide you through the options.
🥃 🍣 Zuma
Zuma has seasonal omakase menus at the Cosmopolitan, featuring sushi, sashimi, and a few surprises like a king crab salad in sesame dressing and a hefty prawn cocktail (to put a new spin on an old Vegas favorite). Two Japanese whisky cocktails are included: a traditional Old Fashioned or the Burning History, featuring yuzu, ginger, and egg whites, smoked tableside on wood from a Macallan barrel.
🥃 🍕 00 Pie & Pub
00 Pie & Pub (pronounced “double zero”) serves a progressive take on Neapolitan style pizzas in the setting of a classic Japanese izakaya with soft red lighting. The Chinatown restaurant has its share of Japanese spirits and cocktails, including a whisky and soda on draft and at least two options for Japanese whisky flights served neat.
- While we’re on the subject of Japanese dining, let’s talk about ramen 😋 The dish is much more than mere soup, so City Cast Las Vegas shares some details on the difference between good and great ramen — and where to find it in Las Vegas. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
