Women & Whiskey: It’s a Great Mix

Spirits don’t discriminate. So, why should you? It turns out that whiskey is for women, too. And I have Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge at Town Square Las Vegas to thank for teaching me that.

Whiskey has always intimidated me, living under the assumption that it was a man’s beverage designed to put hair on the chest. Boy, was I wrong.

I spent an enchanted evening with other female bloggers, writers, and editors tasting a variety of whiskeys (some even created and owned by women!) with the intention of removing the stigma that whiskey isn’t for the ladies. With 180 whiskeys on-hand, there really is no better place to receive a whiskey education than at Double Helix.

We began our tasting with SIA, a Scottish style whiskey made by a female-owned distillery in the US. It was so easy to sip, very approachable and light. Our next whiskey didn’t have to travel far to make it to our palates. Las Vegas Distillery sources its ingredients locally to create Wheat Whiskey, which had a surprisingly peppery taste to it.

Bruichladdich Distillery is located on the Rhinns of the Isle of Islay in Scotland. The label’s Scottish Barley is made entirely from Scottish-grown barley and matured in American oak. I found it to be the most powerful in flavor, while also remaining light and mellow. That sounds contradictory, I know, but somehow it works.

Double Helix’s best seller is Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Like SIA, it’s also a good sipper and very approachable. I, especially, enjoyed it while snacking on Double Helix’s olive poppers. Of all the whiskeys we tasted that evening, Basil Hayden’s was my favorite.

I also learned that you want to add water to whiskey to really enhance the flavors. Sounds odd, right? But it’s true. There’s an actual science behind adding a dash of water to your whiskey.

Now is the perfect time to whet your whiskey appetite. Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge is presenting a Whiskey of the Month promotion beginning in November with Whistlepig 12-year Rye Private Barrel Whiskey. This 86-proof, 12-year whiskey takes American rye elements, such as boldness and character, and fuses them with the elegance of an 18-year-old Scotch. It features notes of caramel, raisins, dark chocolate, and winter fruit. Order a shot for $18 or only $9 at happy hour.

So expand your horizons and tastes by trying out the variety of whiskeys available at Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge at Town Square Las Vegas. It turns out that whiskey and women make a great mix! Visit the location at 6599 South Las Vegas Boulevard. For more information, go to DoubleHelixWine.com.