Can quality aged spirits be made in the deserts of Las Vegas? Hell yeah! In today’s episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with Jonny VerPlanck, master distiller at Las Vegas Distillery, for a conversation about craft spirits, desert aging, and the unique approach behind the distillery’s lineup. Along the way, they taste through three distinct expressions: a straight bourbon, a dark rum, and a coffee liqueur.

The straight bourbon opens with notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of orange peel, leading into a palate of honeyed corn, baking spice, cocoa, and toffee. The dark rum brings a richer, drier profile with layers of molasses, oak, warm spice, and deep caramelized character. Rounding things out, the coffee liqueur offers bold roasted coffee up front, backed by cacao, vanilla, and a balanced sweetness that keeps it rich without becoming overly heavy.

It’s a flavorful and wide-ranging tasting that highlights both the craftsmanship and personality behind Las Vegas Distillery, while giving Jonny a chance to share what makes distilling in Southern Nevada so distinctive.