Bar Review: The Tangier at Sahara Las Vegas

The history of Las Vegas‘s Sahara hotel and casino dates back to 1952, and when it was constructed it was the sixth resort on the Strip. Revamps and expansions have been almost constant since the 1960s, and the resort has changed hands repeatedly. Today it is owned by the Meruelo Group, which has been upgrading the place considerably. Arriving at the front door today reveals a hotel that is on par with anything you’ll find up and down the Strip.

Tucked behind the casino space on the ground floor you’ll find The Tangier, a small space that serves as one of two higher-end bar properties in the casino. The Tangier is formally billed as a whiskey bar, while the larger Casbah location is billed as a cocktail destination. The vibe here is casual — it’s directly off of a major hallway and designed to suck people in, without intervening walls to keep things more exclusive — but that’s not a bad thing if you’re just looking for a quick refreshment between amusements.

The Tangier’s whiskey collection isn’t vast, but it is different, with four barrel picks (and more to come) unique to the establishment. The hotel also has its own tequila pick, and we were fortunate to be able to try all of them, along with a few cocktails made with its private stock. (Don’t sleep on the $7 whiskey sours, which are always available.)

Here’s a look at all four of The Tangier’s current private stock whiskeys — and note you can purchase full bottles in the casino’s shop, should you want to take any of them home with you. (Bottle prices are listed below.) Pours are $16 to $17 for each.

Maker’s Mark Private Selection Sahara Las Vegas Edition 1 – 2024 – This is one of Maker’s stave finished selections with 3 baked American pure, 1 seared French cuvee, 1 toasted French spice, and 5 roasted French mediant staves. Lovely fruit here, featuring cherry cordial, some coconut, and honey, finishing on almond and toasted hazelnuts. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, I loved this solo and in cocktails, including a smoked old fashioned, presented in a chamber, and in its The Chose One cocktail, which uses pineapple as an excellent foil alongside the more tropical elements of the whiskey. 111.2 proof. A / $120

Rare Character Single Barrel Bourbon 9 Years 5 Months Old for Sahara – Indiana stock. Chocolatey and rich, with ample heat and char; considerable notes of peanut surprise given this whiskey’s age, with caramel corn and anise building in glass. Racy rye-driven elements take hold with some air time. Definitely a more introspective offering. 103.48 proof. A- / $200

Rare Character Single Barrel Rye 7 Years 2 Months Old for Sahara – Indiana distillate, aged in Kentucky. Lots of greenery here plus ample red fruit to back it up. This one needed lots of time to find its footing, ultimately revealing stewed fruits and cocoa powder notes. Persistent spice and greenery elements never really let up. 117,44 proof. B+ / $140

Rare Character Single Barrel Bourbon 6 Years 5 Months Old for Sahara – A younger Indiana-distilled expression. Lots of chewy, fresh fruit here features brown banana notes and an edge of spice. Some initial charriness settles down to focus more on peanut and vanilla, eventually evoking a nougaty Charleston Chew. Solid throughout, but a simpler expression than the 9 year old offering (or the Maker’s). B+ / $140

You can also sample Sahara’s private tequila stock in cocktails or on its own:

Paladar Anejo Single Barrel Tequila for Sahara – Crisp and agave-forward, the oak i restrained and rather mild here. The tequila becomes nuttier as it develops in glass, wandering into white pepper and from there to chili crisp and torched orange oil notes. Versatile and easy to enjoy in any incarnation. 92 proof. NOM 1109. A-

I’ll definitely drop by again if I find myself in the Sahara!

2535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
saharalasvegas.com

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