Cigar, whiskey education among big game festivities

Brian Will
·1 min read

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A first-of-its-kind, flavorful event occurred Thursday, just in time for big game festivities. The Big Game Cigar and Whiskey Experience brought connoisseurs to Stirling Club.

Over a dozen whiskey vendors were on hand, and cigar masterclasses were held on-site. An auction for football memorabilia was held, but the hottest selling items were a Taylor Swift photo and an autographed Travis Kelce jersey. The proceeds go to the Whiskey Education Foundation and Smiles Charity.

<em>The Big Game Cigar and Whiskey Experience was held at the Stirling Club on Thursday, February 8, 2024. (KLAS)</em>
The Big Game Cigar and Whiskey Experience was held at the Stirling Club on Thursday, February 8, 2024. (KLAS)

Douglas Smith, who organized the event and is from the Whiskey Education Foundation, said the celebration is all about enjoying responsibly.

“It’s not about excessiveness. It’s about really enjoying the art the blenders and distillers put into the product, and we want you to get the most out of it,” Smith said.

The industry networking event includes former pro football players like Garrick Jones and Terrell Ray Ward, and former Mrs. Universe Ella Markovsky. Additionally, live jazz was a part of the event, which guided attendees through tastings, stories about the whiskey, and how to pair the drinks and cigars with different food.

<em>More than a dozen whiskey vendors were on hand at the Big Game Cigar and Whiskey Experience at the Stirling Club on Thursday, February 8, 2024, as well as a cigar masterclass. (KLAS)</em>
More than a dozen whiskey vendors were on hand at the Big Game Cigar and Whiskey Experience at the Stirling Club on Thursday, February 8, 2024, as well as a cigar masterclass. (KLAS)

Smith said they plan to host one event in Las Vegas annually alongside one at each Super Bowl location.

Officials from The Whiskey Education Foundation say it prompts responsible use of alcohol through education and helps educate people working in the hospitality industry about the differences and nuances of whiskey and how it relates to different customers’ tastes.

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