The Asian-inspired, film noir décor of Lost Spirits Distillery creates an ambiance like no other in Sin City; from atmospheric music, otherwordly holograms, horse-drawn carriages, and secret speakeasy rooms, you’ll be taken into a fantastic, underground world. Truly, the 90-minute tour feels like a dark and cozy dream.
Newly opened at the Area15 complex, serves up specialty, house-made liquor, such as 90-proof Japonisme, an artfully-inspired rum, crafted from Okinawa black sugar and smoky, charred Mizunara oak.
But, if you want a stiffer drink, go for 102-proof “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”. The sea-inspired rum is distilled with Pacific ocean brine and premium molasses.
If your tastes lean towards aromatic, fruity flavors, try 94-proof “Framboise” brandy, fermented from 17 pounds of sweet, tangy California raspberries per bottle. Framboise is a very expensive and exclusive liquor you will find nowhere else.
Lost Spirits is an LA Transplant, with a Twist
Partners Bryan Davis and Joanne Haruta have crafted not only an experience unlike any other; they also distill intensely flavorful, extremely smooth alcohol with as much character as their taste in decor. The Lost Spirit liquor is ideal for sipping, making it perfect for the two-hour tour. Bring home a few bottles for some one-of-a-kind cocktails to mystify your friends.
Each liquor is served in a unique room; patrons enjoy the Cuban-inspired 90-proof Anejo Blanco while seated in the “Havana Hologram Lounge”. The holograms recreate the vibrant Latin nightclub experience of 1950s Havana. You’ll believe you’ve been transported back in time, by the time you’ve finished your Anejo Blanco.
Film Noir Theatrics
With the LA location temporarily closed, Lost Spirits Las Vegas truly one-of-a-kind, a sensory experience of shadows bathed in amber light.
Among other experiences, you’ll wander through a candlelit forest, while savoring robust, navy-style rum. Quite naturally, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea rum is experienced within a Jules Verne-style submarine; you may feel a bit discomforted as a human-faced fish peers in at you.
Savor fruity Framboise in the Dorian Gray room; however, if you are faint of heart, do not look in the mirror. You may not like what you see.
Throughout the tour, Tessa, your “artificial intelligence” guide chatters away in an amusing, computerized cadence. It’s all enough to leave you both confounded and delighted.
The Fantasy Tour Takes a Backseat to Fine Liquor
If Lost Spirits seem like little more than spooky, Vegas kitch, you’d be wrong. Davis and Haruta have the science of distilling in the bag. In 2015, Davis invented a method that bestows years’ of barrel-aged flavor within just a few days to his alcoholic creations. Davis and Haruta promptly assemble a team of material science experts, chemical and electrical engineers to define, refine and perfect his discovery.
That makes the portion of the tour that hits on the actual distilling process intriguing; you’ll visit the laboratory and barrel room, where Lost Spirits’ one-of-a-kind distilling process takes place. Best of all, it’s explained in layman’s terms, so you don’t need a science degree to understand it.
As you might expect, the distillery’s real laboratory looks very much like the classic mad scientist’s lab. You might half-expect Doc Brown or Dr. Frankenstein to pop in for a chat.
October Brings More to the Plate
Sometime at the beginning of October, chef Taylor Persh will come onboard, serving a 12-course $240 tasting menu in the “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” submarine. Chef Persh is the mastermind behind the 10-course menu at the LA location. There, Chef Persh’s delights included Spanish octopus with butternut squash dusted with fennel pollen, a dish apropos to Jules Vern’s submarine. Another unusual dish, Exploding Grapes, infuses the grapes with peated malt; but, how the grapes explode is for you to find out.
However, there’s no telling what the culinary evil, genius will do with 20 courses, served in an undersea fantasy world, complimented with high-octane spirits.
Like a Willy Wonka Tour for Grown-Ups
Imagine a dark, sexy Willy Wonka-style tour for grown-ups, and you’ll be on target for what you’ll experience at Lost Spirits.
The tours can accommodate 25 guests, and there is no dress code; however, wear comfortable walking shoes. Also, Lost Spirits appears to be taking a more relaxed approach to the state’s Covid restrictions, simply asking the unvaccinated to wear a mask.
The price of this magical, liquor-fueled mystery tour is $60 – $80, depending on the day and time. Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable. And, for the most part, the experience is wheelchair accessible.
A Lost Spirits tour will surely intrigue both visitors and Las Vegas locals alike. Be sure to bring home a dream-filled bottle for inspiration.
