Roy’s Liquor Store is a friendly, classy establishment on the corner of Hualapai/Desert Inn in south Summerlin. They offer a wide selection that includes craft beers, fine wine, premium sake, Don Pilar tequila, and high quality cigars. Roy is easy-going and knowledgeable.
The store is right next to Rachel’s Kitchen, a gourmet café I love. I started dropping in whenever I needed a bottle of wine or sake. Along with the diverse selection, I noticed the cigar room, and though I’m not a cigar connoisseur, it looked too swank not to step into. The room is walled with cedar and equipped with humidifier to age and protect the cigars; there are hundreds to choose from; stacked high above the cigars are international-looking wood boxes. It smells fantastic, like you’ve stepped into a giant cedar cabinet. I imagined the “Most Interesting Man in the World” lighting a cigar and saying, “I don’t always smoke cigars, but when I do, I prefer Roy’s.”
There’s more. Twice when I’ve dropped in he’s had interesting, live tastings. First it was for Zing Vodka. The “Red Velvet” sample went down so smooth I bought two bottles. Having two gorgeous women selling it may have helped its case. The Zing bottles and glasses light up, too, creating their own festivity and allure as you drink. My friends enjoyed the Zing as well–the flavored version was easy to drink by itself, at room temperature.
Then last Friday evening it was Don Pilar Tequila. Honestly I’ve never acquired a taste for tequila–until that moment. Even before drinking I noticed its golden, bright hue; then I could smell notes of toasty oak, fruit, and butterscotch. It tasted just like it smelled, plus a touch of pineapple, chocolate, and baked agave, then a warm slow finish of sweet oak. Suddenly I felt like the most interesting man in the world.
Nick Christie, who was helping with the tasting and manages the Don Pilar brand for Las Vegas, told me Roy’s would be the only place in Las Vegas one could purchase Don Pilar Tequila. http://www.donpilar.com/
If all this wasn’t enough, Roy takes pride in his work and store. The store is always well-stocked, clean, nicely lit, and Roy greets you with a smile. These are the places I prefer to take my business. I also appreciate what he had printed on the back of his business card: Please Drink Responsibly. Don’t Drink and Drive.
Mon 10-10; Sunday 12-8.
3330 S. Hualapai Way, Suite 180.
702-202-0111
