Last night at The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sir Rod Stewart made a surprise appearance that thrilled his fans. The occasion? The first anniversary of his award-winning Wolfie’s Whisky and the upcoming 200th show, marking the end of his 13-year residency, "Rod Stewart – The Hits".
Stewart, accompanied by his family and bandmates, kicked off the celebration in style. He took to the bar alongside his business partner, Duncan Frew, CEO of Wolfie’s Whisky, to serve shots of their signature spirit. Guests were treated to specially crafted cocktails featuring Wolfie’s Whisky, including the luxurious Rockstar Martini, which combines Wolfie’s Scotch Whisky with Chambord, blood orange syrup, vanilla syrup, lime juice, and a splash of champagne. Another standout was the Do Ya Think I’m Sexy, a spicy concoction of Wolfie’s Scotch Whisky, agave syrup, lime juice, Fire Tincture, mint, and jalapeño.
The evening took an even more delightful turn when Stewart surprised the audience with an impromptu a capella rendition of “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.” He was soon joined by his backup singers, Holly Brewer, Becca Kotte, and JoAnne Harper, for a lively sing-along of “Ooh La La,” accompanied by Radio XX, an all-star rock band featuring Ben Carey (formerly of Lifehouse and Savage Garden), Bryce Soderberg (Lifehouse), Toby Rand (Rockstar Supernova finalist), and drummer Al Seratto.
The festivities didn't end there. Stewart was presented with a cake that was a large replica of a Wolfie’s Whisky bottle, adding a sweet touch to the celebration. His family, including his wife Penny Lancaster, his children Sean, Liam, and Renee, as well as Liam’s newlywed wife, Nicole Artukovich, and Frew’s wife, Lauren, were all present to share in the joyous occasion.
The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, known for its intimate atmosphere and spontaneous performances, has hosted numerous surprise acts by top talents like Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Zac Brown, Dave Matthews, Machine Gun Kelly, and Travis Barker. This latest appearance by Rod Stewart added to the venue’s legendary status.
Wolfie’s Whisky, inspired by Stewart’s favorite dessert – warm apple pie – is a blend of grain and malt whiskies aged in American oak whiskey barrels. It offers flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and baked apples, making it a unique and beloved spirit among fans.
As Rod Stewart wraps up his incredible 13-year run in Las Vegas, his celebration of Wolfie’s Whisky's first anniversary adds another milestone to his storied career. For those looking to visit The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails, more information and reservations can be found on their website or by calling (702) 698-7434.
About Wolfie's Whisky
Wolfie's Whisky is a blended Scotch malt whisky created in collaboration with the renowned musician Sir Rod Stewart. Distilled on the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond, this whisky embodies Stewart's deep-rooted passion for Scotland and his musical legacy. The brand positions itself as a unique offering in the whisky market, appealing particularly to fans of Stewart and whisky enthusiasts alike.
The whisky is crafted from a blend of grain and malt whiskies, aged in American oak bourbon casks. This aging process imparts a rich flavor profile that includes notes of warming cinnamon, fresh vanilla, and baked apple, drawing inspiration from Stewart's favorite dessert, warm apple pie. The tasting experience is rounded out with hints of sweet peat, pears in syrup, and a finish of candied citrus peels and gentle oak spice. Wolfie's Whisky is versatile, suitable for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as an ingredient in cocktails, with the appletini being highlighted as a favorite of Stewart himself.
The branding of Wolfie's Whisky features a playful cartoon wolf character, described as a "rascal of a thing," which has attracted some scrutiny regarding its appeal to younger audiences. However, the Portman Group, which oversees marketing standards in the UK, found that the design and branding did not specifically target under-18s, concluding that the whisky's aesthetic and terminology would resonate more with an older demographic, particularly fans of Stewart born between 1946 and 1964.
Overall, Wolfie's Whisky represents a fusion of music and whisky culture, aiming to evoke nostalgia and a sense of enjoyment reminiscent of "the good old days." It stands out not only for its unique flavor but also for its connection to a rock 'n' roll legend, making it a noteworthy addition to the world of Scotch whisky.
