Casino events

Whiskey Union rolls in April 7-8

 It's less than a month until Mohegan Sun's latest alcohol-tasting event, and this one is for aficionados of whiskey, rye, scotch and bourbon. Not that there won't be other drinks to sample in the form of spiked seltzers, ciders, beer and other offerings, but the 7th Annual Whiskey Union puts whiskey and similar traditional hard liquor in the spotlight.

It's a fun event, judging from previous versions in Uncasville, with a few caveats. First, no hard alcohol (and depending on which recent study you consult, no alcohol at all) is good for you in the long run. So moderation, water, food and a relaxed pace are part of a plan to keep the side effects at a minimum. Mohegan planners are good at providing bottles of cold water to guests, a big plus for them. And it's Easter weekend, so it's already a busy time for many folks.

With a few added offerings this year, the attraction is now Sun Whiskey Union Weekend, with the Saturday evening main event ($70) joined by four new, limited-capacity events starting on Good Friday evening:

For a heady approach to the whiskey topic, you'll need to lay out some extra bucks, but you'll get to chat with experts and distillers.

A Japanese Whisky Dinner at upscale TAO Asian Bistro and Lounge at 5 p.m. Friday ($250) offers a three-course meal with a specialty craft cocktail at entry and whisky pairings from the folks at Michter's Distillery.

Another event Friday, Spirits & Cigars, will take place at Clay Pipe Cigar Bar at the resort. For $120, attendees can taste several offerings from Mohegan Sun's limited Barrel Select Program. Pours will come from nine single barrels including the latest releases, Maker's Mark, Private Reserve and Whistle Pig Piggyback. There will also be Breckenridge and Elijah Craig Bourbon, along with Knob Creek Bourbon and Rye. And yes, tastings will be paired with a complimentary Clay Pipe infused cigar.

On Saturday at 6 p.m., the same location will hosts Friends of Laphroaig ($125), offering a private first taste of Laphroaig Single Barrel Cask Barrel selected by Mohegan Sun and available to the public later this year, as well as three added items from Laphroaig. Adding discussion will be reps from Beam Suntory.

The fourth event, also at Clay Pipe Cigar Bar, will cap Saturday night events at 11 p.m. The nightcap gathering ($50) will include two specialty cocktails and one infused cigar.

As for the most popular event, Sun Whiskey Union ($70 admission), it will run from 8-11 p.m. in the Earth Ballroom (part way into the huge Earth Expo and Convention Center). There will be live music by  Jason Ingriselli & The Miles North, many stations of whiskey, scotch, bourbon and rye, and some pouring  craft cocktails, as well. Food bites will be provided by Bear's Smokehouse and NoRA Cupcake Co.

Two more points about it: A portion of ticket proceeds will go to support the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. And there will be a silent auction of items from the sports/entertainment world that will also benefit United Way.