Wathen's?

[393foureyedfox]

I was hoping you guys could shed some light on a bourbon that always catches my eye when I'm in the store, but I always pass up because I know nothing about it, and information online doesn't seem to clear that up any better.

94 Proof Wathen's.....

What are your impressions? Who really makes the distillate? Age, profile, etc? Changes over it's history?

This is a brand I seem to hear very little about, but would like to know more. I remember early in my days of getting into bourbon, talking to a Santa-looking guy in the aisle who was shopping as well, telling me that he thought this was one of the best bourbons on the shelf. Tastes are subjective, though. What can you long-term bourbon guys tell me about this?

[Flyfish]

I was hoping you guys could shed some light on a bourbon that always catches my eye when I'm in the store, but I always pass up because I know nothing about it, and information online doesn't seem to clear that up any better.

94 Proof Wathen's.....

What are your impressions? Who really makes the distillate? Age, profile, etc? Changes over it's history?

This is a brand I seem to hear very little about, but would like to know more. I remember early in my days of getting into bourbon, talking to a Santa-looking guy in the aisle who was shopping as well, telling me that he thought this was one of the best bourbons on the shelf. Tastes are subjective, though. What can you long-term bourbon guys tell me about this?

So, you are not willing to trust Santa because tastes are subjective but you are willing to trust guys who think EC BP is damn good stuff?

[KyleCBreese]

I've only had it once, but really enjoyed it. I am not sure exactly who makes it, but it can usually be had for a decent price. It is worth a try.

[393foureyedfox]

So, you are not willing to trust Santa because tastes are subjective but you are willing to trust guys who think EC BP is damn good stuff?

well....obviously.......if you think ECBP is damn good stuff, your opinion doesnt count:skep:, at least not from batch 2.

where is that damned internet sarcasm button?

Edited May 21, 2014 by 393foureyedfox

[amg]

The 'Medley Brothers' thread has some info about Wathen's:

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?21012-Medley-Brothers-Bourbon

I haven't tried any of them but might see if I can try it at a bar.

[Flyfish]

I've only had it once, but really enjoyed it. I am not sure exactly who makes it, but it can usually be had for a decent price. It is worth a try.

Wathen's is made by Medley. See their genealogical chart. The Wathens and the Medleys equal eight generations of bourbonistas. Still, "made by" is the rub. Col. Chuck says its NDP (unidentified) juice made to Charles Medley's specs.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Flyfish

[squire]

It's a wonderment how often an NDP's specs turn out to be exactly the same as what MGP is making anyway. We went through a few bottles of the original Wathen's years ago when Charles was still bottling from Medley stock and I liked those but a single bottle of the new one I bought was just ok and nothing memorable. Kind of like Henry McKenna its one I like but don't go out of my way to get.

Edited May 21, 2014 by squire

[cowdery]

Wathen's is the brand they've been selling since the 1990s. Last year they added the 12-year-old Old Medley and 102 proof Medley Brothers to the line.

[393foureyedfox]

anyone know current source, age, etc?

and what would you liken it to?

[P&MLiquorsEric]

For 20-25 bucks the medley brothers at 102 proof is fantastic.

[mbroo5880i]

For 20-25 bucks the medley brothers at 102 proof is fantastic.

I have been wavering about whether to buy a bottle which is the only way I will get to try it. If you say it is a decent value, I will give it a try. Of course, all I need is an excuse. :grin:

I know everyone's tastes are different but, for those who have tried it (and Wathen's), what would you compare them to?

[sutton]

For 20-25 bucks the medley brothers at 102 proof is fantastic.

[mbroo5880i]

Wholeheartedly agree. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this really was a nice surprise.

[sutton]

If that's so mbroo, go for it - as this stuff goes, this is far from a wallet buster if it isn't your thing. Would like to hear your take on it and others as folks give this a shot.

The shop where I purchased it had it on the bottom shelf - next to some green label Ezra Brooks. Maybe my expectations were unconsciously set pretty low! I have also been drinking a lot of Four Roses lately, so going from the high rye style to something low rye, high malt, sweeter, and the 102 proof just hit me right.

Work is keeping me away from the bar for awhile, but I'll give this another go this weekend when I have a bit more time to spend with it.

[mbroo5880i]

yeah, I have a little bourbon money set aside and this one is inexpensive. I see it but don't hear much about it so I have passed so far. However, I see Chuck has written about it, you and others have said it is decent for the price so why not? I have also been drinking more Four Roses lately. :grin:

What would you compare it to?

[sutton]

That's a tough one ... in the other thread I thought it had characteristics of GD12 (probably the high corn), and somewhere between the HH 4 & 6 BiBs. Thinking on it more, maybe something like OF Signature as well? These are all from memory, I'd have to taste them side-by-side to form my thoughts better.

I would say that this might be a good one for avowed wheater fans to try if they don't like the high rye bourbons.

[393foureyedfox]

That's a tough one ... in the other thread I thought it had characteristics of GD12 (probably the high corn), and somewhere between the HH 4 & 6 BiBs. Thinking on it more, maybe something like OF Signature as well? These are all from memory, I'd have to taste them side-by-side to form my thoughts better.

I would say that this might be a good one for avowed wheater fans to try if they don't like the high rye bourbons.

I think your post was the second one Ive read online saying Medley Brothers 102 had a profile between HHBIB and GD12. I like both, so I may try this one as well.

But, back on topic, any more ideas on Wathen's? Does Wathen's, Medley Brother's and Old Medley share the same mashbill but are just different ages/selections? No one seems to know a source, but Ive seen online the mashbill was 77% corn, 10% rye and 13% malt for the Medley brothers.

[T Comp]

But, back on topic, any more ideas on Wathen's? Does Wathen's, Medley Brother's and Old Medley share the same mashbill but are just different ages/selections? No one seems to know a source, but Ive seen online the mashbill was 77% corn, 10% rye and 13% malt for the Medley brothers.

Chuck's blog has the most complete information I've seen. As it is contract distilled I'll assume it is all the same mash bill. The Wathen's and Old Medley to my taste both have the mouth feel oiliness that would come from the 13% barley malt. Haven't had the Medley Brother's yet. There is also additional information on the first of the Wathen's single barrels before they were contract distilled in the 2006 thread.

http://chuckcowdery.blogspot.com/2013/10/medley-brothers-kentucky-straight.html

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?6382-Wathen-s-Source

[r60slash5]

For 20-25 bucks the medley brothers at 102 proof is fantastic.

+1 I bought a Medley Brothers today for $23.00. I like the flavor profile. And enjoy the Wathen's 12 year old too.

Ted

[upStomp]

I coworker bought me a bottle a few months ago. That reminds me, I still need to repay that gift :grin:

It definitely wasn't in my wheelhouse. I'm mostly a BT, 4R, and (sometimes) Dickel guy. It's been a while, but I found the Wathen's to be closer to a HH or Beam style. A bit too musty for me.

[393foureyedfox]

It definitely wasn't in my wheelhouse. I'm mostly a BT, 4R, and (sometimes) Dickel guy. It's been a while, but I found the Wathen's to be closer to a HH or Beam style. A bit too musty for me.

well, that convinces me to get a Medley Brothers and give it a shot. HH, Dickel, and Beam are the profiles I do like......and 4R is one I don't like. the other distillery I cant get myself to purchase anything from just on principle.

[upStomp]

I had a feeling :grin:

Edited May 22, 2014 by upStomp

[cowdery]

Who makes it? These days, anyone with excess capacity will do contract jobs. Why wouldn't they? So who doesn't? I'd say Maker's, Woodford, Jack Daniel's, and Four Roses. Everyone else will, probably. There is, as you all probably know, no subject that is harder to get the producers to talk about.

[PaulO]

I used enjoy Wathen's now and then back when it had the 8 year age statement. I haven't had any for some time. I really do like the new Medley Brothers. It sort of reminds me of Old Forester B.I.B. from the pre-Signature days. My understanding is Medley has their own mash-bill, and someone makes it for them.

[bourboNcigars]

Wathens is tricky with that big 8 on the bottle and then in thin lettering says generations lol