Wathen's?

[squire]

Medley certainly has their own mash bill and it's a good one though it seems unlikely they went to the expense of having custom whisky crafted over the last five years then retail it for $25 a bottle.

[BourbonJoe]

Wathens was made by Medley Bros. up until about 1998 or 1999. Who knows what whiskey went in there since. The Medley juice was very good.

Joe :usflag:

[Bbstout]

Stopped by a local liquor store and was talked into a bottle of Wathen's. Wasn't familiar with the brand and assumed it was a NDP product. The owner who seemed knowledgable said he just got it 2 months ago as it wasn't previously distro'd in MN. He said his customers have been flocking and he has placed multiple orders. Was very wary as it is NAS and $43 (Single Barrell 94 proof) initially I am impressed as it is smooth and has a cocoa/caramel note. Any thoughts on this one?

[Limegoldconvertible68]

Is that the bottle with 8 generations 250 years placed on the label in such a way to make it look like an 8 year age statement?  If so it's a bottle I haven't been able to bring myself to buy. It's always between $45-$50 here which in my opinion is too expensive for a 94 proof NDP.  Can't help but think your LS guy gave you a line because it doesn't appear to me to sell at all here let alone fly off the shelf. I'm curious to hear others comments on it. 

[PaulO]

When it was 8 years old and less expensive, I liked it.  The first time I tried the 8 generations (no age statement) I thought it tasted no where near as good - like much younger.  I quit buying it.  This really demonstrated the importance of age statements to me.

I haven't tried any of the NAS Wathen's for several years.  My impression was, it's ok but not worth premium prices.

I say the same for Medley Brothers.  It's ok, but hard to rationalize $25+.  I suppose maybe once to satisfy curiosity.

[PaulO]

I went back to re-read my post on page 1.

I was enthusiastic when Medley Brothers came out.  Given around here it it costs ~ $30.  It looses out to a number of bonded whiskies for me.

[VAGentleman]

Medley Brothers is constantly on sale in VA for $22, I think its a unique taste and a great deal at that price.  The Wathens, I'm not as fond of.

[MelissaM]

I too was talked into a bottle a month or so ago. Cost me $34 and I have to say, there are a ton of other bourbons I prefer at this price. I didn't find it to be anything memorable and have just been using it to cook with. 

[JT3NSB]

I've given it time and tried a few ways..neat, with a cube, with a drop, with a splash, with coke and with organic himalayan yak pressed gingerale.  This stuff sucks!  I got a 12 yr medley in an overhyped lottery recently and it makes me think, it too will be funky junk. 

[flahute]

48 minutes ago, JT3NSB said:

I've given it time and tried a few ways..neat, with a cube, with a drop, with a splash, with coke and with organic himalayan yak pressed gingerale.  This stuff sucks!  I got a 12 yr medley in an overhyped lottery recently and it makes me think, it too will be funky junk. 

I had a bottle of the Medley 12 a couple years ago. Haven't had one since and I don't miss it.

[silverc]

I've had the 12 year Medley also and it's not good. For $50 I was expecting a lot more. It's not bad, but I would never buy another bottle and wouldn't recommend it to anyone else either.

[JT3NSB]

Exactly. 

Edited December 24, 2016 by JT3NSB

[fenderbender4]

I had a pour of the Wathen's single barrel (restaurant selection) here in MN (Eagan).  I really was not impressed.  Probably made worse by the price of the pour when I know of a few places where I can get a heavy Macallan 12 for $9 (different but quality-wise comparison).  Just my two cents.  Kind of made me gun shy of trying the Medley Bros. and Old Medley stuff.  Plus once you get the $50-$60 bourbon range I get turned off as there are some awesome scotches (with age statements) at that price or cheaper.

[musekatcher]

On 12/21/2016 at 9:47 PM, Bbstout said:

Stopped by a local liquor store and was talked into a bottle of Wathen's.

 

Same here - I had four bottles of more reputable top shelf names, and got talked into this - wish I had googled it in the store.  I'm tossed whether to crack it, or save it.  At the price, it should make a nice gift