The Stogie Guys

Information on Wathen’s is tough to come by. If you go to the spirit’s website, a notice reads, “New Website Coming…01/01/10.” I guess they’re behind on their marketing efforts.

But many bourbon enthusiasts would call Wathen’s anything but behind in terms of crafting a quality spirit. Reviews across the web are very favorable for this bourbon that was 8 generations and 250 years in the making.

Today Wathen’s is produced by Charles W. Medley and his son Samuel Wathen Medley with limestone-filtered water, corn, rye, and barley. It is distilled in Kentucky then bottled at the Charles Medley Distillery in San Jose, California. The bourbon undergoes a “100% copper doubling process” and is aged in charred new white oak barrels. The result, according to the bottle, is a spirit that’s “characterized by its lightness and dryness and has no peer among bourbon whiskeys.”

I picked up a 750 ml. bottle of Wathen’s (94 proof) for just shy of $30. I was attracted to its deep orange color, stout bottle, and classic-looking label. A sticker across the top denotes the barrel number and the date my sample was bottled: September 30, 2010.

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Though I haven’t gotten around to reviewing any of them, Kurt Kendall’s 7-20-4 cigars have become staples in my humidor. The “Dogwalker” size has particularly become a favorite as it delivers full cigar flavors in a small size (4 x 40) that takes less than 30 minutes to smoke.

So when I heard Kendall was introducing a new line at this year’s industry trade show, I was looking forward to trying it. It is called 1874, which commemorates the opening of the 7-20-4 factory in Manchester, New Hampshire. Two years ago Kurt Kendall, who runs the Twins Smoke Shop in New Hampshire, re-introduced the 7-20-4 blend (and resurrected the trademark) which had been made at the Manchester factory until 1963. (more…)

After finishing my first MJ12, I couldn’t help but think how much I would like another. Though I didn’t light one up immediately, not having another two hours or so to spare, I have had several since that initial experience. And all have been excellent.

This thick, oily cigar from Dion Giolito’s Illusione brand is rich in flavors, complex, and balanced. Beginning with peppery spice befitting its Nicaraguan tobacco, the cigar evolves as it slowly burns down the six-inch length. I’ve picked up leather, cedar, floral notes, coffee, and a tobacco sweetness that blends nicely with various spices. (more…)