For almost 5 years, I went without a watch. Not a big deal to most people, probably, but within the previous few years, I had invested in a nice Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, a titanium Omega Seamaster, and a Panerai Luminor Marina back in 2001 before Panerai's were the must-have watch they've become since. I sold all of those watches at one time or another to plow some cash back into the fledgling business, and I'm they type that would rather have no watch, than a cheap watch. More importantly, I'd rather have no watch than a fake watch.

According to a recent study, it looks like I was doing my self-esteem a favor. Scientific American magazine -- whom you cannot argue with since they are scientific and patriotic at the same time -- wrote about some new research that suggests that buying counterfeit luxury goods may turn you into a cyncial, lying, cheating cheater.

"That’s why we buy knockoffs, isn’t it? To polish our self-image and broadcast that polished version of our personality to the world—at a fraction of the price. But does it work?...New research suggests that knockoffs may not work as magically as we would like. Indeed, they may backfire. Three scientists...have been exploring in the laboratory the power and pitfalls of fake adornment. They want to find out if counterfeit labels might have hidden psychological costs, warping people’s actions and attitudes."

Read the full abstract (it's a quick read) here. 

AcquireMag.com recently turned us on to a great watch blog called Hodinkee, who passes on the story of the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Roy Halladay. After throwing a perfect game in late May, he bought the entire organization -- teammates, batboys, PR people -- a Baume et Mercier watch with an engraved message on the back reading, "We did it together. Thanks, Roy Halladay."

60 watches in all. A class act.

Read the 3 paragraph story in full here. 

We recently had to complete a photo shoot for an advertisement that will run nationally in a couple months. To realistically depict the desk of the modern gentleman -- which includes a number of heirloom-quality products from the likes of S.T. Dupont, El Casco, Agresti, Visconti, Mulholland Brothers, and William Henry Studio -- we felt a lit cigar was essential. But not just any cigar; something delicious and rare (and legal in the United States).

Reaching into the humidor of rare cigars, I thought a Fuente Fuente Opus X Rising Sun would accomplish the task, but it had to be partially smoked. Clearly, we couldn't force an employee to smoke a cigar against his/her will, so I had to step up, clip it, light it, and smoke it for the good of the company.

The things I do sometimes...

Since it's the third Sunday of the month, it's the day I finally get to read the Journal of Agriculture & Food Chemistry*. In it is an article that flies in the face of the way champers is often poured at bars & restaurants. According to "scientists", the superior way to pour champagne is to pour it like beer: at an angle, close to the side of the glass so as to preserve the bubbles (a.k.a. sunshine & lollipops).

We will definitely adjust the way we are pouring champagne at Wingtip even though, admittedly, Dr Liger-Belair and his colleagues have not finished "constructing a mathematical model to describe CO2 discharge during the champagne pouring process".

You can read the BBC's coverage of the findings here.

* As I'm sure you guessed, I saw the headline on BBC News. I normally don't get to the JAFC until the 3rd Tuesday of each month so I hadn't even seen the article yet. 

 

This Thursday night, JAQK Cellars will be pouring the second release of all 8 of their poker-inspired wine labels (yes, that includes their top-of-the-line High Roller). As if that wasn't enough, the event will take place at our new lounge -- Wingtip -- just a block and a half from our store.

A ticket price of $20 covers all the wine and some delicious appetizers, but the event is limited to the first 75 to RSVP.

Buy your tickets here.

This Thursday evening, loyal readers of On The Fly's blog are welcome to join us at our new space, WINGTIP, for a special tasting of Bowmore Islay Single Malts. 

In addition to being one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, Bowmore is also one of the few distilleries to hand-turn their own floor malted barley. Most of their whiskies spend their long lives in the famous Bowmore No. 1 vaults where they mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavors. It's this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the subtle, warm and smoky character of Bowmore single malt whiskies.

This Thursday evening, guests will enjoy their 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, and 18 Year Old whiskies, but we're secretly hoping they will also bring the coveted 25 Year Old.

What: Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Tasting
When: Thursday, August 5th from 5:30pm-8pm
Where: WINGTIP, 560 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
How: Just RSVP here.

Read more about Bowmore, including some of the island's legends, at their website.