Editor’s Picks: Bang & Olufsen Turntable, Tod’s Overcoat and Redbreast Whiskey
From a bottle of Louis Roederer’s latest vintage to a pair of Church’s finely crafted Oxford shoes, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
There’s much to celebrate this week. Paul Smith is commemorating 50 years atop the fashion industry with the release of a typically colourful new monograph. Church’s is celebrating 75 long, stylish years of its Consul Oxfords with a new special edition. And Bang and Olufsen are ringing in 95 years of innovation with a limited run of restored turntables.
So let’s raise a glass to these celebrations and innovations — and do that in style, too. From Redbreast Irish Whiskey to something special from Glenmorangie, we’ve also rounded up the best new toastable tipples below…
Third time’s a charm: Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey
With the recent debut of its new ‘spokesbird’ — meet Robin Redbreast here — Redbreast Irish Whiskey is introducing its singular triple-distilled spirit to a whole new generation of fans. And what a spirit it is. Well-balanced and matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, this particular expression has spent a dozen years infusing with flavours from honeyed ginger to spicy oak.
Time’s ticking: Vertex Bronze 75
Vintage designs may be having a moment in the watchmaking world — but this latest timepiece from Vertex is the real deal. A faithful tribute to the Vertex watch commissioned during the Second World War for the British military, this black-dialled, water-resistant, leather-strapped watch is limited to only 150 examples. Pick yours up exclusively at the Gentleman’s Journal Shop.
Feeling blue: Tod’s Double-Breasted Overcoat
It’s winter coat weather — and that means investing in the best. Tod’s, master of Italian design, is an excellent place to start. This double-breasted overcoat is fashioned from wool for warmth, has large statement lapels and is just a hue or two brighter than your average navy blue. Ideal for anything these colder seasons may throw your way.
Page-turner: 'Paul Smith' Book
It stands to reason that Sir Paul Smith has some stories to tell. And, in this eponymous monograph, the designer does more than that — detailing 50 years in the fashion industry by looking at 50 of his favourite individual, idiosyncratic items. And, with binding emblazoned with Smith’s signature stripe colours, it’s as handsome a book that will ever grace your coffee table.
To the stars: Aesop Ptolemy Aromatique Candle
Snigger all you want — but candles add essential autumn ambience to any home. And this new ‘Ptolemy’ release from Aesop is one of the season’s best. Named for an ancient Greek stargazer, this sensuous blend of leather, smoke and wood may be difficult to pronounce — but it smells out of this world.
Piece of cake: Glenmorangie ‘A Tale of Cake’ Single Malt Whisky
That’s right. Cake. The storied Scotch brand have attempted to ‘capture the joy of the perfect slice of cake in a glass’. Have they succeeded? Yes and no. On the nose, this boldly-designed bottle truly does give off notes of cakey, honeyed fruits and baked goods. It doesn’t follow through entirely on taste — but its maturation in dessert wine casks definitely comes through on the palate.
Turn it up: Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000C Turntable
And you thought vinyl couldn’t get any cooler. Riding the everlasting wave of the record renaissance, Bang & Olufsen has resurrected its iconic 1970s turntable for 2020. Only 95 will be released; each meticulously restored from an original model — from that champagne aluminium case to the novel tangential tonearm.
Strap in: Ally Capellino Hoy Leather Backpack
A leather backpack is a must-have for any man-about-town. This Ally Capellino offering, modelled on the brand’s existing ‘Hoy’ design, has been given a leather upgrade to increase toughness and durability. Pair that with webbing straps, internal padded pockets and the promise of a handsome patina over time, and you’re onto a winner.
Step on it: Church’s Consul 1945 Limited Edition Oxfords
The iconic Consul design — a signature style of heritage shoemaker Church’s — has been gracing the feet of the English gentry since 1945 and was named after the ambassadors and politicians who favoured it. This Anniversary edition, crafted from calf leather and featuring a hand-painted bi-colour leather sole, is as sleek and elegant as the originals.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
Further reading
Editor’s Picks: Grand Seiko watch, Crockett & Jones shoes, Littlemill whisky and My Style Bags watch case
A bigger splash: The best RIB brands on the market
