Editors' picks: Bennett Winch briefcase, Laphroaig whisky, Purdey coat and Bentley fragrance
The best gear in the world right now, from Hamilton’s newest collaboration to Pal Zileri’s cold-weather essentials.
Words: Dan Scothern
Each week we present to you some of the best products on the planet. Whether it’s a non-alcoholic beer from our friendly neighbourhood brewer, or Cervélo’s latest speed machine, these are the items that you need to shake up your lifestyle for the better...
Purdey Latch Coat
British brand Purdey has been making barn jackets long before TikTok became obsessed, and their craftmanship and attention to detail have been consistent since the beginning. Their Latch Coat, for instance, is inspired by vintage fireman’s uniforms and boasts four unique clasps, in addition to a wool wadding lining and wax cotton outer to keep the wearer warm, dry, and debonair.
Bennett Winch Suede Brief
Briefcases are cool, but unless you’re delivering ransom money, or doing Pulp Fiction cosplay, there’s always a risk of them looking little clunky and outdated. We much prefer the soft suede of Bennett Winch’s version; it’s hardy enough to bear the elements (or handle a sticky tube floor) but refined enough to sit comfortably next to the boardroom table. The perfect all-rounder.
Laphroaig Strong Characters 33-Year-Old Whisky
The first bottle in the Laphroaig Strong Characters series, this remarkable single malt has been aged over three decades and pays tribute to the distillery’s co-founder, Donald Johnston. It has notes of crème brûlée and stewed rhubarb on the nose, in addition to a gentle sherry and subtle spice on the palate. Outside of the bottle, award winning illustrator, Bill Bragg, has immortalised Johnston in stunning black and white, signifying the mixture of boldness and elegance that lies within.
Patek Philippe Cubitus Instantaneous Grand Date
It’s been a tumultuous two weeks for Patek Philippe. From the Fortune magazine ‘leak,’ and ensuing ‘is it real?’ frenzy, to the final unveiling, the newly released Cubitus Collection has arrived with a bang. The first new collection in twenty-five years, we’ve been treated to three models; the Cubitus Instantaneous Grand Date, Day and Moon Phases, in platinum, the two-tone Cubitus model in steel and rose gold with a blue sunburst dial, and Cubitus in steel with an olive-green sunburst dial. Though opinions are divided, our thoughts mirror that of a 1986 Huey Lewis. It is indeed hip to be square.
Cervélo Caledonia-5 Road Bike
The new Caledonia-5 has been designed for what Cervélo call ‘Big Stupid Rides.’ We’re not about talking three laps of Richmond Park and a slice of cake, but rather ultra-fast, ultra-distances that should only be undertaken by those with the right equipment. The in-frame storage on the Caledonia-5 means tools, gels and CO2 cannisters are kept out of sight and out of mind, and the dropped seat stays and downtube stiffness allows for maximum comfort with pro-level responsiveness even when you’re five hours into a ride.
Pal Zileri Merino Wool Turtleneck
October is the perfect month to get into turtlenecks. Not only has the temperature dropped, leaving the neck requiring a little extra warmth, but we haven’t quite hit the Love Actually time of year, so you won’t be accused of channelling Liam Neeson, or Colin Firth or Alan Rickman (or the entire cast, for that matter). We’re loving this ultra-fine merino, alpaca and recycled nylon piece from Pal Zileri. Well-suited for writing in the French countryside or combing the mews streets of London.
Hamilton Khaki Field Engineered Garments
Rugged and reliable, the latest collaboration from Hamilton sees the brand come together with Japanese-American outfitters, Engineered Garments. True to their name, founder Daiki Suzuki stresses that his pieces are “not designed, but engineered,” a notion that’s reinforced in the functionality of their Hamilton Khaki Field. The titanium strap and 80-hour power-reserve ensures it’s ready for action, and the 36mm dial doesn’t dwarf the wrist for those favouring a more subtle timepiece. There’s only 1,999 pieces (a nod to Engineered Garments’ founding year), so this one’s not for the indecisive.
Bentley Become Fragrance
The latest fragrance from motoring aficionados, Bentley, takes their scents in a fresh new direction. You’d be a fool to assume leather and petrol on the nose, and Become is instead a refined blend of orange and bergamot, with notes of black pepper, juniper and myrrh to create an exceptionally balanced fragrance that delights on and off the track.
BERO Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer
Though the fraternity of celebrities that own alcohol brands has grown significantly in recent months (members include George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds, Matthew McConaughey and The Rock) its newest inductee, Spiderman and Romeo & Juliet actor Tom Holland, is doing things a little differently - most notably as his new beer doesn’t include alcohol at all. BERO has just launched with a pilsner, an IPA and a wheat beer, and strikes the perfect balance between great taste, pleasure and moderation. Primed to set the tastebuds (and spider senses) tingling.
KOBOX 1-Month Pass
Though studies suggest that it might take a little longer than twenty-one days to build a habit, there’s no time like the present to tick off day one. Silly season is on the horizon, and it’s well documented that mulled wine tastes better when an aggressive January detox isn’t looming. Our recommendation: throw some hands at KOBOX over the next few weeks (classes are fifty minutes, and there isn’t a treadmill in sight), and you’ll be in fighting form for when festivities begin.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out our previous Editors' Picks…
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Further reading
Editor’s Picks: Loro Piana snowboard, BOGNER gloves, Oris watch and Mulberry backpack
Editor’s Picks: Crockett & Jones wallet, Paravel suitcase, Belstaff jacket and Hamilton watch
