Editor’s Picks: Bottle Case, BMW Concept and Rum Barrel Domino Set
From a ceramic watch from Rado to a fine cashmere rollneck jumper from Private White V.C., this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Travel. It’s a concept that, these days, strikes fear into our self-isolated, socially-distant hearts. After almost two years of lockdowns, the thought of packing up and shipping out to see various friends and family during the festive season is a daunting one.
Thankfully, there are gadgets and gear available to make the transition back to travel as easy as possible. Whether it’s luggage from Hylton or Rimowa, comforting outerwear from New & Lingwood or Private White V.C. or even transport itself from BMW and Brixton Motorcycles, we’ve rounded up the best new bits of kit to help you embark on any excursions with both conviction and confidence this winter. Take a look…
Beat the dram: Prima & Ultima Lagavulin 28-Year-Old
Justerini & Brooks’ second release of incredibly rare, single malt Scotch whiskies — the ‘Prima & Ultima’ collection — is anchored by an incredibly characterful 1992 bottle of Lagavulin. Lightly sweet on the nose, the palate intensifies with oaky vanilla and a pinch of salt, before giving way to a warming, gingery finish.
About time: Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic
If you’re struggling to choose a watch from Rado’s excellent, expansive collection, you’re not alone. But we’d suggest starting with the Captain Cook range; and this ‘High-Tech Ceramic’ model. Featuring a monobloc case construction, scratch resistance and the premium Rado calibre R734, it’s as tough as timepieces come.
Future shock: BMW Concept XM
Is it chiselled, angular, handsome? Or is it ugly? We can’t quite make up our motoring minds. But, whether it’s beauty or the beast, BMW’s new Concept XM is undeniably something special. Only the second ever standalone ‘M’ model (the first was built in 1978), this electrified car has bench seats, laser-etched logos and a carbon fibre cockpit.
Zip it: Dunhill Aviator Coat at Bicester Village
If you’re starting to panic about crossing everyone off your Christmas list, it’s time to bundle up and head to Bicester Village for a frosty, al fresco shopping spree. And the perfect jacket to zip up? This ‘Aviator Coat’ from Dunhill. With an RRP of £1,795, you can pick up this piece of fur-collared, ribbed-cuff, timeless outerwear for just £535 at Bicester Village.
Button it: New & Lingwood Herringbone Double-Breasted Coat
The British outfitter may be known for its eccentricity, but one of New & Lingwood’s most famous, enduring designs is footed in the buttoned-up world of the military. This double-breasted wool coat, with its lapels, back belt and gauntlet cuffs, is both elegant and commanding — and will ensure you always make a sweeping entrance.
Double-six: BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum Domino Set
Here’s a fun one. Celebrating the rich heritage of domino-playing in the Caribbean at Christmas, BACARDÍ has created a singular set of unique domino tiles expertly crafted from reclaimed oak barrels that previously held the brand’s world-famous rum. In an engraved box designed by Caribbean artist PopCaribe, it’s a sun-drenched, rum-soaked treat.
In the bag: Hylton Navy Suede Weekender
With Christmas on the tinsel-trimmed horizon, we’re all readying ourselves for frosty trips around the country to see friends and family. And what better bag with which to travel than Hylton’s ‘Weekender’? Cut from supple suede, and finished with full grain leather handles and an English cotton lining, it’ll keep your winter wardrobe safe wherever your travels take you.
Making waves: Private White V.C. Cashmere Submariner Roll-Neck
Few men know how to combat the cold like fishermen — but submariners come pretty close. This jumper, from Private White V.C., takes its knitwear style cues both from those above and beneath the waves; with five-gauge Scottish cashmere, drop shoulders, a rib roll neck and plain jersey stitch. Don’t set sail without it.
Small wonder: Brixton Motorcycles Crossfire 125 XS
It’s smaller than it looks — but that’s no bad thing. A British spin on the Japanese ‘mini bikes’ of the 1970s, the Crossfire 125 XS from Brixton Motorcycles has 12-inch tyres, a single cylinder four stroke engine and a height of under one metre. ‘Purpose built for pure fun,’ says the brand. We’d be inclined to agree.
Locked down: Rimowa ‘One Bottle’ Case
We’ve all got that ‘one bottle’ in our drinks collection we prize above all others. And, whether it be wine or whisky, it pays to keep it safe. Thankfully, luggage masters Rimowa have answered our anodised aluminium prayers with this ‘One Bottle’ case. Silver-toned and leather-trimmed, it features clever cushioning, a tactile grab handle and TSA-approved combination locks.
Hat trick: Uniform Standard Merino Wool Beanie
Can you feel that? Winter’s a-coming — creeping every closer with its icy mornings and frosty weather. To get through these chilly months to come, we must whip our wardrobes into thermo-insulating shape. Start with a hat; this unisex fit merino wool beanie from Uniform Standard, spun from ethical lambswool, is a toasty, tip-top bet.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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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
