Editor’s Picks: Brabus Crawler, Manhattan Bourbon and Walnut Turntable
From a pair of Edward Green’s finest suede loafers to the latest carbon fibre watch from Bamford, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
This week, our Editor’s Picks look like a game of ‘Spot the Difference’. But, whilst two bizarre cars, two fine whiskies and two pairs of loafers may seem like doubling up, look a little closer and you’ll discover the differences that set these new luxury launches apart.
There’s a Brabus SUV and a Lotus racer; two motors from each end of the supercharged spectrum. There are two pairs of loafers; a heritage British design and an elegant European option. There’s a bottle of bourbon and a barrel of scotch — and two high-end bits of home audio kit. For this, and lots, lots more, take a look below…
Best foot forward: Edward Green ‘Piccadilly Unlined’ Loafers
Kicking off this week’s list is Edward Green, the Northampton-based British shoemaker, and a brand that never disappoints with its charming summer styles. Latest on that illustrious list is this; the ‘Piccadilly Unlined’ — a signature penny loafer with lightweight soles and Italian suede uppers.
Hit the road: Lotus Emira GT4
The new age of Lotus roars on. While the launch of its all-electric SUV — the ‘Eletre’ — hit headlines earlier this year, we’re more taken by this racy, rambunctious ‘Emira GT4’; a sleek sports car with a supercharged 3.5-litre engine under the bonnet and a lightweight aluminium chassis.
New Make Whisky from Whisky Investment Partners
Looking to invest in something a little more liquid? With Whisky Investment Partners, you can invest in new make spirits, with prices starting from £2,350 (prices correct at time of release). “With everyone’s minds on inflation,” says the brand, “new make casks from Whisky Investment Partners offer a comfortable entry point into the fascinating world of whisky investment”.
In a spin: Pro-Ject Audio ‘E1’ Turntable
Intrigued by vinyl — but not yet an enthusiast? Pro-Ject Audio are on well-tuned, meticulously-made hand to help would-be hobbyists. This week, the Austrian brand unveiled a new affordable turntable; the handmade, plug-and-play ’E1’. With a walnut finish, lightweight aluminium tonearm and rich, lively sound, it’s the perfect entry-level record player.
Dive in: Ripa Ripa ‘Tramonto’ Swim Shorts
These elegant, Italian-made shorts solve a perennial swimming trunk problem; the feel. Instead of scratchy mesh, Ripa Ripa’s ‘Tramonto’ design is cut from soft, brushed fabric that is both quick-drying and comfortable against your skin. And that tying cord, woven from braided nautical rope, is a suitably nautical finishing flourish.
In good time: Bamford Carbon B347 ‘Panda’
There’s nothing monotonous about this new monochrome watch. Fresh from Bamford, the Swiss-made ‘B347’ has been given a black-and-white makeover; taking it back to ‘Panda’-inspired basics with a black forged carbon fibre case, simple white dial and black rubber strap.
Raise a glass: Great Jones Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Last year, Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition opened its gilded doors. The Great Jones Distillery is a new 28,000-square-foot NoHo hotspot; with a cocktail bar and restaurant on-site. But the real highlight is the sumptuous spirit; a bourbon with notes of dry corn, light vanilla — and a peppery finish.
Face the music: Meze Audio ‘Empyrean’ Headphones
There’s a lot of techno-waffle wired into Meze Audio’s ‘Empyrean’ headphones. But that doesn’t make them any less impressive. Because, for every eye-rolling mention of ‘neodymium magnets’ and ‘isodynamic fields’, there’s that palpably pioneering sound; bass-heavy, rich and ringing out with crystal clear quality.
Well-heeled: Scarosso ‘Ludovico’ Loafers
There’s something innately summery about Scarosso’s light blue ‘Ludovico’ loafers. Hand-crafted in sun-soaked Italy by experienced craftsmen, they’re a great option to throw in a holdall before jetting off to Europe this year; comfortable, lightweight and ideal for smart-casual city breaks.
Look sharp: Grovemade X Blackwing Pencil Kit
Crafted in Japan from incense cedar, Blackwing pencils are one of Japan’s most sharp, practical exports. So imagine our excitement when the handsome stationery brand announced a partnership with desk gear gods Grovemade — and unveiled this well-machined walnut desk kit that’ll keep 12 pencils poised and protected at all times.
Off the beaten track: Brabus 900 ‘Crawler’
Outlandish and opulent, Brabus isn’t know for its subtlety. Since 1977, the car-tuning company has been shifting gears and pushing limits — rolling out bi-turbocharged Maybachs and six-wheeled G-Wagens. The brand’s latest is another G-Class-based project; a doorless, windowless adventure buggy with over 20 inches of ground clearance and a seriously meaty twin-turbo V8.
Zip it: Private White V.C. ‘The Suede Racer’ Jacket
The hardwearing, homespun British brand has always felt an affinity for motorsport — and Private White V.C.’s latest luxury launch zips this high-octane obsession into an effortlessly elegant jacket. ‘The Suede Racer’ is handmade in Manchester from butter-soft goat’s suede, features military grade hardware and is finished with a tab-closing ‘Café Racer’ collar.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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