Editor’s Picks: Ice racing Bentley, truffle slicer and vintage Jack Daniel’s
From a new chronograph from Swiss watchmakers Breitling to a pair of the best aftershaves France has to offer, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
The end of January edges near. Although that doesn’t mean we’ve seen the end of winter, it does mean a much-awaited, much-needed pay day. So, while we may have to endure more frosty mornings and dark days, we’ll at least have some cash to fight back. And we’ve rounded up just the arsenal of luxury must-haves to help you.
Be it a bottle of vintage American whiskey or a chic hip flask in which to decant it, we’ve got the warming winter spirits to help raise yours. We’ve got a Bentley tricked out to deal with the ice, a tailored jacket to keep you comfortable and even a nifty new chronograph to help you accurately count down the seconds to spring. So what are you waiting for? Let’s tool up; the end is in sight.
Kick it: Malone Souliers Miles Old Purple Suede Loafers
That’s right — suede in winter. We went there. And, as there’s nothing quite so outrageous as slipping on a pair of suede shoes in winter, you may as well make them loafers as well. Unseasonal enough for you yet? No? Okay, well then make them purple to boot. Because, as you should know by now, nothing says style like being brave enough to step out during winter dressed for the summer. The fact that Malone Souliers’ handmade Nappa suede slip-ons look this good is just a bonus.
Spritz away: Chopard Vétiver d'Haïti au Thé Vert
If your several daily cups of warming green tea are the only things getting you through these drizzly winter days, then we’ve got just the aftershave for you. From famed watchmaker Chopard, this fragrance is built around the purest vetiver, features comforting green tea notes and will leave you feeling fresh enough to tackle the dullest day. That bottle doesn’t look half bad, either.
Follow suit: Clements & Church Orange and Brown Check Jacket
If you’re struggling for seasonal style inspiration, nip across to Clements & Church. With a whole range dedicated to winter suiting, the British brand offers options created from cashmere and Alpaca, and styles from double-breasted to three-piece. Our particular favourite is this bold blazer; woven from an orange wool and silk melange and detailed with a black windowpane check. A pop of much-needed colour in these dark depths of winter.
On the rocks: Vintage 1960s Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
Earlier this week, we rounded up 10 of the best ultra-rare whiskies with which to end Dry January. All were expensive, delicious — and Scottish. But the phenomenon of rare dark spirits also extends across the Atlantic; and there are plenty of aged bourbons worth your money, too. Just look at this 1960s bottle of Jack Daniel’s — rich, sweet and somehow not snaffled by Sinatra at the time.
Move over Martini: Heineken James Bond Edition
Celebrating the release of No Time To Die, Heineken have just unveiled a limited edition range of James Bond-branded packaging for the aspiring superspy. Featuring the James Bond silhouette front and centre of the packaging, alongside the iconic ‘007’ logo, the brand also launched a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek short film featuring Daniel Craig being constantly recognised as James Bond by surprised locals as he hunts down his missing passport. Watch it above.
One to watch: Breitling Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45
85 years since Breitling introduced the modern chronograph, this gem comes along. With an 18K red gold case, a unique split-second movement and two superimposed central chronograph hands, it can measure two elapsed times simultaneously. But our favourite feature of the Swiss brand’s latest launch? That Stratos Gray dial, with hour markers, hour and minute hands drenched in Super-LumiNova. Super-suave.
Snow tyres: Bentley Ice Race Continental GT Coupe
Are you excited for the famous GP Ice Race in Austria’s Zell am See? No? We’ll be honest — we’d never heard of it either. But it’s firmly on our frosty radars now thanks to Bentley. This specially-prepared Continental GT is a unique collaboration with Bomber Ski; tricked out with cool blue decals and spotlights — and will be driven by Bentley’s first modern-day racer, Catie Munnings. With these wheels, how could she fail to bring home a win?
On the scent: Givenchy Gentleman Eau de Parfum Boisée
The latest fragrance from Givenchy is, according to the French perfume house, made for ‘sensual gentlemen’. Whether that raises eyebrows or has you lunging for the spritzer, we can assure you that this is a well-rounded, woody-based, spicy-topped fragrance perfect for the end of winter. There’s sandalwood, black pepper and cocoa accents throughout. We love it — and if that makes us sensual, so be it.
Against the grain: Nisnas Industries Kole Wood and Stainless Steel Flask
As details and decorative designs see a resurgence, there seems to be less simple Scandi chic in our lives these days. Thank goodness, then, for Nisnas Industries — which has gone against the grain with this subtle wooden flask. Slim and cylindrical, the ‘Kole’ design is a must-have for skiing or shooting this winter, and crying out to be filled up with a similarly smooth, modern spirit.
Slice of life: Lorenzi Milano Ebony Truffle Slicer
Who needs a truffle slicer, we hear you cry?! Any self-respecting, well-heeled gastronomic garçon, we reply — feverishly shaving tartufo bianco onto plates piled high with pasta. And what nifty piece of kit are we using for this indulgent endeavour? Why Lorenzi Milano’s ebony truffle slicer, of course. Makassar wood handle, silver blade and adjustable slicing angle? You had us at ‘truffle’…
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
