Editor’s Picks: James Bond Champagne, shearling jacket and chess set
From the scotches you need for the first ever live-streamed whisky tasting to a pair of autumnal suede sneakers, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
If all this wintry weather has left you needing a drink, this week we’ve got you covered. From a bottle of Bollinger released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Moonraker, to an exclusive set of scotches to prepare you for the first ever live-streamed whisky tasting, there’s something to warm even the coldest cockles of your heart.
And, even if you’re not a drinker, we can still help warm you up. There’s an innovative new alcohol-free spirit on the market that’s well worth a sip, as well as one of the best shearling coats to keep you bundled up until next summer. Take a look…
Chase the sun: Frescobol Carioca Pyjama Collar Shirt
If you’ve seen our collaboration with Frescobol Carioca’s Resort ’19 collection, you’ll know that we’re doing our utmost at Gentleman’s Journal to chase the last vestiges of summer into the sunset. And who better to help than Frescobol Carioca themselves? The Brazilian-influenced brand is soaked in sun, fun and some of the best craftsmanship around. So if you’re searching for winter sun yourself, just button up this casual shirt and you’ll be halfway there…
Dram it: The Single Malt Collection by John Dewar & Sons
Available exclusively on Amazon, this new discovery pack from whisky brand John Dewars & Sons has been released ahead of an exciting digital event next Friday. For the first time ever, whisky fans will have the chance to enjoy a live-streamed tasting; sipping along at home and learning how to detect and savour the complex tasting notes of each whisky as you would on a distillery tour — but from the comfort of your own armchair.
Blue in the lace: Common Projects Original Achilles Sneakers
Everyone should own a pair of versatile sneakers — and they don’t come as unswervingly stylish as Common Projects’ Original Achilles. Sewn in suede and set on tonal rubber soles, these kicks will look as comfortable with a suit as they will a T-shirt and jeans. What’s more, with a dust bag for protection and spare laces for when yours wear out, they’ll keep you one style step ahead for years to come.
Turn it up: Made X Kreafunk Bluetooth Speaker
A winning collaboration between Made.com and the stylish Danish audio design studio Kreafunk, this nifty little speaker adds a hint of burnished industrial chic to your home sound set-up. Cast in brass and with dark green detailing, the speaker’s battery will give you 20 hours of playback time, it features a built-in microphone for taking calls and — as you can see — it looks damn good, too.
In good spirits: Feragaia Dark Spirit
No-alcohol alternatives are sweeping drinks menus across the world — especially during Sober October. So, if you’re fast becoming bored of the same old zero-alcohol beers, we’ve got just the bottle for you. Feragaia is a new alcohol-free spirit made from land and sea botanicals. Progressively distilled and blended in the Scottish Lowlands, it is amber in colour, has a clean taste and a warming finish. Perfect for any teetotallers hoping for a Hot Toddy in this wintry weather.
Bundle up: YMC Leather-Trimmed Shearling Jacket
Winter’s on its way — and you need a cold weather coat to see you through. After shearling burst furiously and furrily back into the mainstream last year, 2019 looks to deliver another bumper offering of these supple sheepskin coats. From YMC, an early frontrunner for our affections is this tobacco-toned smooth leather jacket; backed in plush shearling and with a slightly dipped back hem. Pleasingly versatile, reliably rugged and ever-so stylish.
Best shaken: Bollinger X James Bond Magnum
James Bond and Bollinger go way back. The Champagne brand first popped its cork with Bond on the set of Moonraker and, to celebrate 40 years of Roger Moore’s silliest outing as the superspy, the brand has released a lavish tribute to the film. Crafted from pewter and wood veneer, designer Eric Berthes has reimagined the Moonraker space shuttle into an elaborate shell — concealing a Saint Louis crystal ice bucket and a magnum of Bollinger 2007. Or should that just be 007?
Checkmate: Skyline Chess, London Set
Everyone loves an elaborate chess set. There’s something fun, yet serious about a big-money board, with its pieces crafted lovingly and decadently into all manner of shapes and sizes. Skyline Chess is a brand who seems to agree, and has launched a series of different boards that each take inspiration from the horizon of a different global city. You could go for New York, or play a game with the skyscrapers of San Francisco, but we’ve got a soft spot for home; and London wins our vote any day.
Mediterranean menu: Haya
Speaking of London, there’s a new restaurant on the British capital’s block — and we couldn’t sing its praises any louder. Haya is a colourful eatery found in Notting Hill, taking influences from Tel Aviv and renowned in West London already for their daily cold-pressed juices. Other plates include zaatar duck breast, freekeh risotto, goat’s cheese and egg white omelette and our particular favourite, the seared tuna, dukkah and homemade labneh. Book a table immediately.
Praise the cord: Emma Willis Cobalt Corduroy Shirt
Corduroy isn’t going anywhere. Like shearling further up this list, it’s a material we’ve welcomed back into our wardrobes — and for good reason. Durable, insulating and ideal for autumn, this week we extolled the virtues of owning a corduroy suit. But, if you’re just looking to dabble into the fabric’s rich, ridged world, why not opt for a shirt instead? If you do, there are few better than Emma Willis’ single needle-stitched, flat-fronted, pearl-buttoned offering.
Looking for more of the most exciting gear to buy? Here’s 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
