Editor’s Picks: Portofino Gin, Triumph Trident and Playing Cards
From a pair of winter-ready trousers to a set of handmade oyster knives, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Summer’s over. Face it. It’s long gone — washed away by rainstorms and frozen out by this latest, most unwelcome chilly spell. And yet, we’re still yearning for the warmer weather.
Perhaps that’s why we’re so charmed by that bottle of Portofino Dry Gin you see above; sunny, crisp and colourful. Perhaps it’s why we’ve included a classic convertible in this week’s Editor’s Picks, a book on glamorous fair-weather yachts and a summer roadtrip-ready motorcycle. But we’re also realists — so also look out for winter-appropriate scarves, warm trousers and cards for playing in front of roaring fires…
Long story short: Mr Marvis ‘The Lakes’ Longs
You know the deal with Mr Marvis by now. Soft, comfortable cotton twill, a signature hidden pocket and handcrafted quality. What’s new are the longer legs — stepping in just in time for the chilly march into winter. Our pick of the 17 colours would be these dark green trousers; both versatile and statement-making.
Deal me in: The Fife Arms Playing Cards
We’ve been looking for ways to support our favourite hotels during lockdown. Thankfully, while they may have been forced to shut up shop temporarily, many of the best destinations have enviable gift shops. For example, our new favourite deck of cards comes from Braemar’s The Fife Arms. Featuring characters related to the hotel, they’re a 52-card treat.
Yachts, camera, action!: ’Riva in the Movie’ Book
The title may have been a little lost in translation, but this coffee table voyage through the history of Riva in the movies is a page-turner packed with head-turners. Featuring over than 60 years’ worth of numerous stunning, spellbinding Riva vessels across film and television, it sails between locations including Lake Como, Venice and the French Riviera.
Start your engine: 2021 Triumph Trident 660
Speeding into the middleweight roadster category, Triumph’s newest — the Trident 660 — has done the triple. First up, its class-leading technology and handling makes it as easy on the corners as it is on the eyes. Secondly, the unique triple engine can churn out 80 horsepower. And, finally, it’s blessed with an incredibly competitive price. A triumph indeed.
That’s a wrap: Joshua Ellis Modern Tartan Scarf
Can you feel that chill in the air? We can’t — and that’s not because we’ve been locked down in the warm. Instead, it’s because we’ve been wrapping this Joshua Ellis scarf tightly around our necks. A modern take on traditional tartan, this super soft cashmere accessory sees fashion meet function. Take that, winter.
Drinks are served: Côco Gin Casati Butler Tray
Cocktail season is jangling onto the icy horizon — and we’re getting ready to mix glass upon glass of our festive favourites. And what better tray on which to create our seasonal drinks than Côco Gin’s ‘Casati’? Deftly decorated and sealed with a meticulous 23-step lacquering process, it’s an antique in the making.
Turn it up: Bang & Olufsen Beolab 50 95th Anniversary Speaker
Today, Bang & Olufsen has launched a celebratory Gold Collection to mark its 95th birthday — with products from earphones to Bluetooth speakers glittering and glimmering in the colour. Our pick of the pack is the Beolab 50; the brand’s already impressive, metre-tall flagship speaker — capable of celebrating Bang & Olufsen’s birthday at 120 magnificent decibels.
Ah, shucks: Blenheim Forge Oyster Knife
Last year, the best handmade knifemaker in London collaborated with Oyster Boy Events. This year, continuing the razor-sharp partnership, Blenheim Forge has developed a set of oyster shuckers — with simple but effective designs and curly birch, walnut and maple handles.
Give it some bottle: Portofino Dry Gin
When’s the last time a bottle made you jealous? For us, it was when we clapped eyes on this romantic, colourful bottle of Portofino Dry Gin. We’d give almost anything to up sticks and jet off to the quaint Italian village right now. But, with 2020 rumbling our plans, we’ll just have to settle for a crisp G&T. Good thing it tastes nice, too…
Shifting gears: BRM P15 V16 Continuation
And you thought Aston Martin’s DB5 Goldfinger continuation was impressive. To mark the 70th anniversary of the British Formula 1 racing team BRM, three faithful continuation cars of the 1950 P15 are set to be made next year, complete with 12,000 rpm V16 engines, leather upholstery and those handsome wire wheels. However, only two will be made available to the public. Better get saving.
Truth in wine: Aveine Smart Wine Aerator
This space-age little gadget may not look like much, but the Aveine Smart Wine Aerator could just be the saviour of your wine cellar. With the ability to adapt micro-oxygenation to wine and room temperature, just slip it over the neck of your bottle — and even the subtlest flavours of your chosen wine will be breathed back to life.
Scent packing: The Alchemist Atelier Creator Kit
If you’ve been struggling to find your signature scent, then why not try to formulate it yourself? With a curated library of 34 scents, this teak-clad ‘Scent Creator’ allows you to blend and bottle customised fragrances from the comfort of your own home. You can even control it using your mobile app, if you need to blend a scent to spritz in a hurry.
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
