Editors' Picks -- 2 months ago
Editor’s Picks: 007 Mercury Cougar, Bacardi Mixing Console and Stephen Hawking Watch
From the finest Beef Wellington in London to a pair of soft deep denim pyjamas from Emma Willis, this is what we want this week…
Words: Jonathan Wells
Comfort; it’s underrated. Especially in dark, drab times such as these. But not every creature comfort has to be a sad, sorry-for-yourself indulgence — as we’ve discovered this week.
Sometimes, comfort food can be as high-end as The Fitzdares Club Beef Wellington Package. Occasionally, a pick-me-up drink can be as spirited as Redbreast’s 12 Cask Strength Whiskey. And, once in a while, dressing for snugness can mean plush luxury pyjamas or a fashionable fisherman knit. So chin up, cosy up — and take a look at this week’s Editor’s Picks…
In a lather: Czech & Speake No.88 Body Wash
If you’ve continued to apply aftershave every day — simply to sit at the desk in your home office — then you’re a better man than I. Instead, here at Gentleman’s Journal, we’ve been finding new and alternative ways to weave our signature scents into our long, long days. Czech & Speake’s No.88 Body Wash is ideal; infused with that woody richness we all know and love — but this time with added lather.
Raise a glass: Redbreast 12 Cask Strength Whiskey
If you can already smell those heady, rich whiffs of winter — we’re talking Christmassy caramel, sherry, spiced fruit and biscuits — then someone’s probably opened a bottle of Redbreast 12 Cask Strength Whiskey in your vicinity. Bottled at a higher ABV, this tremendous natural cask strength release has more warming festive spirit than you can jingle a bell at.
Roll up: Paul & Shark Fisherman’s Sweater
Freshly caught from the Paul & Shark Fisherman Collection, this nautical knit is a comfortably constructed example of a practical sweater. Finished with an embroidered logo and chunky ribbed trims, it’s the turtle neck that’ll really keep you warm — whether you’re trawling the high seas or going for a stroll in the park…
What’s your beef: The Fitzdares Club Beef Wellington Package
What’s that? You’re looking for the perfect remedy for these chilly, drab winter nights? Well we’ve found it — wrapped in flaky puff pastry and drizzled with a red wine jus.
The Fitzdares Club’s Beef Wellington Package is also delivered with creamy mash, heritage carrots and spinach mornay — but it’s the oven-ready Aberdeen Angus main that really steals the show. The bottle of Club Claret and Fitzdares playing cards are also neat additions — ensuring your evening continues after you polish off every delicious bite.
Out of this world: Bremont Hawking Rose Gold Limited Edition Watch
Bremont really knows how to commemorate British icons. The ‘Codebreaker’ contained material from Bletchley Park. The ‘HMS Victory’ used oak and copper from Lord Nelson’s battleship.
And now, the ‘Hawking’ arrives; constructed with four wooden disks inlaid into the back — taken from the desk of late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. The classically styled watch is also etched with star constellations from the night sky above Oxford, and incorporates shards of meteorite to symbolise the cosmos.
Sleep tight: Emma Willis Deep Denim Pyjamas
We’d never thought of pyjamas as being particularly ‘cool’. But then, we’d never clapped eyes on Emma Willis’ Deep Denim Pyjamas. With all the suave and swagger of a decent pair of jeans, this softly tailored two-piece set features hand-rolled piping and real mother of pearl buttons. Time to dress up for a night in.
Hell for leather: Aspinal of London Connaught Document Case
Let’s get back to work, shall we? Let’s slip on our suits, pull tight those Double Windsors and get down to business. And let’s stuff our document cases with every file and folder we can find. Better yet, let’s invest in new, handsome document cases — like this full-grain, fabric-lined offering from Aspinal of London.
Mix up: Bacardi Limited-edition ‘Mixing Console’
That’s right, the iconic rum brand has collaborated with designer Hugh Miller to create a limited-edition record player and integrated bar console. Crafted from the rum-soaked staves of genuine Bacardi barrels, only twelve of these consoles will be made — each of them with turntables cast from rum-coloured resin and cocktail bars topped with walnut. It’s as laid-back and effortlessly stylish as it sounds — and allows rum enthusiasts to mix both beats and drinks…
Drizzle it: River Cafe 30 Book and Olive Oil Gift Set
The River Cafe recently launched its online store, offering a variety of premium food, drink and homeware products. But we’re keeping things simple — opting for a good bottle of olive oil and the River Cafe 30 cookbook — released to celebrate the iconic eatery’s 30th birthday. After all, as the Cafe says, this very oil is “the central ingredient to almost every dish at the River Cafe.”
Licence to Kill: Mercury Cougar XR-7 from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
The best til last? We certainly think so. This week, screeching back into the hearts of Bond fans everywhere, the 1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible XR-7 driven by the Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service went up for auction. It’s got everything a budding superspy needs: muscly looks, brutish power and a place to put your skis.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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