Editor’s Picks: Driving Simulator, 007 Aftershave and Tour de France Wristwatch
From a new all-electric concept car from Alpine to a bottle of sparkling single-estate Nyetimber wine, this is what we want this week…
This week, we’re hitting the bottles. Whether it’s a low-alcohol alternative to your summer spritz, a secret agent-approved eau de parfum or some sparkling single-estate fizz from the best British wine producer, we’ve spent the last seven days rounding up the very best bottles to recently be unveiled and uncorked.
There’s also a surfeit of shirts, a watch fit to time the Tour de France and a couple of eco-engineered motors; from an all-electric supercar to a solar-charged superyacht. Take a look below…
Point and spray: Floris No. 007 Eau de Parfum
Created in fragrant celebration of the James Bond film franchise’s 60th anniversary, heritage perfume house Floris has spritzed out a new 007-inspired aftershave. With a rich, spicy base of amber, refreshing citrus notes at its heart and a subtly smoky top dashed with flashes of carnation and musk, it’s a must-buy for any fans.
Button it: Benedict Raven ‘Monaco’ Polo Shirt
Last week, we pulled on and praised that newest of summer menswear staples; the knitted polo. But the best remains the original; a navy cotton number, such as this ‘Monaco’ polo shirt from Benedict Raven. With a crisp, breathable weave and the brand’s trademark tonal feather embroidery, it takes smart casual dressing to the next level.
Spin your wheels: Tissot T-Race Cycling Tour de France Chronograph
Tinged with yellow and trimmed with an embossed leather strap, the latest timepiece from Tissot is the perfect watch for cycling enthusiasts. Created in collaboration with the Tour de France, the PVD-coated, stainless steel case houses a hardy Swiss quartz movement; one that’ll keep ticking even if you go over your handlebars.
Raise a glass: Nyetimber ‘Tillington Single Vineyard 2014’
Rare and refined, this sparkling single estate bottling from Nyetimber takes already-burgeoning British wine to another luxurious level. Thanks to fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes plucked from the Tillington Vineyard, the fizz brims with flavours of wild strawberries, toasted almonds and rich pastry.
Right as rain: Private White V.C. ‘The Moleskin Bomber’
Summer won’t last forever — and it’ll pay to be protected when the clouds roll in. Private White V.C. are masters of weatherproofing, and this bomber will keep your cosy amidst any inclement spells to come. And, while you’re admiring those real-horn buttons and ribbed hems, why not enter our latest competition with the British brand?
Changing lanes: Alpine A110 ‘Eternité’ Concept
Two years ago, the French motor manufacturer announced that it would go all-electric by the end of the decade. This continental concept is the first gear-shift on that eco-journey; the ‘Eternité’ has a dozen battery modules, a removable roof and components crafted from materials including recycled carbon and flax.
Into the unknown: Glenmorangie ‘Quinta Ruban’ 14-Year-Old Whisky
The long-heralded Scotch whiskymaker calls its ‘Quinta Ruban’ a “journey into the wild”. We can see (and taste) why. Beyond that forest-green bottle and bold new packaging, the spirit sings with gusts of punchy peppermint and dark swirls of chocolate. There are hints of walnut, touches of black pepper and a long velvety finish ending with traces of rich orange.
Making waves: Sanlorenzo SP110 Superyacht
Back in May, the Italian shipyard unveiled its first jet-powered superyacht at the Venice Boat Show. Today, we’ve learnt more about the sleek ‘SP110’. With a two-deck layout, solar-panelled power source and ultra-modern, glass-laminated interiors designed by Piero Lissoni, the centrepiece is a two-story atrium at the vessel’s sumptuous centre.
Feeling blue: Schöffel ‘Holt’ Tailored Oxford Shirt
Schöffel are stepping inside. Although the family-run German brand are masters of the outdoors, this ‘Holt’ shirt is the ideal piece of smart-casual wear for the working week. Perhaps the perfect Oxford for the office, it features a softly-fused, button-down collar, tailored fit and versatile navy colourway.
Buckle up: Prodrive X Ian Callum Racing Simulator
Since Ian Callum retired as Jaguar Land Rover’s design director, the motoring maverick has branched out. His latest project is a collaboration with Prodrive that will have gamers seething with envy. Built from 16 layers of birch and finished with a piano-black gloss lacquer, this simulator features a 49-inch 5K screen, a 12GB GeForce RTX graphics card and a pair of Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones.
Cut back: DECEM Aperitif
Founded by MasterChef finalist Billy Wright, DECEM was devised as a way to cut down on alcohol consumption without sacrificing flavour. The best of the bottles is this; a beautifully bitter 10% ABV aperitif formulated using heritage hedgerow botanicals including tart strawberry, burdock root, wormwood and fennel. Give it a go.
Want more of the best gear money can buy? Check out last week’s Editor’s Picks…
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