The Review 2021 Gift Guide

Christmas Gift Guide

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the festive agenda

WATCHES

JEWELLERY

LEATHER GOODS

SPARKLE AND SHINE

EXFIL IN STYLE

P-8

P-10

P-14

OUR TOP THREE

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BEAUTY

CHAMPAGNE

RED WINE

SPIRITS

P-18

P-28

P-34

P-40 P-52

SKIN DEEP

START THE CAMPAIGN

VINO ROSSO

FESTIVE TIPPLES

FINE FOOD

FESTIVE FEAST

TECH

PLUG ON IN

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CARTIER www.cartier.com

Crafted from a sleek black ADLCcoated stainless steel case, the instantly recognisable square shape of the famous Santos de Cartier watch creates a huge presence on the wrist, with its 39.8mm diameter.

The timepiece combines form with function perfectly, making it an ideal companion for wearing every day and to all occasions. It features a classic black dial and luminouscoated sword-shaped hands for assisting with timekeeping during the night. The 100-meter water resistant men’s Santos de Cartier watch is powered by the automatic winding calibre 1847 MC – a movement that was originally designed for the brand’s elegant Cle de Cartier watch collection and offers a 42-hour power reserve.

This men’s Santos de Cartier watch features visible, large Roman numeral hour markers protected underneath a sapphire crystal glass front treated with scratch resistant and anti reflective technology.

ALPINA

www.alpinawatches.com Swiss manufacturer Alpina has a rich history. First founded in 1883, Alpina made a name for itself with its strong tool watches and has also been the source of detailed and numerous patents and innovative calibres over the years. With the Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture the brand pays tribute to a vintage piece, but in an unusual way. Alpina sets itself apart from the vintage trend aimed at creating an exact reproduction of a bygone watch, the Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture. The brand prefers to focus on one of its rarest features, one called the ‘bumper movement’.

The bumper movement was used by Alpina in the 50s. Today, it is extremely rare – if not virtually impossible – to find. It is a movement with an oscillating weight that instead of turning 360° like a contemporary rotor, turns 120°.

OMEGA

www.omegawatches.com

From deep space, comes this powerful version of the Moonwatch ‘Dark Side of the Moon’. Machined from a single block of black ceramic, the iconic 44.25 mm Speedmaster case is completed by a brushed ceramic bezel with matte chromium nitride tachymeter scale.

The dial is again created from polished black ceramic and features blackened applied subdial rings at 3 and 9 o’clock, as well as 18K white gold applied indexes.

Driven by Omega’s Co-Axial Calibre 9300, this bold timepiece is finished with a black nylon strap that includes a new ceramic and titanium foldover clasp. The hands are diamond-polished 18K white gold, except for the central seconds hand which is polished, rhodium plated with a red tip.

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RUFFS

www.ruffs.co.uk

Founded in 1904, Ruffs are the gold standard for old world craftsmanship and exemplary materials. Whilst the internet might have democratised the western world, we at The Review still believe in the importance of written correspondence. Preferably with a wax seal. Whether your family ring has been lost to the annals of time, or your thinking of creating your own heirloom, the good people of Ruffs will be happy to guide you onward.

CARTIER www.cartier.com

If you’ve not invested in a smart cufflink or tie pin set to pair with your wardrobe, you’re really rather missing a trick.

The beautiful Santos de Cartier cufflinks collection celebrates Cartier’s continued 170-year tradition of crafting some of the world’s finest accoutrements. The set aims to embody the brand’s art de vivre. This Daily Mood set features a palladium-finished sterling silver pair of cufflinks with interchangeable stones of striped chalcedony, silver obsidian, malachite, sodalite and red tiger’s eye, that should be enough to match even the most eclectic of wardrobes.

H.STERN www.hstern.net

H. Stern looks to Greek mythology with the Zephyr collection. This is an absolute statement piece with few remaining on the market.

Representative of the wind, this bracelet is an interpretation of golden luscious hair blowing in the breeze, with the many strands of 18-karat gold encircling the wrist in a seemingly random arrangement.

Wear alone for maximum hit.

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SUSANNAH LOVIS www.susannahlovis.com

Operating from the Burlington Arcade since 1999, Susannah Lovis’ vast collection of vintage and antique jewellery attracts a wellheeled clientele. Whilst specialising in pieces from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco period, Susannah Lovis also offers coveted jewellery from brands such as Bvlgari and Cartier. Should you require a bespoke commission or acquisition, Susannah Lovis will be more than happy to oblige.

DIAMOND TIGER BANGLE

VINTAGE CARTIER EARRINGS

TOPAZ DROP EARRINGS

AQUAMARINE BRACELET

EMERALD AND PEARL DROPS

EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING

EMERALD AND PEARL DROPS

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ETTINGER www.ettinger.co.uk

London’s Hurlingham Club is an iconic English institution where town meets country and sport is an altogether elegant affair. The Hurlingham overnight bag is designed to be large enough to be used as an elegant sports bag but also small enough to stow a few clothes for an overnight stay.

The olive green canvas and light brown leather trims give this bag a distinctive English countryside look. The elegant bag has a single internal compartment and two slip pockets to hold smaller items.

Ettinger Pursuits Collection bags are made using strong cotton drill, that gives the bags that distinctive English look. The navy, olive, sand and black canvases are 100% cotton drill, giving them a strong and soft feel. The ivory canvas is a blend of linen and cotton, making the fabric slightly more textured and rigid.

ASPINAL

www.aspinaloflondon.com Understated and distinctly masculine, the Boston travel bag is the perfect companion for weekend breaks and trips to the gym.

Hand-crafted from the finest full-grain leather with a pebble grain finish, the softly structured duffle-style shape is spacious enough for all your essentials.

Designed with longevity in mind, this timeless leather travel bag has sturdy top handles and a detachable shoulder strap for comfort on the move.

SMYTHSON

www.smythson.com

A timeless addition to any dressing table, the Panama jewellery box with travel tray has ample room for your jewellery and cufflinks alongside other trinkets. Each box has been handcrafted with a butter-soft nubuck lining to protect your special items from scratches and comes with a removable tray, ideal for stowing in your carry-on and transporting your treasures as you travel.

MAXWELL SCOTT www.maxwellscottbags.com

​​ The Popolo is a small leather rucksack designed for everyday use. This classic backpack has a large faux-leather interior and a small exterior front zipped pocket; ideal for organising your daily essentials. It is the perfect everyday companion which can be worn comfortably on your shoulders with the adjustable shoulder straps or carried with the sturdy handle. Certainly, its quality and practicality mean that it will be the ideal accompaniment to day-to-day life.

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HAND CRAFTED ICONIC EYEWEAR SINCE 1926

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PELEGRIMS www.pelegrims.com

Any wine connoisseur will know the pleasures that can be taken from the product of British vines. Pelegrims furthers this to bring beautiful, lowintervention skincare to the table. The Exploration Set features their three hero products: Facial Oil, Hand Pommade, and Facial Balm, which, amongst other skin-saving ingredients, holds English Pinot Noir and Ortega grape extracts.

Repurposing waste products of the winemaking industry, or specifically the slower, more sustainable renderings of their partner, Westwell Wines. The grass may be green, but the harvest is burgeoning, so pick up Westwell’s celebration pack too, and experience the full bounty of these vines.

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VITNERS DAUGHTER www.vintnersdaughter.com

Focused on harnessing every last drop from the most potent of skin-enhancing ingredients, the slow process in the creation of this skincare ritual is brought to life as two simple steps, in the most luxurious skincare on the market: Vintner’s Daughter, The Signature Set. The Active Treatment Essence: a unique waterbased hydration step created from a 21-day infusion, combined with a 2-week ferment of more than 70 botanical activities and nutrients. Swiftly absorbed, light as a feather, revealing radiant, plump skin.

The Active Botanical Serum. A slow infusion of vitamins, fatty acids, botanical and essential oils. Press into all skin types to seal for nourished, balanced skin.

ENVIRON

www.environskincare.com Environ is your destination for skincare that works at a scientific level. Developed by one of the world’s top plastic surgeons, Dr Des Fernandes, their research and ethos is based on cultivating healthy and resilient skin. The Body EssentiA+ Complete Care Set is a perfect introduction to the brand, featuring brand new Contouring Cream, with pro-vitamin B5 and high potency vitamins C and E to smooth curves, their Derma-Lac Lotion with AHA’s to soften rough skin, and their Body Oil, to hydrate the driest of skin.

As a professional brand, their facial care formulas must be matched by consultation, so book into one of their global partners or their UK stockist online.

MIRARI LIFE www.mirarilife.com

A gift for the seasoned traveller? The mindful meditator? Or yogi in search of a soulful Savasana? In any moment of calm that your nearest and dearest might reach for their eye mask, make sure it’s a juncture to fully reconnect.

Mirari Life’s Energise Experience is a trifecta of sensory elements to allow just that. A weightless blackout mask of buttery silk and rich velvet. The hot, spiced, leather tones of air-dried organic Khus Vetiver Root enriched with Vetiver oil, held by a delicate silk pouch. The protection of a hand-embroidered Citrine crystal shield, to unify and uplift. It’s exhilarating, welcomingly refreshing, and profoundly centring.

STORIES

www.storiesparfums.com It’s not Christmas without the gift of something luxurious for bathing. Stories No.01 Hand and Body Care Duo perfectly accompanies the season, with warming sandalwood, amber, and cedarwood, beautifully offset with citrus from bergamot and grapefruit. If you want the comforting scent to linger longer, place Stories No.01 Eau De Parfum under the tree to accompany it.

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SWEAR BY SKIN www.swearbyskin.com

Bringing you LED treatment in the comfort of your lounge, LookLit Mask is one of the few devices in the area that’s hands-free and offers 3 LED colour options (for different skincare strategies).

A great introduction to LED home treatments, including the hard-to-find blue light option, perfect for testy teenage skin, killing blemish-causing bacteria, and reducing oil. Further parental brownie points for an insta-worthy gift.

HUDA BEAUTY www.hudabeauty.com

A Huda launch is always an eagerly awaited phenomenon, and the Huda Beauty Rose Quartz Eye & Lip Essentials is really something special. Across the 18 colours is a mix of warm and blushing fail-safe mattes and soft-metallics, offset by beautiful softly marbled shimmers inspired by the sell-out palettes namesake.

Have fun with the pearlised multi-chrome tones and delight in the gloriously unique love stone shade, crushed stone pearly gloss-hybrid. An inimitable palette you’ll reach for more than you might think.

JANE IREDALE https://www.janeiredale.co.uk

It can’t be a beauty list for gifting without a festive lip gloss collection. Limited Edition Dazzle & Shine Lip Gloss Kit includes three shades inspired by our favourite Christmas Day morning tipples.

Will it be bubbly, cassis, or maybe lambrusco for you?

ADVANCED NUTRITION

www.advancednutritionprogramme.com Combining two of Advance Nutrition’s most potent and popular formulas, Skin Accumax and Skin Vitality, Flawless Future Skin is so much more than a complexion supplement. A plethora of selected ingredients helps support beautiful skin, hair, and nails as well as boost overall wellbeing, vitality, and immunity. If you could give only one thing, would it not be good health?

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CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN eu.christianlouboutin.com

The luxury line of eight fragrances by the Christian Louboutin brand was announced under a collection named LoubiWorld. Now, all seven fragrances arrive in mini flacons, gathered in an eye-catching and attractive gift set that takes the wearer on a fantastical olfactory journey. The mini flacons of the LoubiWorld fragrances are copies of the baroque full-size bottles with three-dimensional carved silver-tone lids. The Cristian Louboutin LoubiWorld gift set includes Loubifunk, Loubidoo, Loubikiss, Loubirouge, Loubiraj, Loubicrown and Loubicroc eau de parfum.

NEON 87 neon87.com

We can’t be the only ones who look at the bespoke signage possibilities from Neon87 and wonder where they’ve been all our lives? Choose a font, a colour, even a logo.

Try the companies, bespoke signmaker, online and choose from a range of colours and styles. Beware though, the Create Your Own section online is a black hole.

The combinations are just endless. If you can think of it, they can build it. Every sign comes with a power supply, two-year warranty, shipping and postal insurance. All of this illuminating goodness is courtesy of Ross & Andy from their Exeter workshop.

COLEMAN DOUGLAS www.fortnumandmason.com

These petite Coleman Douglas pearl stud Eearrings feature a small cultured freshwater white pearl stud mounted on a sterling silver post. The perfect finishing touch for all occasions and outfits not to mention an ideal stocking filler.

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GO MASK

www.nevergoalone.com It might be time to accept the reality of needing a decent mask rather than wasteful disposables.

The Edition 01 GO Mask is handcrafted in Italy from the finest technical fabrics, resulting in an innovative face covering that combines function, comfort and style. Available in four elegant colourways, the limitededition masks feature interchangeable straps to suit your mood and occasion.

The advanced layered construction of the Mask is designed to fit the contours of your face for comfortable extended wear. The external layer is waterproofed and treated with viroblock technology for added protection, and the finely woven middle and inner layers shield the face while remaining highly breathable.

The GO mask is also water-repellent and comes in Sand, Stone, 167 and Opal.

OLIVIA VON HALLE www.oliviavonhalle.com

Olivia von Halle’s pyjamas are inspired by the classic styles worn

by Coco Chanel in the ‘20s. Cut from lustrous navy silk-satin with contrasting piping, this set includes a button-up shirt and wide-leg pants topped with an adjustable elasticated waist. The former is embroidered with a reposing swan.

BARBOUR www.barbour.com

Paying homage to the British meadows, the Barbour For Her fragrance features a tuberose and jasmine heart which is balanced with a fresh citrusy top. Designed on a tonka and musky base, this fragrance is completed by a fresh green head that conjures scents of nature.

The Barbour Him fragrance transports you into the Scottish Woodlands, with the woody base notes of cedar, guaiacwood and vetivert. This fragrance offers a masculine everyday essential, a timeless heart accord of black pepper and cardamom topped by fresh citrus.

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RARE CHAMPAGNE MILLÉSIME 2008 www.rarechampagneus.com

This is arguably the estate’s flagship release. The 2008 vintage is broadly a 70/30 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir cellar selection from eight different Grand Cru vineyards. It has an immediate and infinite freshness, and its signature is significant minerality. “For me, Rare Millésime 2008 embodies the infinite, with its unlimited, rich, constantly present youth and freshness. These sensations intertwine on the palate in a constant cycle of flavors, each more precise and harmonious than the one before. While already a pleasure to drink, this vintage acquired an exceptional complexity and mineral character, punctuated with notes of exotic spices, promising infinite longevity,” says Régis Camus, Cellar Master.

FLEUR DE MIRAVAL www.fleurdemiraval.com/en/

We’re not sure if there has been a more elegantly packaged Rosé. Fleur de Miraval is a fusion of the skills and expertise of three dedicated families.

This impressive triumvirate includes the Jolie-Pitts of Miraval, the Perrins of Beaucastel fame and the renowned Champagne grower and producer Rodolphe Péters of Pierre Péters. Friends Marc Perrin and Rodolphe Péters wanted to create a Champagne that combined the complexity of Chardonnay and the vibrancy of a young Pinot Noir. Having ‘ struggled to find what they were looking for in a rosé Champagne, in 2015 “we created the wine we couldn’t buy” says Marc. ‘Fleur de Miraval’ has its cellars in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and is the only Champagne house to produce solely Rosé Champagne.

Fleur de Miraval is a non-vintage blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, all sourced from Grand or Premier Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs.

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CHARLES HEIDSIECK BRUT RÉSERVE www. charlesheidsieck.com

This rather opulent multi-vintage Champagne from Charles Heidsieck, includes 50% reserve wines blended across twenty different vintages. Aged for a minimum of three years in Charles Heidsieck’s 2000-year-old Gallo-Roman chalk cellars, this cuvée displays the perfect balance of freshness and ‘ generosity.

One of the great names of champagne, Charles Heidsieck was founded in 1851 by the original ‘Champagne Charlie’ who popularised champagne in America with his extraordinary wines and dazzling character. Just like his wine, Charles was a man of style and depth, of conviction and character. He famously invested in the underground Cathedral-like chalk cellars under Reims, originally dug out by the Romans 2000 years ago. They are still used today to house all the Charles Heidsieck champagnes as they age.

PIPER-HEIDSIECK HORS SÉRIE 1971 www.piper-heidsieck.com

Piper-Heidsieck Hors-Série is a collection of Special Issues of PiperHeidsieck Cuvees. Produced in ultralimited edition, each Hors-Série cuvée stands out for its uniqueness, whether it is the time in the cellar, a singular blend or unique sourcing, each bottle and each release is distinctive. With HorsSérie, Émilien Boutillat, Piper-Heidsieck Chief Winemaker and Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2021 by the International Wine Challenge (IWC), has carte blanche to fully express his creativity. For the first release in the Hors-Série collection, Émilien Boutillat, reveal Piper-Heidsieck Hors-Série 1971, the reinterpretation of a vintage blend dating from 50 years ago.

The uniqueness of a fifty-year-old blend is enhanced by the exclusivity of a recent disgorgement and a very specific dosage.

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CHARLES HEIDSIECK BRUT MILLÉSIMÉ 2012 www.charlesheidsieck.com

Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé 2012 is a blend of ten Grands Crus and Premiers Crus meticulously selected by the House, expressing magnificent minerality, intensity and acidity. This exceptional cuvée was aged for more than eight years in the House’s Gallo-Roman Crayères.

True to the Charles Heidsieck style, Millésimé 2012 already displays all the elegance and power of an outstanding vintage, qualities which will only be enhanced with time.

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o ss o vinoR BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2015 www.biondisanti.com

The 150 hectare property, which abuts Costanti’s estate, has 26 hectares of vineyard split over three sites. Il Greppo, at 500 metres above sea level, is where the winery and house is situated and where the oldest plot, planted in 1936, is to be found. They also have vines down the hill to the east of Montalcino and to the north, close to Montosoli. The oldest vineyards, those over 25 years of age, are the source of grapes for the Riserva, the 10 to 25-year-old vineyards are used for the Brunello, and those younger than 10 years are used for the Rosso.

The sunny character of the 2015 Brunello speaks of a warm vintage with sweet, yet fragrant fruit, with concentrated notes of fresh cherries, typical of high-altitude sangiovese wines. Delicate fruit flavours arise from a bed of aromatic herbs such as thyme and rosemary with hints of liquorice.

The wine’s captivating structure has silky tannins and the balance that lies at the heart of the Biondi-Santi tasting experience. The finish is long and savoury, adding to the gastronomic personality of this Brunello.

BIONDI SANTI www.biondisanti.com

This wine was originally known as the Biondi-Santi ‘White Label Brunello’, but changed its name in 1983, when the Rosso di Montalcino DOC was established.

It reflects the signature style of BiondiSanti’s high-altitude vineyards with a vibrant freshness and a distinct fruitiness which makes it thoroughly enjoyable at a young age.

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BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG RISERVA 2013 www.biondisanti.com

The 2013 Riserva speaks of the aromas of Biondi – Santi’s land. On the nose it reveals a vast and intriguing bouquet of the forest floor in autumn, aromatic herbs, porcini mushrooms and of sour cherries. It is a pleasantly austere wine, yet immediately refined, showing equilibrium and elegance with reserved delicacy. On the palate, its structure and complexity shine through in a crescendo of sensations.

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ATA RANGI PINOT NOIR 2018 www.atarangi.co.nz

A classic from one of New Zealand’s most celebrated Pinot Noir producers, Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is one of two wines awarded the country’s grand cru status, ‘Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa’, or the ‘Great Growth of New Zealand.’ Only the oldest and best parcels of fruit are used in this remarkable Pinot Noir. The fabled Abel clone, allegedly smuggled from Burgundy in the mid-70s, makes up 40% of the blend and gives a complex, beautifully perfumed and structured wine.

Ata Rangi, meaning ‘dawn sky, new beginning’, is owned and managed by a family trio – Clive Paton, his wife Phyll and his sister Alison. In 1980 Clive planted the bare, stony, home paddock at the edge of Martinborough, becoming one of a handful of people who pioneered grape growing in the area.

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t i ir p festive S BULLARDS

www. bullardsspirits.co.uk

Bullards is a name that’s synonymous with the history of Norwich. Well known for supplying beers, wines and spirits, the fascinating history of Bullards spans six generations and continues to the present day with their award-winning handcrafted gin.

Their London Dry gin has a dry juniper core with a gently spiced sweetness. Hints of cinnamon and cardamom linger throughout, while the light, sweet spice of tonka bean softens the gin. Flavours of subtly dry marmalade and vanilla leave a lasting finish. As deliciously smooth neat as it is mixed in a classic G&T. Awarded World’s Best London Dry Gin in 2017.

ts BULLARDS

www. bullardsspirits.co.uk

BROCKMANS ROCK ROSE

www.dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk Inspired by the Norfolk coastline, Bullards Coastal gin has a delicate, salty influence complemented by bright citrus flavours. Refreshing hand foraged sea purslane, marsh samphire, sea aster and the rich woodiness of Douglas fir dance on your palate and bring a sense of the seaside.

This gin is truly a taste of Norfolk. Carefully curated and packed with botanical oils, the addition of ice and tonic create a pearlescent mist. Serve with a handful of blackberries and some fresh lime peel.

Rock Rose Gin is a hand-crafted, Scottish, family-owned gin that is zesty and flavourful, but surprisingly smooth. It is made with an infusion of traditional and local botanicals, 5 of which are hand foraged from local cliffs and forests. The precious botanicals are blessed with the freshest air and purest water from the Scottish Highlands.

They select their juniper from two different countries: Bulgarian juniper to create a real depth of flavour alongside Italian juniper to give slightly more delicate lemon sherbet notes.

Our locally foraged botanicals include rowan and hawthorn berries and sea buckthorn. Each bottle is hand-waxed, numbered and signed before it leaves the distillery.

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SANDEMAN www.sandeman.com

Sandeman is one of the most respected and recognisable Port Houses, with a rich heritage dating back to 1790.

Sandeman has centuries of experience in the art of blending Aged Tawny Ports and were one of the first Port houses to specialise in this complex style. By the mid-1800s, Sandeman was famed for its ‘fine old Tawny Port, rare and scarce’.

Today Sandeman’s Aged Tawnies are the most highly awarded of any Port House, garlanded with many trophies and gold medals at international wine competitions. One of the oldest and most complex of these is the Sandeman 40-Year-Old Tawny Port, which won the 2021 Wine Merchant Top 100 Best Fortified Trophy this year along with a Platinum medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards and Gold Medals at the International Wine Challenge and the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Brimming with evolved aromas of dried fruits, nuts and caramel, this elegant and intense Port has absolutely staggering complexity and length.

THE DALMORE KING ALEXANDER III www.thedalmore.com

Dalmore King Alexander III is perhaps one of the more complex vattings crafted by Master Blender Richard Paterson. It is released to honour the act of saving Scotland’s King in 1263 as a mix of six cask types: Matusalem sherry casks, ex-bourbon casks, Marsala, Port, Madeira barrels and Cabernet Sauvignon.

King Alexander III was originally released in 2008 as the pinnacle of a blender’s single malts that manage to combine so many different elements.

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ABERLOUR 16 www.aberlour.com

Situated in the town of Aberlour in Speyside, this distillery was founded in 1979 by James Fleming, who had previously worked at Daillaiane. The distillery primarily produces a richer style of Speyside single malt with notes of fruitcake, roasted coffee and sherry.

This Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been matured in two cask types: traditional oak and the finest of sherry casks.

These casks are specially selected every year by Aberlour’s Master Distiller Douglas Cruickshank to be filled and carefully matured in their warehouses.

This maturation ensures the depth of character as well as the distinctive fruitiness and spiciness of Aberlour.

Expect a smooth, full, sweet floral and spicy flavours with a soft plum fruitiness and gentle oakiness.

ABERLOUR 18 www.aberlour.com

This fine single malt is produced at the Aberlour distillery that sits where the rivers Lour and Spey meet in the Spey region of the Highlands. Aberlour, which has been producing whisky since 1812, is known for its use of both American oak barrels and sherry butts for their ‘double cask mature’ whiskies and their seductive single malts and this 18year is no different. It has rested in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts before being bottled at 86 proof.

CAORUNN www.caorunngin.com

Caorunn (pronounced ‘karoon’, Gaelic for rowan berry) is handcrafted by the progressive gin master Simon Buley.

6 traditional and 5 local botanicals from the Speyside hills are infused in the world’s only working copper berry chamber from the 1920s.

The traditional, slow infusion process ensures maximum uptake of the flavours and aromas of the botanicals.

With depth in every detail, personally crafted in the Scottish Highlands. An invigorating infusion of 5 handpicked Celtic botanicals, pure grain spirit and crystal clear Scottish water. Dry and crisp with fruity, floral notes, best enjoyed with red apple.

Modern London dry gin.

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MERCIA WHISKY www.merciawhisky.co

Get creative this festive season, and custom-age your own spirit with Mercia Whisky’s White Dog Spirit box. This portable mini-distillery is inspired by the tradition of ageing single malt whisky. Choose from a selection of five American Oak staves, three ‘alcohol’ soaked staves (Masala, Port and Tokaji) and two charred staves (light and heavy-charred). Mature the spirit with staves of your choice for up to three months, put your feet up and taste the fruits of your labour. Enjoy!

BROCKMANS

www.brockmansgin.com

Brockmans unique recipe of naturally grown aromatic botanicals are steeped in pure grain spirit for many hours to release their natural oils and aromas. The more traditional notes of gin are combined with a refreshing influence of citrus and aromatic wild berries. Bulgarian coriander plays its part, providing an aromatic, gingery orange top note. This blends perfectly with the soft and rounded harmonies of blueberries and blackberries, all of which is supported by the bottom note of Tuscan juniper berries. Dry, bittersweet Valencian orange peel elongates the deeper tones and gives an intensely smooth finish.

ROOSTER ROJO www.roosterrojo.com

This smoked red Spanish pineapple-infused Anejo tequila transports you to warmer climates during the festive season. Daydreaming of the next Mexico trip whilst flavours of caramel, oak, vanilla and who would have thought, pineapple, tantalize your palate.

PARTRIDGES www.partridges.co.uk

To celebrate Patridges’ 45th anniversary back in 2017, the grocers launched its very own house gin in collaboration with highly acclaimed distiller Martin Murray. Partridges Original Chelsea Flower Gin is infused with 19 botanicals including juniper, rose petals, verbena, cassia bark and marigold. Enjoy this London dry gin with delicate floral and rose notes.

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CHARLIE’S CLASSIC COCKTAILS www.charliesclassiccocktails.com

A complex, sophisticated pre-made Rusty Nail, or perhaps a Black Russian. Maybe even a sazerac. If you’re at the Savoy or you’re intent on dusting off that cocktail shaker in the corner, count me in. But if you want the best classic cocktail you have ever tried at home, made using only the best ingredients you need to see Charlie.

There for when you need them with no rush, and minimal work to make. Simply unwind when you are off duty and enjoy a great drink.

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e k a seasonal S BORN GOLD JUNMAI DAIGINJO www.japancentre.com

CHO-TOKUS SOUHANA JU GINJO www.japancentre.com

Originally operating as a money exchange business and very deeply involved in the affairs of the community, in 1860 the village headman and founder became involved in sake brewing. For eleven generations, they have carried the Kichibee name, and in 1866 registered the name as a trademark. In Sanskrit, ‘Born’ is translated roughly as purity/striking truth and represents the brewery’s strong belief in second chances and karmic rewards for hard work.

Katoukichibee Shouten was founded

by Kichibee Kato in 1860, whose name has been passed down through eleven generations. In 1963, the entire sake collection was unified under the Born brand. BORN produces only Junmai Daiginjo, the highest grade of sake. All rice is polished to an average 34% – this is the topmost class of Japanese brewers.

This Muroka Junmai Daiginjo is stored unpasteurized in -10 degrees celcius after brewing, and is pasteurised only once immediately before shipping. The absence of carbon filtration (aka, Muroka) leads to a large presence of flavour and a lively aroma.

Nihonsakari Co. Ltd. was 1889 as Nishinomiya Kigy those interested in startin for the development of N its industries. Committed first policy, the company a brewing method of high with an original flavour a Consequently, it grew int brewing companies in th in ten years.

When the enthronement the Emperor Taisho was h Nihonsakari was selected of sake for the Imperial H superior sake has been u by the Imperial family for events such as the enthro Emperor, and almost all w Imperial family, and offic parties for state guests. D first sip, clean and perfec finishes with finesse.

CHO-TOKUSEN SOUHANA JUNMAI GINJO www.japancentre.com

Gekkeikan Brewery was founded in 1637 in Fushimi, Kyoto, now known as one of the best sake producing districts, blessed with abundant Fushimizu underground mineral water. The tradition has been passed down over 380 years and the Brewery is now run by the 14th generation of the Okura family. The name Gekkeikan means ‘laurel wreath’, symbolising victory and glory.

It’s a great-tasting sparkling sake that combines fruity, floral flavours with light carbonation and 5% alcohol for a hint of sharpness. Enjoy chilled.

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s established in yo Company by ng a business Nishinomiya and d to its qualityhad contrived h-quality sake and aroma. to one of the best he Nadagogo area

t ceremony of held in 1913, d as a purveyor Household. This used ever since r important onement of the weddings of the cial welcome Distinctly fruity at ctly well-balanced,

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FORTNUM & MASON www.fortnumandmason.com

It might seem like a historic step too far after a slap-up Christmas lunch to some of us. But for those of you observing the tradition of liberally pouring a pint of brandy onto the dining table and setting it ablaze, it’s a very special ceremony.

Fortnum & Mason’s handmade St James Christmas pudding is filled with delicious dried fruits and an incendiary quantity of Pusser’s full-strength Navy rum, alongside Fortnum’s cognac.

FORTNUM & MASON www.fortnumandmason.com

As far as we’re concerned, Christmas just doesn’t have that ring of festive cheer without a sizeable Fortnum & Mason hamper in the kitchen. Whether you’re procuring treats, gifts or preparing for the whole family to arrive, F&M have a range of fantastic hampers to suit any size soiree.

The Christmas treats package encompasses all of the classics: a St. James Christmas pudding, Fortnum’s special Christmas blend, and Marc de Champagne truffles.

If you’re taking Christmas with you, inside the five hampers that make up The Imperial, you will find plenty of teaware and accessories, decorations, a copy of the latest book, Time for Tea, and, naturally, every delicious thing for the very merriest Fortnum’s Christmas imaginable.

FORTNUM & MASON www.fortnumandmason.com

It became an accidental tradition about five years and ago and now the office simply won’t go through the festive season without an obligatory kilo of Stilton.

F&M secures its stilton from the last family-owned stilton producer in the UK. Acceptable only when made with milk from the three stilton counties of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, the ‘king of cheeses’ is a festive rite.

FORTNUM & MASON www.fortnumandmason.com

Served as a Christmas dinner addition or as a moment of rich respite after a Boxing Day stroll.

No larder is complete without a hearty festive pie. This Fortnum & Mason venison and red onion pie serves up to 8 people and weighs in at 1.36kg. Serve with mustard, stuffing, onion chutney or leftover red wine gravy.

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VAHDAM www.vahdam.com

So yes, it’s Christmas, and that means you can gorge yourself on a variety of delectable dishes. There are those amongst us, though, that never quite grew out of the chocolate-for-breakfast phase. A far more civilised alternative is the Vahdam advent calendar gift, set with five bags of tea for each of the 25 days of Christmas. Enjoy turmeric spice herbal tea, Earl Grey citrus black tea, and Himalayan green tea to name but a few as part of your winter morning.

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VAHDAM www.vahdam.com

Not just the perfect advent calendar alternative, this in-house blend gift box containing three golden tinned tea caddies make for the perfect present for anyone smart enough to still brew their own tea. Gift your loved ones a token of wellness this holiday season.

VAHDAM www.vahdam.com

Herbal tea, Earl Grey citrus black tea and Himalayan green tea to name but a few as part of your winter morning.

Vahdam holiday breakfast tea set includes nine loose-leaf teas (vanilla spiced masala chai, chocolate vanilla herbal, apple cinnamon herbal, Earl Grey and more) packed in a rather fetching gift box. If you need more inclination, do you want to know who else is a Vahdam’s brand fan? Oprah. That’s right, Oprah.

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DYSON

www.dyson.co.uk We don’t expect you’re new to the cult of Dyson. It’s been five years since the company made their entrance into the competitive beauty market.

If you were privy to the launch you might have watched, the Dyson comms team carrying “Project Lion” around in a padlocked silver briefcase. This was a product release that made make the hair care industry stand to attention.

g o t t o n Whether you’re looking to upgrade your grey and pink Supersonic, or gifting, the Special Edition set in Prussian blue and rich copper is the perfect present for the uninitiated.

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LIFENAXX www.technaxx.de

With all this talk of alpine sports, you’ll want to ensure you’re at peak fitness before taking on the slopes. The Lifenaxx Mini Massager gun is the perfect addition to your fitness area or gym bag. Reduce the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles whilst increasing joint mobility.

With four high-frequency vibration levels and a high capacity battery life, this deep tissue percussion muscle massager is a must-have for that obligatory postChristmas fitness effort.

LEGO

www.lego.com The actual stuff of dreams. We’ve come so far together Lego, so far. Given the instand popularity of this years standout set, you’ll be lucky to find one in stores or online. So it might be time to call your fixer. Inspired by the classic typewriter used by the LEGO Group’s founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen, it moves and sounds just like the real thing. The brick-built centre typebar rises each time a letter key is pressed and is linked to the carriage that moves across as you type.

There is also a platen roller that you can feed real paper into.

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Created by a LEGO fan and voted for by LEGO fans, this detailed typewriter model comes with a letter written by Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, a member of the fourth generation of the LEGO Group’s owner family.

nical BEOSOUND LEVEL www.bang-olufsen.com

Founded in 1925, Bang & Olufsen have basically been doing it very, very right for almost a century. Breath that in people.

Let that sense of audible accomplisment wash over you like a bow wave.

With a minimalist, Scandinavianinspired design, Beosound Level has been created with aesthetics, practicality and durability at its core. IP54 dust and splash resistance means you can place it anywhere with confidence. With up to 16 hours of battery life, discover dynamic bass when laid flat, unmatched clarity when upright or an enveloping soundstage when wall mounted.

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FENDER www.fender.com

The American Acoustasonic® Jazzmaster® represents the next phase of purposeful innovation that drives Fender acoustic guitars. The power of the Fender and Fishman®-designed Acoustic Engine is an evolutionary step for the brand.

From acoustic shapeshifting to electric rhythm tones, this extremely versatile guitar opens a new door to discovering endless sonic possibilities.

Four new voicings set the Acoustasonic Jazzmaster apart from its Strat and Tele predecessors – working in tandem with the unique resonance of a larger offset body to offer a warm, natural acoustic tone.

BT-X56 SOUNDBLASTER www.technaxx.de

Perhaps the perfect travel compainon for hitting the slopes this season. The BT-X56 packs a punch, two units can be connected together for a stereo style system, the built-in microphone lets you take calls and control your music via the voice assistant on your phone. You get a good hefty base with clear high tones even at top volume.

BT-X45 MICROPHONE www.technaxx.de

The modern alternative to getting your niece or nephew a drum kit is the MusicMan BT-X45. The sleek BT-X45 is a mic, speaker and Bluetooth device all rolled into one. Connect it to a phone, tablet, PC or laptop and stream the family’s favourite karaoke songs. The EOV function will also auto suppress any lyrics featuring in your chosen track. Fire up a Karaoke APP and lock any willing participants in the poolhouse whilst you enjoy a drink by the fire unabated.

OCULUS www.oculus.com

We think by now this should be a household must. This is the Oculus Quest 2. Facebook’s latest foray into the VR field is its third cable-free standalone headset, following the Oculus Quest and the Oculus Go. It has a strong library of qualit,y native titles. If you want to connect it to your PC using Oculus Link or Air Link you can access and play thousands of games. `

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EKSTER www.ekster.com

The open market is not exactly bereft of prosumer grade tracking devices. As a global society, we’ve been adept at continually losing our highly-priced items for centuries.

It seems appropriate then that tracking our accoutrements should be as commonplace a precaution as insurance.

This tiny piece of tech is designed to fit perfectly inside an Ekster Key Holder, or hook onto any other items. It lets you pinpoint the whereabouts of your item via your phone or Google Home, Alexa or Siri.

A built-in LED light ensures that you’re not scratching your car or your door in the dark, and the replaceable battery lasts an impressive four months. You can even use the tracker as a remote control for group photos.

EKSTER www.ekster.com

Ekster are already well regarded for their RFID blocking skimmer wallets after a storm of a crowd funding campaign.

Now widely considered to be the most succesful smart wallet brand in the world, Ekster’s range of laptop sleeves come with protective microfiber padding, hidden pockets, secure mag closure and environmentally certified leather. Slide in an optional tracker card and you are good to go.

TG-125 BINOCULARS www.technaxx.de

Whilst not military-grade, these 10x magnification binoculars come with a 101m field of view at 1000m and record high-resolution videos and stills of whatever you might care to point them at.

Whether bird watching or overthrowing your first despot, the MicroSD card is the perfect size to swallow.