The Whisky Exchange 

Irish whiskey, alongside rum, are two categories I want to delve deeper into during 2024. They both excite me in different ways. Irish whiskey is gaining momentum and there is a real keenness to explore flavours and different finishes. This may not be for the purist, but I actively seek out the different. Single Irish Post Still Whiskey is made from both malted and unmalted barley, making it quite different from Scotch in its flavour profile. 

I recently called into Piaggio UK for a sneak peek of the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio and Aprilia RS457.

These all-new models both represent important steps for the manufacturers. Unfortunately, they were jus for display and we didn't get a chance to ride, but wow!

First up is the Aprilia RS457. This sits between the RS660 and RS125 providing both an A2 stepping for those moving up from smaller capacity bikes and a fast, fun alternative to an unusable litre bike. 

In the heart of Napa Valley lies Joseph Phelps Vineyards, a winery that I fell in love with during a visit in 2004, while conducting research for a book on North American wines. Unlike many other estates, Joseph Phelps had a human touch, an absence of corporate sterility that left a lasting impression. Here, the emphasis was on genuine care and the people who worked there.

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Stoll and Wolfe was established in 2016 by Dick Stoll, a legendary figure in the whisky industry, and Avianna & Erik Wolfe. This partnership drew deep inspiration from the historic legacy of Pennsylvania distilling, a region once celebrated as the heart of American rye whisky. 

Lalique Encre Indigo Eau de Parfum

MARQ Commander – Carbon Edition Watch

Heart Tag Pendant
Drawing inspiration from the iconic key ring unveiled in 1969, the Return to Tiffany collection represents a timeless reinvention of a classic. The design's understated yet sophisticated aesthetic seamlessly radiates modern grace. Each piece can be personalized with a monogram, date, or heartfelt message, ensuring a cherished moment or memory is forever captured in the enduring elegance of this collection.
£530
https://www.tiffany.co.uk

McTavish Spirits - The Warchief

A few weeks ago, I received an invitation for a one-on-one interview with Hollywood star Graham McTavish, to taste his new 7-year-old Bottled in Bond Bourbon, aptly named "McTavish - The Warchief" I approached the interview with a degree of scepticism, my past encounters with celebrity-endorsed spirits have left me under-impressed, given their tendency to prioritise branding over the quality of the whisky itself, often resulting in disappointment.

Ronix RXT Blackout Technology Wakeboard 

The RXT’s tip/tail shape breaks up the water for softer landings and is even more lenient on unstable drops from the sky. Now you can correct yourself and ride away with ease from a shape that will reward-not penalise you for being off target. Made with ingredients that only a few engineers at the Radar Lake lab even know about. A board that truly does ride faster, feel livelier, land softer, fly longer and react quicker.

£665

https://ronixwake.com

IT'S the most wonderful time of the year again for us beer lovers, when the effervescent pilsners and lagers of the warmer months now transition into darker, stronger brews – chiefly ales, porters, stouts and barley wines for these colder and longer nights.