How good is a weekend? When the working week has absolutely thrashed you and left you with nothing left in the tank, Saturday’s guiding hand gently pats you on the back and carries you into bed like the small fragile child you are (just me?). Wherever you are, you can’t deny the warm embrace of two days’ reprieve is what makes the hard work worthwhile and this weekend, our slate is clear. To kick off the good times, we’re serving up a smattering of Staff Favourites for you to enjoy – here’s what we’ve unearthed these past seven days.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless
Nick Hall – Editor-in-Chief
I’ve been travelling a little bit for work over the past few months and truth be told, I’ve never been good on planes. As soon as we hit turbulence, I go straight to making my peace with God, in hopes that he might listen and keep us on the straight and narrow. I’ve slowly gotten better over the years, but I have to say, since using my Sennheiser earbuds, particularly during take-off, I am much less anxious. I’m not sure if it is soundproofing or just having something in my inner ear canal, but I am much calmer during periods of disruption when I have them in. Of course, they are great headphones for listening to music and your favourite shows, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to popping them and enjoying the blissful sound of complete silence.
Favourite Article of the Week:
Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année & La Grande Année Rosé 2015
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
This week, I had the pleasure of getting to try the famouse Champagne Maison, Champagne Bollinger’s latest offerings in the La Grande Année & La Grande Année Rosé 2015. If you’re not familiar, Bollinger doesn’t always release La Grande Année; instead, the privilege is reserved only if there is exceptional vintage available. Thankfully, 2015 was well and truly delivered, courtesy of the period’s remarkably warm weather and sunshine, two core ingredients that help to showcase Pinot Noir in the liquid.
The La Grande Année 2015 was perhaps my favourite of the two, comprising 60 per cent Pinot Noir and 40 per cent Chardonnay. On the palate, it’s a gastronomist’s dream, reminiscent of Mirabelle plum, with a rich texture and a touch of acidity. They recommend serving it between 8-10 degrees Celsius, so best to warm it up if it’s been sitting in your fridge.
Next was the La Grande Année Rosé 2015 which was 62 per cent Pinot Noise and 38 per cent Chardonnay. The blending process delivers a delicate pink and a nose that smells exactly how you’d like a Rose wine to be! Fruit forward with strawberry and rhubarb. On the palate, there are slight orange notes with more tannic notes and an elegant structure. Again, this is a champagne perfectly paired with food like seafood, letting the freshness cut through. The wines are available at all good bottle shops and you can learn more at Bollinger.
Favourite Article of the Week: Best Distilleries in Melbourne (and Surrounds)
Matchbox Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology Die-cast Car
This week I checked out the cheapest Mercedes G Wagon that you can get your hands on. Priced at AU$52, it’s a 1:64th scale replica of the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology and is made in collaboration with Matchbox and Mercedes-Benz to signal an expansion to the toy brand’s Driving Toward a Better Future campaign, which integrates electric vehicles into its product range. This aligns with the brand’s wider goal to achieve 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics in both toys and packaging by 2030. For example, this particular vehicle features 99.5% recycled metal and a minimum of 81% ISCC-certified plastic. It’s minuscule compared to the real G, but it’s a great desk ornament.
Nu’u by Nativo
John Guanzon – Head of Social
Nu’u is a charming two-storey, intimate restaurant and mezcal bar in the Glebe, but don’t let the size fool you because the southern Mexican food here is packed full of flavour. Nu’u, an indigenous Mixtec word from Oaxaca in southern Mexico—where owners Manuel Diaz and Diana Farrera are from—means land or ground. The restaurant seeks to honour indigenous roots while celebrating the vibrant, festive spirit of Oaxaca, the birthplace of mezcal.
After a recent visit, my food highlight would definitely have to be a tough toss-up between the grilled chicken Enmoladas or the perfectly tender flat iron streak, rubbed in Oaxacan chilli adobo, guajillo butter and confit habanero emulsion. A step up above the food, though, would have to be the expertly-made signature Mezcalinas cocktail menu. I wasn’t expecting much at first, but these mezcal-based cocktails were mind-blowingly delicious. While I would recommend trying them all, my top pick was the Juana Cata – made with tamarind house syrup, mezcal, lemon peels and agave worm salt.
According to the drinks menu, the Mazcalinas are “ a tribute to remarkable Oaxacan women found in history and folk legends from the different regions of the state.” To add to the complete air of authenticity, the venue has been carefully decorated with beguiling arts and crafts from the indigenous people of Oaxaca. If you’re looking for an honest, authentic southern Mexican dining experience with tasty drinks to match, I wouldn’t recommend anywhere else.
Favourite Article of the Week: ‘Dune: Prophecy’: Everything We Know About the Female-Led Prequel Series
Belvedere 10 Luxury Vodka
Elliott Barsby – Commercial Director
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the exclusive Belvedere 10 launch at one of Sydney’s most iconic hot spots, Iceberg’s Dining Room and Bar. The setting was stunning, the music great, the guests beautiful, however, it was the vodka (and the cocktails) that stole the show.
First stop was the luxury martini station for what my wife described as “the best vodka martini I have ever had.” But my pick of the night was something I had not tried before, a Sgroppino. Definitely a new favourite and a drink I look forward to making next summer. The ingredients are simple: lemon sorbet, Prosecco and chilled vodka – Belvedere 10 of course! Mix in a blender (or by hand as they did at this event) until combined and slushy, then serve in a wine glass. Delicious. I had three.
A few notes on the Belvedere 10 itself; an exceptionally rare, small-batch vodka inspired by traditional 1910 methods, it is distilled four times to produce unmatched smoothness and depth. And you won’t miss it on the shelf, with the architecturally sculptured bottles standing tall and proud.
And if you haven’t seen it, be sure to check out Belvedere Presents Future, the Belvedere 10 promotional video directed by Taika Waititi. Following the success of the Belvedere Presents Daniel Craig last year, the new video features “the ultimate handshake showdown” between Taika Waititi and Grammy award-winning artist FUTURE.
Favourite Article of the Week: Wynns Coonawarra Estate’s Latest Release is 2024’s Most Luxurious Wine Collection
Genesis GV80
Marcus Hurley – Sales and Partnerships Manager
From the moment I got my driver’s license, I viewed a car as only the most convenient way for me to get from A to B. No waiting in line for the bus or cramming myself onto a train with thousands of other commuters just wanting to get home. Getting behind the wheel of the new Genesis GV80 has made me realise how a vehicle can be so much more than A to B.
There is nothing like that new car smell. Entering a space that no other human being has occupied and being able to go anywhere you like with the press of a button and the turning of a wheel. Yes, I am being a bit romantic, but let’s take a moment to appreciate how good we have it. In the GV80 you have it good. It is luxury on wheels.
You enter an oasis of personalisation and comfort, with every setting – from steering wheel to seat – designed to be customisable by each lucky owner. Currently parked next to my daily driver (a now seemingly tiny red SUV) the GV80 has a commanding presence and turns heads wherever it goes. Whilst all this is true, when you get behind the wheel, you surprisingly don’t feel like you require a bus license. It’s smooth, manoeuvrable and safe.
The Genesis GV80 has quickly become one of my favourite drives of the year, blending luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology into a seamless and enjoyable driving experience. Its attention to detail sets a new benchmark in the SUV market and is perfect for those seeking and aspiring to a purely sophisticated driving experience that gets you from A to B in style.
Favourite Article of the Week: ‘Villainous and Evil’: Joel Edgerton on Making His Triumphant TV Return with ‘Dark Matter’
Instax Mini 99
Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships
My wife is a lifelong fan of the Instax range. For years, I have watched her bring her camera to almost any event and instantly become one of the most fun people in the room. She captures brilliant shots at parties and weddings, which she can immediately hand over to friends and guests—precious moments immortalized in hard copy. The joy of looking through your own pictures the next day is truly special.
So, when I received an invitation to the Instax Mini 99 launch, attending was an absolute no-brainer to attend. The new Instax Mini 99 has a wonderfully aesthetic feel to it including a tactile matt black finish, sleek dials and buttons and the instantly recognisable Instax aura. With a range of practical features, including a selfie mode, five levels of brightness and six great colour effects (blue being my favourite), there is a lot to love about this camera. The more you use it, the better it gets.
Favourite Article of the Week: Sonos Ace Unveiled: $699 Headphones from the Premium Audio Powerhouse
Old Elk Rum Cask Finish Rye
Jacob Osborn – Staff Writer
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Old Elk employs a patented slow-cut proofing process when crafting their award-winning range of American whiskies. The distillery’s Cask Finishing Series adds another layer by sending the liquid into select barrels for additional maturation. Overseen by Master Blender Melinda Maddox, the series injects classic flavour profiles with new dimension and complexity while seeking a harmonious balance between various influences.
For this particular expression, Old Elk’s straight rye whiskey was matured in 14-year Barbados rum barrels to create a profile that’s equal parts grassy and grainy, with subtle notes of sugarcane and tropical fruit. Aromas of allspice, flower, and tall grass give way to a firm palate of rye and grass, a tropical sweetness kicking in as the spirit unravels toward its spicy close. One might expect prominent notes of syrupy molasses due to the rum cask maturation but the rye grain element tends to dominate. Hence, we get a strong and sturdy rye whiskey with a touch of rum-based character—I’ll duly sip to that.
Favourite Article of the Week: WhistlePig 25-Year-Old Single Malt: The Badönkådonk: An Honest Review
