Staff Favourites – 19 April 2025

We get to check out a lot of cool stuff here at Man of Many, and while we’d love to write about it all, there’s only so much time in the week. So, we endeavour to give you a glimpse into all of our favourite things each week in the hopes that it’ll help you find your next favourite thing. So, without further adieu, here’s our Staff Favourites for the week.

KOI Dessert Bar x Benriach Scotch Cross Bun

Ben McKimm – Journalist

There’s only one thing in life that gets me more excited than a bottle of Scotch whisky, and that’s a hot cross bun. Well, look what turned up on my desk recently, a Scotch Cross Bun!

This is a collaboration between the creative Speyside Scotch whisky distillery, Benriach and one of Australia’s most acclaimed sweet spots, KOI Dessert Bar. It’s a combination of rich vanilla mousse infused with warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon and elevated with currants soaked in Benriach’s award-winning The Original Ten single malt Scotch whisky.

Now, before you get too excited, I should point out that this sweet treat was only available for a limited time from Tuesday 1 April to Thursday 17 April in KOI Dessert Bar locations across Sydney and Melbourne. And yes, that means by the time you’ve read this, it’s no longer available (I know, it’s not even easter yet!). However, you can do one better and pick up a bottle of Benriach at your local bottleshop instead. Honestly, that’s what I’d be doing anyway!

An Onsen Bathing Experience at Home

Scott Purcell – Co-Founder

I’ve been slowly building Scott’s Wellness Hub at home with my new sauna, ice bath, and an infra-red light. Now after my recent trip to Japan, it’s time to bring the onsen experience home! Well, not really, but after sitting down on one of those small wooden stools you soon realise how much a good scrub around your feet, legs, arms, and body is much needed.

If you’re anything like me, it’s usually a quick wash in the shower and you’re done. Being able to sit down, you can really get into washing properly. So to help with this, I bought this waterproof transparent shower corner stool and Veemoon round plastic wash basin to try re-create the onsen washing experience at home. It’s a little more cramped than I like but still a great experience. Oh, and I also picked up this silicone razor case to avoid any nicks when I’m digging around my dopp kitt during my travels. 

Favourite article: ESPN joins Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand

Love on the Spectrum Season 3

Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships

It’s hard to describe how much my wife and I love this show, and season 3 was probably my favourite season. The series continues to warm hearts with its sincere, uplifting portrayal of dating and relationships among people on the autism spectrum. Each episode balances humour, emotion, relationship complexities, and education, offering meaningful insight into neurodiverse experiences while never feeling exploitative. The producers do an amazing job with the tone of the show. 

This season introduces a mix of new faces and returning favourites, each bringing their own unique charm and authenticity. The show’s respectful approach, combined with moments of vulnerability and joy, creates a moving viewing experience. It’s a reminder that love, in all its forms, is universal and often unexpectedly beautiful. This show has really high highs and really low lows, so buckle up. 

Favourite Article: 10 Best Craft Beers in Australia, Ranked

Ninja SLUSHi & Lyre’s Mojito double win

Beatrix Boon – Social Video Producer

This week I have a double win. The Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Mojito cans, paired with the Ninja SLUSHi. 

I recently hosted a dinner party and brought out the Ninja, it was an absolute hit. Super easy to use, I just set it up the day of and I had it going all night. People were able to go up and fill their own cups, and when it was running low I’d just top it up, wait about 30 mins, and another round was ready to go.

The real star combo? I ran Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Mojito Cans through it—seriously game-changing. These pre-mixed mojitos are crisp, minty, and subtly citrusy, made with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit and boasting that classic mojito flavour without a drop of alcohol. When frozen in the Ninja SLUSHi, the result was a refreshing, bar-quality mocktail slushy.

If you’re planning a party—the Ninja x Lyre’s combo is a total winner. Trust me, your guests will thank you.

Favourite article: Hands-On with the Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Metroid Prime 4

New Balance 1000 – Sea Salt Colourway

John Guanzon – Head of Social

If anyone were to peer into my shoe wardrobe (note: please don’t), you’d find stacks upon stacks of New Balance shoes. I’m basically the human version of a repeat purchaser. Find one good thing, buy it in every colour. The latest addition to the stack is the New Balance 1000 and it’s easily one of my favourite retro revivals. It was originally a Y2K-era performance runner, but it’s now back with all its techy details intact—chunky overlays, mesh panelling, and sculpted soles.

The perfect balance of dad-core and modern minimalism. The new Sea Salt colourway tones things down just enough, pairing off-whites and soft greys for a clean, elevated finish. It’s surprisingly versatile and works with just about everything in my wardrobe. Bonus points for the ABZORB cushioning, too. If you’re after something that blends vintage flair with modern wearability, this one’s hard to beat.

Favourite article: Katy Perry Went to Space in Jeff Bezos’ Rocket and Made History

Gracias a Dios Espadín Reposado Mezcal

Jacob Osborn – Freelance Writer

With Earth Day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to revisit one of the world’s most sustainable mezcal labels: Gracias a Dios. The name translates to “Thank God” whilst the production techniques are no less devoted to Mother Earth and her abundance of resources. For example, 60% of the water used during production is collected from rain (amounting to about 240,000 liters per year) and the bottles are made from 100% recycled glass. The brand also plants wild agave species, harnesses solar power, conducts tree reforestation efforts, and offers fair wages to their employees.

Then there’s the mezcal itself, which is handmade in Oaxaca using artisanal methods. Maestro Mezcalero Oscar Hernandez draws upon five generations of tradition when plying his craft and the results are extraordinary. The Espadín Reposado expression is aged for 4 months in ex-bourbon casks and double-distilled to yield a flavour-packed profile, rounding out its smoky essence with notes of flower, herb, agave, cinnamon, caramel, black pepper, citrus, and tropical fruit. It goes down like silk and leaves accents of agave of black pepper in its wake. Whether sipped neat or in a classic cocktail like a Mezcal Old Fashioned or a Mezcal Margarita, this one comes highly recommended on every front.

Favourite article: Back for Another Round: Sydney Whisky Month 2025 is Here!

Under Armour – UA Echo

Dayna Aspite – Branded Content Associate

If there’s one thing that’s impossible to keep up with in this office, it’s everyone’s sneaker game. The team has some serious style when it comes to rocking fire kicks. As someone who’s been a loyal Docs wearer, I’ve been on a mission to level up my shoe game. In comes the UA Echo everyday sneakers. These DO. NOT. MISS.

They look slick, feel unreal and pack Under Armour’s signature performance tech into a pair that’s made for everyday wear. Most sneakers out there make you pick style or comfort. Not these bad boys. They deliver on both fronts. They’re made with multi-layer breathable mesh, a rubberised toe cap for extra durability, next-level cushioning to soften impact and the game-changer, a convertible heel that lets you switch from training mode to recovery mode on the fly. I used to side-eye this feature hard but it’s actually so amazing. Zero discomfort, no slipping, just smooth transitions and total comfort.

The UA Echos have quickly become my everyday sneaker, for good reason. The comfort and style of them are unmatched and I genuinely have put them through all the casual activities- walks, gym seshs and even a cheeky pub gatho. Without a doubt they’ve held up every time.

Favourite article: Lady Gaga: The MAYHEM Ball Tour Ticket Prices, Dates, and Cities Revealed

AP Bread & Wine

Frank Arthur – Co-Founder

AP Bakery has long been a legend in Sydney’s food scene, and their latest venture, AP Bread & Wine, is set to become just as iconic. For those familiar with the city, you’ll know AP’s presence. Whether it’s the long lines at their stall at the Carriageworks Markets or their hole-in-the-wall location conveniently located just around the corner from our Surry Hills office, the quality is always impeccable.

Their newest venture, AP Bread & Wine, elevates the experience even further. Housed at 32 Burton St in Darlinghurst, this beautifully restored sandstone cottage marries heritage charm with sleek, contemporary touches. It’s AP’s first full dining restaurant, serving breakfast right through to dinner, and as the name promises, features an outstanding wine list to match. From buttery pastries to hearty brunch dishes and evening plates designed for sharing, AP Bread & Wine delivers the top‑tier flavours you expect.

Favourite article: The Elegant Art of Metamorphosis: Cartier’s Stunning New Collections Revealed