Staff Favourites: Stuff We Loved This Week (Oct 11, 2026)

There’s a specific kind of energy in the air when Sydney transitions into spring – a chaotic, glorious mix of late-season sporting drama and late-night nostalgia. Between catching my breath after last weekend’s unbelievable NRL Grand Final, to the news that Powderfinger is officially reuniting, it’s felt like a week of big, emotive comebacks. You can bet I’ll be front of the queue when those tour tickets drop.

That momentum has been carrying through the office all week. If you haven’t been keeping up with Rob Edwards’ weekly Wind Up column, you’re missing out on some of the finest horological writing in the country – his recent hands-on look at living with the Longines HydroConquest is a masterclass in dissecting everyday luxury.

We test, sip, and put mileage on dozens of releases every single week that don’t always get their own dedicated 2,000-word feature. Consider this weekly dispatch your curated filter of the best stuff that’s making our lives a little better. In this edition, we’ve got sleek new luggage on the market thanks to RIMOWA, a new release from one of our favourite Aussie distilleries, and new gear for your next camping trip with the kids.

But before we dive into the products, here’s a handy cheat code to making the most of your annual leave in 2027. Don’t tell the boss…

Meanwhile, this week I’ve got a taste of the new Ardbeg Dark Reserve whisky, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. A rare, limited-edition collaboration with The Whisky Club, this non-chill-filtered Islay single malt delivers everything peat lovers crave with an added layer of richness.

Expect heavy hits of dark, smoky peat balanced by notes of smoldering fruit, deep cocoa, and subtle sweet spice. Bottled at 700ml, it’s a bold, full-bodied dram that lingers long on the palate – making it an absolute standout addition to any whisky lover’s shelf this week.

1. Daddies, by Man of Many

Before we dive into the rest of the Staff Favourites, don’t forget to check out the latest episode of Man of Many’s new parenting podcast, Daddies. This week, it’s all about balance, daycare illnesses, and a late-night fright for a tired dad (it’s me. I’m the tired dad).

2. BCF x Bluey Collection

Marcus Hurley – Daddies co-Host

If you have a child under the age of seven, you will know that Bluey isn’t just a TV show. It’s a hostile takeover. A pleasant one, but a takeover nonetheless.

My five-year-old daughter (aka Beano) has ensured the Heeler family is represented in our household across all platforms. Pyjamas, LEGO, shirts, toys and a frankly alarming number of figurines. And now, thanks to BCF, they have conquered the great outdoors.

The BCF x Bluey Collection is one of those collaborations that just makes sense. With more than 30 products spanning camping, beach gear, watersports and matching family apparel, it is perfectly timed for the Australian summer. Think camp chairs, bodyboards, inflatable pools and even matching Christmas shirts. Because apparently the only thing better than wearing Bluey yourself is making your entire family do it. I’m not against it, sign me up.

Beano’s personal favourite is the stainless steel drink bottle, which has quickly joined her ever-expanding collection of prized possessions.

As a dad, I’m all for anything that gets kids excited about outdoor adventures. And if Bluey is what it takes to get us out of the house this summer, I’m certainly not complaining.

Favourite video: My poor podcast co-host, Rob had a bit of a scare this week

Favourite Article: Hyundai’s PALISADE XRT PRO Lets You Rough It in Comfort Off-Road

3. The Gospel Bonded Rye

Scott Purcell – co-Founder

On Wednesday night Sales Director Elliott and I left the office early and headed to the Ace Hotel in Surry Hills for the launch of The Gospel’s new Bonded Rye. Rye has never really been my go-to (perhaps I’m late to the game on this one), so I went in curious and walked out a convert.

The Gospel is a Melbourne distillery, and the only one in Australia that makes nothing but rye whiskey. This is the first new bottle in its permanent range in almost six years. It’s also the first Australian whiskey made to the American ‘Bottled-in-Bond’ standard. That means one distillery, one distiller and one distilling season, then more than four years in the barrel before it’s bottled at 50% ABV. I had a good chat with co-founder Andy Fitzgerald on the night, and he reckons it’s the most deliberate whiskey they’ve ever made. After a few pours I can see why.

All of the rye comes from a single farmer in South Australia’s Murray Mallee, and you can taste it. The official notes mention caraway and fennel seed on the nose. I wouldn’t know caraway if it hit me, so I’ll take their word for it. The toffee apple was obvious though, and so were the pepper, chai spice and rich pastry flavours on the palate, with a pepper heat that hangs around nicely at the end. It’s bold without being harsh, which surprised me at that strength.

It’s out this Monday, 12 October, for $140 from The Gospel’s website and select independent bottle shops. If you’re into bourbon or rye and fancy a crack at something properly Australian, it’s worth every cent.

Favourite Article: 2026 Honda Civic Type R Review: $200,000 Driving Experience for Less Than Half Price?
Favourite Video: Dr. Bill Lumsden On Harrison Ford’s Glenmorangie ‘Harrison Ford Limited Edition’

4. RIMOWA Essential Cabin in Ultramarine

Ben McKimm – Staff Writer

I arrived back on home turf early Friday morning after spending some time in Seoul, Korea, with RIMOWA. We were there to check out the brand’s new Essential line colours, which continue to set the benchmark for luxury carry-on luggage. I’ve been an owner for a few years now, and I love the lightweight durability and high-performance German engineering of the Essential Cabin (probably why I like Porsche, too). 

Released in two new colours: Umber and Ultramarine, the latter is my favourite. It’s an homage to historical lapis lazuli pigments. If you’re going to invest in a piece, the 36-litre cabin case features a monochromatic finish that matches the shell to its zippers, handles, and wheel housings. Crafted from premium impact-resistant polycarbonate and backed by RIMOWA’s lifetime guarantee, it’s also built to withstand the rigours of travel. Take it from someone who’s taken their poly cabin to all ends of the earth.

Functionally, the Essential Cabin features RIMOWA’s patented Multiwheel System, which utilises ball-bearing-mounted wheels with cushioned axles for smooth, whisper-quiet steering across terminal floors, while the stage-free telescopic handle enables custom height adjustments. Inside, the dual-organisation interior pairs a fully zipped mesh compartment with a patented, height-adjustable Flex Divider system that keeps packed garments tightly compressed in transit. With the new colours, it’s never been a better time to invest in a piece like this, and the lifetime warranty really seals the deal.

• Price: AUD$1,475
• Dimensions: 55 x 39 x 23 cm
• Weight / Capacity: 3.2 kg / 36L
• Material: High-performance Polycarbonate
• Warranty: RIMOWA Lifetime Guarantee
• Key Feature: Patented Flex Divider compression system paired with a stage-free telescopic handle

Favourite article: 2027 Jaguar Type 01 Officially Debuts as 1,015 HP Half-Price Rolls-Royce

5. Acton III Marshall x Hendrix 60th Anniversary Edition

Rob Edwards – Branded Content Editor

I’ve recently been playing around with this limited-edition Acton III speaker from Marshall, celebrating the guitar amplifier brand’s 60-year relationship with Jimi Hendrix (and his estate for 56 of those years). 

Marshall’s Bluetooth speakers have always looked cool, drawing from the iconography of the brand’s world-famous amplifiers, but this one takes it to another level. That level may, in fact, be too far for some, but given the flamboyant style of the guitarist who inspired it, anything less would be disrespectful. 

Clearly drawing inspiration from Hendrix’s legendary track Purple Haze, the speaker is coated in luxurious crushed velvet and features a black and purple swirl pattern across the grill. This is complemented by amp-inspired knobs and switches appointed in silver-toned metal.

In terms of playback, it’s much louder and richer than its 169 x 372 x 150 mm dimensions would suggest. This sonic performance is made possible by a number of features. The first is a wide soundstage, delivered by outward-angled tweeters that help the speaker reach the corners of almost any room. The second is a dynamic loudness function that helps songs sound natural and balanced at both ends of the volume spectrum. And the third is placement compensation, which means no matter where the speaker is placed, it analyses reflections and helps optimise the sound for your space. 

As a final touch, the speaker also plays unique sounds taken from Hendrix’s recordings when you switch it on and off. Surely, the man himself would approve. 

Favourite article: The Wind Up: Living With the Longines HydroConquest

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Other Things We’re Checking Out This Week

A few more things that landed on our desks this week, from the brands we’re currently working with. Worth a look if any of them are your kind of thing.

• Panasonic Australia: The shaver tech doing the heavy lifting behind a genuinely effortless morning shave.
• Fig & Bloom: The design-led florist worth bookmarking before the next occasion sneaks up on you.
• Temple & Grace: The high-end jewellery route that saves couples thousands on the ring.
• WHOOP: A new member benefit landing WHOOP in the hands of Robinhood cardholders.
• BikesOnline Australia: Gear up for your next weekend ride and browse the best value deals on premium bikes and parts in this online hub.
• WHOOP: Level up your training and recovery insights with this performance-tracking wearable on your wrist.
• Panasonic Australia: Upgrade your home cinema with crisp 4K clarity and immersive sound in this sleek new TV setup.
• Wellaroo: Thoughtfully designed Aussie grooming essentials that simplify your everyday routine.
• Transparent Labs: Clean, clinically dosed formulas that take the guesswork out of your daily stack.
• Spelab: Upgrade your rig’s power and sound with these high-performance diesel parts.
• Furi: Sharpen your prep game with sleek, pro-grade knives that make every chop feel effortless.
• Sportscraft: Level up your smart-casual rotation with tailored layers and relaxed polos that actually fit your week.
• Moments: Capture your next big adventure with beautifully curated photo books and thoughtful keepsakes.
• Above The Collar: Stock up on cult-favourite grooming gear and upgrade your daily routine with a sharper, cleaner look.
• Mytheresa: Refresh your autumn rotation with elevated menswear picks in this curated luxury edit.
• Uppercut Deluxe: Level up your grooming game with this barbershop-born range of styling legends and killer everyday essentials.
• WHOOP: Level up your training with a wearable that turns every heartbeat into smarter performance insights.
• Goldfield & Banks: Explore a modern Australian fragrance house inspired by native botanicals in this refined olfactory journey.
• Moments: Chase spontaneous summer fun with this sleek waterproof camera for every adventure.
• Quad Lock: Level up your ride with a rock-solid mount that locks your phone in for every commute and weekend blast.
• Kingpin: Level up your next night out with bowling, arcade battles and drinks under one neon roof.
• Pop! Photography: Elevate your next shoot with these smart, simple tips for sharper, more creative photo setups.
• Tommy Hilfiger: Classic prep gets a crisp seasonal refresh in this new collection of tailored staples.
• Cloud9 peak health: New science-backed recovery plans to help you hit your peak with every workout.
• InvestorKit: Smart, plain-language research to help you spot your next winning property move before the crowd.
• Taylors Wines: Raise a glass to new-season reds and discover your next favourite drop with these refined Australian vintages.
• Hay Street Market : Scope out Sydney’s newest foodie playground with a quick lap of the buzzing Haymarket laneways.
• Fig & Bloom: Send fresh-cut joy with lush seasonal bouquets that make the perfect last-minute gift.
• Men’s Wearhouse: Custom suiting goes next level with precise fits, sharp fabrics and easy ways to upgrade your entire wardrobe.
• Ford Accessories: Dial in your ute for every job with rugged, road-ready gear in this tough new accessories lineup.
• Kenneth Cole: Suit up in sharp, city-ready style with these polished pieces for your next night out.

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