It’s certainly been a week! Between our paralympians bringing home a combined 14 gold medals in the games’ first week (Go Aussies), to the tepid reception to the Minecraft movies first trailer, we’ve had a lot to take in. Now we’re onto the weekend and in recharge mode, but we’re still excited to tell you all about our Man of Many Staff Favourites for this week. Check ’em out!
Ezra Brooks Kentucky Bourbon
Ben McKimm – Journalist – Automotive and Tech
So, I’ve become a bit of a bourbon head. After so many years of drinking Scotch, it seems my palate has finally matured in the eyes of many. I’m never going to put down a glass of peaty goodness, but for now, my heart lies with the world of banana and caramel. My quest to figure this new world out has meant starting at the bottom and working my way to the top shelf, and recently, that meant getting my hands on a bottle of Ezra Brooks
Priced at just AU$57, this isn’t some random brand claiming to be a quality bourbon whiskey. Ezra Books is bred in Kentucky and has been filling glasses with genuine American bourbon since 1957. It’s made at Lux Row Distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, where it’s aged in new, charred white oak barrels for 7 years and bottled at barrel strength. I’m not going to pretend like it’s the best bourbon I’ve had this year, but for those looking for a value-for-money bottle, it’s very good. There are your typical sweet notes of caramel and vanilla but also hints of spice and chocolate before a warm finish. Very, very solid!
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New Balance 9060 Slate Grey
John Guanzon – Head of Social
Call me late to the chunky dad sneaker trend but the New Balance 9060s might have just claimed the title of my favourite pair of sneakers. Big call, I know. The striking silhouette is futuristic, and versatile and gives off Y2K vibes. When the 9060 was first released in 2022, it might have been one of New Balance’s most out-there designs, but today is one of the brand’s best-selling shoes that sell out in the blink of an eye. The 9060 silhouette pays homage to the renowned technology of the 990 series while drawing inspiration from the early 2000s running shoes like the 860.
The key standouts are the oversized, exaggerated midsole, and the bold, extended N logo. It’s also got a thicker, transparent CR device on the heel and a unique split heel detail. It’s garnered a cult following that New Balance is regularly coming out with new colorways. I picked up a pair in Slate Grey which was released in July this year and showcases an array of different shades of grey in light and dark, but other popular colour ways include ‘Turtledove’, ‘Olivine’, and ‘White Navy’.
Anko 3.75L Air Fryer
Beatrix Boon – Social Media Producer
The best air fryer small change can buy! For only $59 I picked this up for my dad for Father’s Day. He’s used it almost everyday since. Super easy to use, practically no clean up and it’s small size means it’s great for a kitchen with less bench space.
This was one of my best gifts yet! Definitely worth the hype, and once you’re an air fryer, you’ll never go back.
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Heinz Pickled Ketchup
Harry Parsons – Senior Branded Content Manager
No here is something I didn’t have on my 2024 checklist, the goat of all tomato sauces being released! Our office had the pleasure of trying the new sauce with hot chippies and it was an instant hit. This sauce will transport you straight to Maccas where you will be chowing down on a delicious cheeseburger. I used the sauce on my boring lunch of chicken and greens, bam! Instantly delicious and felt like I was having a cheat meal.
Run don’t walk and grab yourself a bottle of this cheeseburger heaven.
Moxy Airport Hotel
Ben McKimm – Journalist – Automotive and Tech
While most of the team here in the office at Man of Many seem to live a stone’s throw from Sydney Airport, I have the pleasure of living in the bush, which means a 1-hour journey before I even get to check-in. It doesn’t make early starts for press launches very fun (I know, I know), so with a big week in the USA coming up and a 13-hour flight ahead of me, I thought it was worth a shot trying out the Moxy Airport hotel to take some time out of the door-to-door journey.
I was offered a complimentary stay in a ‘Moxy Queen Airport View’ room with a single queen bed. Usually, this costs around $200 per night, depending on dates. The rooms are pokey but quiet (even on the airport side), and they have all of the essentials you need. Those travelling with families might find them a bit tight, but for couples, and for a one-night stay, it was more than acceptable. I read some reviews online before staying here (I’m a light sleeper), and some struggled with the room size, but I didn’t think twice about it. Like me, you’ll spend most of your evening sitting downstairs at the bar, watching some sport with a cheeseburger in one hand and a beverage in the other. After that, head back to the room, Chromecast your favourite movie to the TV, and wake up the next day feeling refreshed. It’s a total travel hack for those who live far away.
Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?
Dean Blake – Journalist – Tech, Entertainment and Lifestyle
When I was a kid, I was obsessed with The Simpsons, and one of my favourite episodes was the one where Bart gets an elephant, Stampy, due to a radio show contest. It’s classic, and has some of the funniest gags in the series, but I didn’t realise it was based on a real story. See, in the ’90s, Cola-underdog Pepsi ran a competition that promised if you drank enough Pepsi you could win a Harrier Jet. No strings attached.
Obviously, when someone tries to claim that jet, things get complicated and the lawyers get involved. That’s the story of Netflix’s new documentary, ‘Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?’, which follows the guy who came up with a scheme to get himself a personal fighter jet, the man who financed him, and the lawyer who represented them when Pepsi sued. Yes, Pepsi sued them for taking part in their competition. I’m only halfway through the show so far, but it’s a fascinating look into just how loose things were played back in the ’90s.
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Millon Wines – 2023 Eden Valley Botrytis Riesling
Dayna Aspite – Branded Content Associate
On another episode of ‘wine just isn’t for me’ I’ve discovered, spoiler, a new found love for Riesling! My journey to enjoying wine has been a long one and I can confidently say my pallet is still of a fresh 18 year old who just wants to sip on a vodka cran. To my surprise riesling is one of the sweeter wines across the variety and I’m happy to finally be on the bandwagon! Its palate is layers of dried apricots, marmalade and a nice balance of acidity. Leaving you with a quite sweet aftertaste (which definitely hits better than a vodka cran).
This bottle is a limited release so I definitely suggest getting in fast! It’s crispy and refreshing which makes it perfect for the warmer weather. Due to the wine’s post-fermentation process, it’s given its signature honeyed profile. Making it a perfect pour to enjoy on its own, with ice or even in a cocktail.
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Sunset Diner, Lane Cove
Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships
For the parents out there, Sunset Diner is a must-visit, with one of the three locations tucked away in the revamped Lane Cove Canopy. It’s one of my go-to local spots, and for good reason. With a retro Miami Vice vibe complete with pink walls, mist fans, and palm trees, the atmosphere is both fun and laid-back. The food is fantastic, though the menu variety is somewhat limited. But if you’re like me and believe in the “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” philosophy when it comes to a great burger, you’ll have no complaints. I highly recommend the spicy broccoli bites.
Inside, you’ll find cool, retro milkshake bar-style booths, but the real magic is outside, especially if you have kids. The diner is perfectly positioned next to a large sand play area and a neon-lit water feature that comes to life every 10 minutes or so. While the little ones entertain themselves, you can kick back with a cold beer and enjoy the sunset. It’s dog friendly and happy hour is 4-6pm. Perfect.
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