Black Book: The Cool Material Editors’ Favorite Things Right Now: March 2024
There is a lot of stuff out there, with more new stuff coming every day. Sorting it all out to find what’s really worth your time is the curator’s job. Every month, Cool Material’s editors and contributors pull together some of their favorite recent things they’ve tested, seen, or got an early look at. The result? The Black Book: the Cool Material’s editors’ picks for what’s new and noteworthy in fashion, drinks, culture, watches, and more.
Nike Jordan Air Ship PE x A Ma Maniére
[PARTNER] Before there was the Air Jordan, there was the Nike Air Ship. The shoe was designed by Bruce Kilgore and released in 1984 — it was also the first shoe that Michael Jordan wore in the NBA ahead of the release of his signature Air Jordans. The Air Ship gets new life in a collaboration with A Ma Maniére, the luxury boutique led by James Whitner. The release features Summit White leather that’s wrapped with Green Stone suede. The modern touches build on the classic ‘80s high top design for a look that’s both retro and modern.
Buy: $140
Duluth Men's Buck Naked Pattern Boxer Briefs
[PARTNER] The same attention to detail and comfort that you seek out in the shirts, pants, and coats you wear should also apply to what you wear underneath. Duluth’s Buck Naked Underwear is lightweight, breathable, and moves with you rather than fighting each leg lift. They’re sweat wicking and quick drying (perfect for when you need to do a fast wash on the road), and designed to skip the bunching and pinching. Plus, they come in a range of patterns that you’ll actually want to show off unlike those dusty old boxers in your underwear drawer.
Buy: $14.63
VAER The R1 Rally and Tactical
VAER’s original R1 Racing Chronograph is one of the American watch brand’s best sellers. The R1 series is getting a new set of watches in the R1 Rally, Tactical, and Oceanracer that swap the chunkier cushion case of the R1 Racing Chronograph with a slimmed down look. The durability (water resistance up to 100 meters), screw-down crowns, and sapphire crystals. The Tactical carries a unique lume profile with a field watch style case. It feels just at home worn in the outdoors as it does out on the town.
Buy: $399
Dusty Booze
Spirits journalist Aaron Goldfarb’s latest book, Dusty Booze: In Search of Vintage Spirits is a romp into the world of the “dusty hunters” who seek out valuable historic booze. It has it all: an engaging narrative seeking out a cache of early 1900s liquor owned by Howard Hughes, guides to the popular (and unpopular) categories collectors covet, and insight into why anyone cares about a pre-Prohibition bourbon or old Chartreuse. Or throwback liqueurs from the ‘80s, for that matter. It’s easy to look at all that dusty collectors have found and see a high-priced market that’s been completely picked over. Goldfarb explains in his book how it is indeed still possible to get into the vintage spirits game–and why the experience of sipping liquid history is unlike any other.
Buy: $24
Tasc Performance The Motion Pant
The look of a pant that can take you from the office to the brewery, with the easy stretch of athleisure. Made with sustainable bamboo viscose that’s woven with stretchy polyester and elastane, this breathable, water resistant, two-way stretch fabric is ready for warmer months. Plus, a gusseted crotch means less pinching where you don’t want it and more flexibility.
Buy: $118
Beardbrand Grooming Kit
Beard maintenance is the one thing standing between facial hair looking questionable and facial hair looking classy. No one wants to look unkempt, making proper trimming, brushing, and treating necessary. And doing it right means having the right tools for the job. The Beardsman’s Box comes with three boar’s hair brushes, travel-sized beard trimming scissors, and two limited edition beard combs (one large, one travel size). It’s all sent in a black walnut box that looks good sitting in your bathroom.
Buy: $219
WONDERBOOM 3 Portable Speaker
A durable, go-anywhere speaker that delivers powerful sound–all in an easy to carry size. It has a high dust rating, can withstand drops of five feet, and you don’t have to worry about it falling off the boat, as it can be submerged for 30 minutes without issues. The 14-hour battery life makes it an easy choice for picnics, beach days, and hikes. All the more so when you consider it has a specially designed Outdoor Boost made to optimize sound while outside (just don’t blast it while you’re hiking–people are there to be in nature not listen to your high school playlist).
Buy: $69.99
The Reverend Sour Mash Whiskey
If you’re a whiskey fan, there’s a good chance you know the name Jack Daniel. You might also know Nathan “Nearest” Green, the person who taught Jack how to distill, thanks to the delicious Uncle Nearest whiskey. There’s a third part to the story: Reverend Daniel Houston Call, a preacher, farmer, grocer, and distiller who worked with the other two near Lynchburg, Tennessee. This release honors Call with a whiskey that’s aged for more than four years in new charred oak barrels and maple charcoal filtered, true to the Lincoln County process. Red fruit, baking spices, honey, and orange lead the way, while a high rye percentage helps it stand out in cocktails that are anything but dull.
Buy: $35.99Need More Suggestions?
Check out last month’s Black Book here.
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In need of the perfect summer shoes? How about a versatile spirit designed to be enjoyed anyway you like it? You'll find it here.
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The truth is, when the heritage is this strong, the primary mission is steadiness, preserving and expanding on the legacy of a brand that is practically a symbol of the city it calls home.