Cheers!
time for another one of my Gift Guides which,
of course, can always be used for holidays, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or
whatever! From cigars to cologne, awesome events, a special outdoor gear
section, and more, this one is especially for the gents who deserve a lil’ love.
As usual, I include my two cents on each gift idea
followed by its official description straight from the source. The link is
provided so just click on and fill your cart!
A few couple things: Since I’m in Georgia’s capital, the
events are located in ATL, so make that an excuse to get here if you reside out
of town. If your purchase is made at the last minute or something that needs to
be mailed, just show the recipient the receipt with the date you bought it to
show you're “on time,” ya dig? (I’ve been there and it works especially if you
follow through!) And, of course, this guide can be used throughout the year, so
feel free to come back and see if there is a perfect fit.
Enjoy!
Renowned concert curators Zero Mile is bringing the
iconic soul group The Spinners to one of the most incredible concert venues in
the nation, Atlanta’s The Eastern,
on Friday, December 22. If you’ve had the pleasure to be around some good soul
music throughout your life, then your ears had to be blessed with a number of
Spinners hits including “I'll Be Around,” “The Rubberband Man,“ “How Could I
Let You Get Away,” and “Could It Be I'm Falling In Love,” to name a few. Note
that this is a sit-down concert so folks can kick back and enjoy. Doors open at
7 pm, and the show begins at 8. Get tickets here. Enjoy!
They Say: Timeless in a way that few other acts
today are, The Spinners are one of the most iconic and enduring groups in
R&B history. With a towering legacy spanning over six decades, The Spinners
created and came to define the smooth sound of Philadelphia Soul, channeling
the highs and lows of romance and heartbreak into a catalog of classic hits,
beloved across generations. They earned six Grammy nominations, 18 Platinum and
Gold Albums, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and selling millions of
records worldwide in the process. A fan favorite drawing large crowds to sold
out performances both at home and abroad, The Spinners have left an indelible
impact, not only on music history– but on the hearts of millions of fans
throughout the world.
You can’t lose getting the newest addition to the
portfolio of one of the best cigar makers in the world, Cohiba! The new Cohiba
Rivera is the first in the lineup using a San Andrés wrapper and Nicaraguan
Condega filler. Hook up someone’s humidor with these no-joke sticks.
They Say:
The artisans at Cohiba are proud to present Cohiba
Riviera – the newest full-time offering within the collection. Cohiba Riviera
represents new territory for Cohiba. This cigar is the only box-pressed
offering by Cohiba, as well as the only Cohiba to feature a San Andrés wrapper
and Nicaraguan Condega filler. Highly regarded for its naturally cooler
climate, abundance of fresh running water, humid breezes off the Gulf coast,
and its volcano-enriched soil, the San Andrés valley has consistently delivered
excellent quality leaf to the cigar industry. Named after the surrounding
geography that helps make the San Andrés Valley so special, Cohiba Riviera pays
homage to the respected San Andrés wrapper and the valley from whence it came.
Cohiba Riviera – Experience Luxury.
Blended, bottled, and boxed by hand, Atlanta-based
celebrated renaissance man Chris Classic's Savoir Faire fragrance
line is one of the most extraordinary in the industry boasting scent
combinations that will have everyone wanting to get a whiff of Dad. Arguably
the most popular selection—Soul Café—has notes ranging from tobacco, to blood
orange, patchouli, private musk blend, amber wood, lavender, and even Arabic
coffee to name a few. When it comes to his different selections, I honestly
love ‘em all! Visit Classic’s site for his eyewear, haberdashery, jackets,
bags, and other amazing products for both men and women as well. He’s a baaaad
dude.
They Say: These fine fragrances are for men and
women. Inspired by the diaspora, hand blended in Atlanta, they are created
using quality ingredients. The olfactory experience will vary uniquely
from person to person. In other words, you won't be smellin' like everybody
else. As with the previous unisex Savoir Faire fragrances, Soul Cafe opens
rather strong. The dry down is beautifully complex and offers a multitude of
options for the various wearers to exude. Savoir Faire is proudly a Black owned
fragrance brand.
Yep! It’s winter season and vests are in, so why not
rock a Waxed Down Puffer Vest that’s crafted to combat various inclement
elements while still looking fly? ORVIS knows the outdoors, so rest assured,
this is a confidence booster for layering up and dealing with whatever Mother
Nature has in store.
Go here
to get tickets for February 17, 2024 happening direct at the brewery.
A brewing company celebrating 27 years in an incredible accomplishment,
and SweetWater is doing it in a major way! Besides pouring all their beers
including special releases for their birthday celebration on February 17, 2024,
they are bringing Atlanta’s own EarthGang to the stage. A hip-hop duo
consisting of artists Olu and WowGr8, they are co-founders of the musical
collective Spillage Village, with JID, Hollywood JB, JordxnBryant, 6lack,
Mereba, and Benji. Put it this way, EarthGang is critically acclaimed and part
of Dreamville, the label founded by one of the greatest rappers in the world, J.
Cole. You know this is going to be an awesome show. Get your tickets here
ASAP!
They Say: SweetWater Brewing Company proudly
will celebrate its 27th anniversary on Feb. 17, 2024, with a fusion of beats,
bass, and twang headlined by Atlanta’s own EarthGang. The brewery will
transform its Atlanta taproom and facility into an intimate venue for the
celebration, which will also include performances by Daniel Donato’s Cosmic
Country band and DJ Maddy O'Neal. The brewery is also excited to share some
special new beers, including unique takes on SweetWater’s flagship 420 series,
along with limited edition anniversary beers brewed specifically for the party.
For more information including securing tickets, click
here
and celebrate 27 amazing years!
Ovation for Men owner Shawn Crenshaw proudly boasts his
fragrance’s ability to balance a variety of notes including cardamom, leather,
tobacco, vanilla, vetiver and amber into every application. Although this Eau
De Parfum aims to crown particularly Black men with an olfactory aura of power
and excellence, everyone is invited to experience an Ovation.
Originally based in New York City, renowned trendsetter Brandon
Franklin and his brand of haberdashery continues to kill it in Atlanta’s
Buckhead District where celebrities, the city’s elite, and overall people who
want to be seen flock to make sure their hat game is on point. Set up a custom
fitting appointment and standout from the rest in style. Rest assured, a hat
from Mr. Franklin will be the talk of any event you step in.
They Say: Like their many celebrity clients, consider yourself royalty and wear a customized crown handcrafted at BM Franklin & Co. Originally based in New York City, this renowned trendsetter of haberdashery has a successful location in Atlanta’s Buckhead District and recently has a second store in Ponce City Market. Set up a custom fitting appointment and standout from the rest in style. Rest assured, a hat from Mr. Franklin will be the talk of any event you step in.
Backcountry: Cold
gear for the cold year!
With winter coming in full force for ’23 and into the new
year, why not embrace the cold looking fly? I linked up with the outdoor gear aficionados
Backcountry and saw the heat
they were bringing. Plain and simple, I was won over with all their color combos,
quality of materials, and collaborations with one of my favorite brands revered
for keeping us dry, GORE-TEX. The rest is history! I featured a crazy jacket, a
“bib pant” set when the cold days get seriously real, a gangster backpack for
any occasion, and a duffel that will turn heads no matter where you are. Check
these out…
They Say: Men’s The Cottonwoods GORE-TEX Jacket
is your ticket to achieving that coveted 100-day skiing or snowboarding season.
With GORE-TEX’s waterproofing and durable ski fabric, it excels in diverse
terrains. The updated fit ensures comfort and agility, and it even boasts the
stylish Manastash Panel Colorway, a collaboration with Manastash, making it a
statement piece as you conquer the slopes for the season of your dreams.
They Say: Gift thrill-seekers an epic winter
adventure with Cottonwoods GORE-TEX Bib Pant. Designed for 100 days of stylish
and comfortable shredding, these burly bibs excel in mobility and durability.
Featuring GORE-TEX waterproof tech, canvas-like face fabric, and versatile zip-off
bibs, they’re your invitation to conquer snowstorms and pine trees while
staying cool with mesh-lined thigh zippers. More than gear, it’s a ticket to
unforgettable mountain experiences.
They Say: The All Around 40L Duffel, the
smallest in Backcountry’s lineup, is the ultimate go-to bag for car camping,
family visits, or transporting gear to adventure launch points, boasting rugged
construction capable of withstanding various terrains, from sandy deserts to
alpine excursions.
So whatever the occasion that warrants giving gifts, the items
and events I listed here—plus my other gift guides on this site and beyond—will
certainly aim to please. Note that this list will be constantly updated with
new joints that cross my path, so check back periodically. I got you!
And with that, embrace the spirit of giving 365!
