The McIntosh 60th Anniversary MXA60 Integrated Audio System ($7,500), the company's first-ever standalone setup, gives you audiophile-quality sound in a beautifully compact design. And while its price tag might seem high, you've got to recognize that this thing was designed and built by the same team responsible for the $250,000 McIntosh Reference System. The tabletop system features a high-performance 75-watt-per-channel... [More]
Burberry continues to step up its watch offerings with the stealth Burberry Endurance Chronograph Watch ($795). It sports a black-on-black face with dual chronograph and date windows, and is housed in a rubber-coated stainless steel case with matching bracelet.... [More]
If you plan on going on legendary adventures, you're going to need a legendary bag — and the Saddleback Briefcase ($520-$607) appears to fit the bill. Available in medium, large, and extra large sizes, this handsome case is made from 100% full grain boot leather, and features no breakable parts, the ability to convert into a backpack, hidden nylon reinforcing... [More]
Get the classy look of Polo without the oversized bulk in the Polo Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Shirt ($100). This long-sleeved button-down is made from yarn-dyed cotton broadcloth, comes in four styles, and features barrel cuffs, a slightly curved shirttail hem, a chest pocket, and a slim, modern fit that is perfect for cold weather layering.... [More]
No matter what the job, the Leatherman Super Tool 300 ($70) is ready to handle it. This heavy-duty all-purpose tool offers both a clip point and serrated knives, both needlenose and regular pliers, several wire cutters, a wire stripper, a crimper, a host of screwdrivers, a file, a saw, both bottle and can openers, a ruler, and more. With rolled... [More]
Maintaining the silhouette and style of the company's normal 574, the New Balance 574 Clips Sneakers ($75) are a limited-edition run made from leftover "clips" of materials salvaged from the construction of NB's 993 and 996 lines. Upgrades in the clips collection include more durable grey pig suede uppers — taken from the 993 — four different color meshes taken... [More]
Rolex makes some quality timepieces, but there are times when you need a more understated look than their silver- or gold-bodies can offer. That's where Bamford Black Rolex Watches (£7,500; roughly $12,300) come in. Made using Physical Vapor Deposition technology and secret formulas, Banford's Rolexes sport a highly-advanced, rock-hard military-grade black coating, turning these typical timepieces into stunning stealth watches.... [More]
What's better on a hot summer day than a tall glass of ice cold sweet tea? This stuff, that's what. Jeremiah Weed Southern Style Sweet Tea Vodka ($20) is a 70-proof sweet tea flavored vodka brewed lovingly in southern Kentucky. Joining Jeremiah Weed's legendary bourbon liqueur, a favorite drink of the American fighter pilot, this is one tea that'll have... [More]
Learn the basics of beer with the Beer Wheel ($9). This quick dial is packed with information on everything from ales to wheat beers. You're already a pro at drinking the stuff, so you might as well know what you're drinking.... [More]
Go ahead, have the biggest glass in the room. The XL Beer Glass ($13) holds five bottles of beer, assuring you won't lose your spot on the couch over refills.... [More]
Drink your ale the way it was meant to be in one of these authentic British Imperial Pint Glasses ($7). These British style pub glasses, etched with the official European Union pint seal, finally allow you to replace your oh-so-classy Budweiser frog mugs. But these aren't just for looks — the heavy ridge on the Imperial glass provides durability and... [More]
If the idea of lugging yourself to the ice box over and over again for a beer turns you off, consider this Beer Caddy currently on sale over at Neiman Marcus to help alleviate your frustrations. This beer lover's gadget holds a five liter beer (or soda) keg, keeping it cool and providing a nice way to enjoy a frosty... [More]
There's nothing like being able to pour yourself a tall glass of your favorite draught from the convenience of your own home. The Sanyo Kegerator ($700) has a 6.5 cubic foot capacity, holds up to a 1/2 keg of your preferred bier, and has a complete CO2 tap system with Sankey keg tapper, pressure gauge, regulator, and draft arm. The... [More]
Unfortunately, we’ve pretty much all had our share of cheap beer in our lifetimes. Now that we’ve graduated to the world of higher-grade imports and micro brews, isn’t it time you stepped your beer glasses up as well? The Aarne Crystal Beer Glasses by Göran Hongell ($56 a pair) feature classic, strikingly subtle design — their design dates back to... [More]
We'll try to refrain from the cool jokes. This thing is a Frozen Shot Glass Maker ($9) that you fill with juice, freeze, and then pour in your favorite alcoholic drink and enjoy. We can't think of anything cooler than drinking your shots from a glass made of ice. Damn, we tried. You'll be the coolest dude at the party.... [More]
As part of their Back To College collection, Target is offering an 80-Piece Kitchen In A Box ($35) that seriously has everything you need to get started. Included in the bundle are plates, bowls, tumblers, a flatware set, Dutch oven, a saucepan, a frying pan, storage containers, a knife set, a cutting board and more.... [More]
Fresh ice in summertime drinks is a necessity, but it can be a royal pain in the rear to deal with ice cube trays. The solution? The Ice Cube Cooler from eva solo ($76). Its black lid serves as the tray when you are freezing your cubes, then simply twist the top to have them fall into the serving bowl... [More]
Hair trimming is an important, even critical part of male grooming. To help us master this delicate art form, we need the right gear. The Braun BodyCruzer Body Groomer ($60) combines their most advanced, completely water-proof electric trimmer with Gillette's Fusion razor to create the ultimate in multi-purpose shaving technology. Trim and shave longer hairs in just one stroke with... [More]
Love your stout? Then pick yourself up a pack of Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout ($10/six pack). Created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Arthur Guinness' signing of the lease for his St. James' Gate Brewery in Dublin, this fizzier, maltier version of Guiness is poured at an angle, and packs a stronger alcoholic punch than its sudsy sibling. But don't... [More]
Enjoy a nice cold beer with your Mexican food? Next time pass on the Corona and try out a Negra Modelo ($8/6-pack). This Mexican-brewed Vienna lager dates back to 1926, and comes in a short, stubby brown bottle with a trademark gold label. While the name and the color (dark brown) might lead you to think it's a Guinness-like drink,... [More]
When we heard that long-time Uncrate sponsor AudioCubes had opened its first retail store, we were super stoked to say the least. The company has been selling all sorts of awesome electronics online for years, and now does so in a modern storefront in New York City. The AC Gears store carries a bundle of gadgets and imported toys —... [More]
With its signature swingtop cap, we'd drink Grolsch ($8) even if it tasted like Jay Leno's piss. Luckily, it tastes pretty damn good, giving us a reason to roll around with a little bit of hardware on our lager. It's the exact experience you'd expect from a brewer that's been around since 1615.... [More]
If you love wine but hate trying to pair it with dinner, then Wine That Loves ($TBA) might be your answer. These wines, managed by wine expert and sommelier Ralph Hersom, literally tell you on the front of the bottle what they pair with (i.e. Wine That Loves Pizza or Wine That Loves Roasted Chicken). Five wines are initially available... [More]
If you like beer, why don't you treat yourself to a New Year's gift like the Beer of the Season Club ($120). It brings a new beer to your door once each three months, selected from different breweries nation-wide to provide the best drinking, most exclusive beers in the country. If once every three months is a little too slow... [More]
At last night's unofficial Uncrate beer tasting, we searched for a new beer for Summer of '06. We tried six different beers, and came up with one clear favorite. Harpoon Summer Beer (around $10 a six-pack) pours a golden straw color, with a good aroma and a white head. Its drinkability was unmatched among the beers we tried, with a... [More]
It's super tough to find good wine. Between the wine snob at the store and the incomprehensible reviews in the wine magazines, there's not much out there to help us normal wine drinkers. Luckily, Cork'd is here. It's a brand new web service that lets you review the wines you've tried, keep a list of those you own or want... [More]
Not all beers are created equal, and as any bum on the corner will tell you, there are beers with a higher alcohol content — cheaper than Budweiser, in the bum’s case (Steel Reserve comes to mind) and slightly more expensive than Bud, in this case. Victory Golden Monkey ($10 a six-pack) from Victory brewery in Pennsylvania has a relatively... [More]
This wine has been described as "warm, ripe glassful of jammy, juicy fruit with a silky smooth medium-bodied palate that finishes with hints of vanilla and black pepper" while others say it has "impressive spice, liquorice and black currant aromas...perfectly balanced with soft tannins and fine French Oak, further complemented by ripe fruit flavors." What we can tell you about... [More]
Originally created to be the ultimate bag for the the LAPD and the U.S. military, the 5th generation Tactical Bail Out Gear Bag ($20) is a do-it-all bag that's both rugged and attractive (and cheap). At home on the battlefield and in the office, the Bail Out has YKK brand zippers, Velcro closures, a removable padded shoulder strap, and polyester... [More]
Liven up the standard summer uniform of khaki shorts and a polo with Free Press Seersucker Shorts ($50). Available in navy, khaki, or light blue, these textured shorts feature a subtle thin stripe pattern, zippered fly, slant pockets, a flat front, and a simple style that looks great with nearly any top.... [More]
If you require an above average T-shirt but don't want to sacrifice quality or comfort, check out the BDG PE Crew Neck T-Shirt ($18). Available in six vintage colors, this standard crew is a closet staple. It's made from blended cotton that's lightweight, fits true to size, and durable enough to be machine washable. The Light Blue Natural seems right... [More]
Take that long overdue weekend trip with the Fossil Redmond Duffle Bag ($298). This classically-style leather carry-all features a vast interior with lots of pockets to keep your gear sorted.... [More]
Old business attire gets new life as these Recycled Necktie & Suit Wallets ($28). Handmade in Pennsylvania, the wallets sport an exterior made of a retired silk tie, while the inside is made from an old pinstripe suit. They've got room for bills and two credit cards.... [More]
Just in time for fall comes the J.Crew Merino Shawl-Collar Sweater ($138). Made from fine Italian merino wool woven in a thick 7-gauge knit and featuring details like woven cotton twill elbow patches and front pocket, real horn buttons, and a shawl collar, it will keep you warm and stylish in the colder months to come.... [More]
NASCAR season officially kicks off Sunday at Daytona, and we're really looking forward to it. Despite how hickish you may think the sport is, we dare you to find one NFL linebacker that wouldn't piss himself after the first bump-draft from Junior. While catching up on this year's field, we spotted Kasey Kahne sporting the cool new Puma Kart Cat... [More]
The Four-Season Cashmere V-Neck Sweater from J. Crew ($170) is truly perfect for every day of the year. Made of Italian cashmere in a superfine 14-gauge knit, the sweater has rib trim at neck, cuffs, and hem, and comes in nine stupidly-named colors — pool, daffodil, bright aegean, pink, wild poppy, light aloe, vivid lime, heather flannel, and navy. And... [More]
Hate having change rattling around in your pocket? So do we. This Men's Compact Wallet from Louis Vuitton ($570) features polished, aged brass hardware, an ample bill compartment, an ID Window, nine credit card slots, and most importantly a zipped coin compartment to keep loose change from scratching your pocket-housed gadgets.... [More]
We'll save the whole "it'll be winter before you know it" thing and instead just start pointing out some cold weather items that should be in your closet this year. The first is this versatile Lambswool Pullover from Banana Republic ($88). It has "a touch of stretch for a surprisingly sleek fit" and a great stand-up mock collar with 4-button... [More]
After mentioning a plain black tee that we loved recently, a reader informed us that we should check out the gear at Canvas Clothing. So we hopped on over to the company's website, where we found a bounty of colorful, yet understated tops — heaven for those of us who would rather go shirtless than to have another artificially-distressed tee... [More]
J. Crew's Millbrook Leather Driving Moccasins ($118) are perfect for those casual days of doing a whole bunch of nothing. The Italian-made shoes are constructed with buttery soft leather and feature a modern rubber tread driving sole. They come in brown (shown) and cognac and will keep you looking sophisticated even while you're lounging.... [More]
Look, all-white shoes are great and all, but there are times when some colorful kicks look much cooler. Paired with some jeans, the old school Puma 5000Ms ($75) are our current favs. They come in several color combos (though we love the fig red shown here) and were originally introduced in France in the late 1970s (*cue porn music*) so... [More]
Just because it’s summertime doesn’t mean that it won’t get chilly during the evenings — and to stay stylish during those windy nights on the beach (or drunk in the middle of a field, whatever) we recommend the Two-Pocket Shirt Jacket from Banana Republic ($98). It features a total of four pockets, enough to hold your gear whilst wearing rockstar-tight... [More]
The brown leather flip-flops have become a staple in nearly every man's summer wardrobe. Don't bother getting yours from any place except from Reef. They've been making quality sandals longer than many of us have been alive. And the Reef Sultans ($40) are the definition of versatile.... [More]
Some people buy shoes because their favorite sports star (i.e. Michael Jordan) wears them. We here at Uncrate are a little more geeky than that. We buy our sneakers, the New Balance 991 ($100), because our favorite chief executive officer wears them — Apple and Pixar boss Steve Jobs. If they're good enough for a billionaire, then they're surely good... [More]
If we rated products on a grading scale, this Repp Pique Polo from J.Crew ($40) would get an A+. First, there's no dumb animal embroidered on top of your left nipple. Second, there's no ridiculous "tennis tail" (slightly longer in back). And thrid, the collar is stiff, so if you're under the age of 30 and want to stand it... [More]