Welcome to The WantList, our regular list of the things we have seen recently that we simply have to recommend.
It could be anything: a fantastic dram of whisky, the latest gadget or something that has simply changed our life for the better.
We'll be updating this one regularly, so make sure you give it a bookmark. Once we've given a product a try and like what we see, it'll go in here.
This week we've a beautiful NASA-inspired watch, some rock-inspired whisky and one of the biggest video games of the year...
Enjoy!
EA Sports FC 24
Now that FIFA and EA have parted ways, a brand-new footy franchise has hit consoles, EA Sports FC 24. The good news is: everything you expect from an EA football game, plus some bonus bits, is here! Not only that, the gameplay is the slickest it's been in years, the addition of the women's game is warranted - and in no way feels tacked on, but an integral part of the game.
If you are playing on the PS5, as we are, HyperMotion V and the PlayStation 5’s DualSense make matches feel super-realistic and add to the precision of the game. Each player feels different when you play as them, too, so there has been much thought into how to make this one feel like a proper football sim.
Oh, and Ultimate Team is just as addictive and far more expansive, with some 700 teams and 30 leagues now available through it.
FINLAY Hamilton sunglasses
The summer maybe over but we will be wearing these FINLAY glasses well into the winter months, anytime the sun is still peaking out.
The FINLAY Hamilton range are for those who want to unleash their inner rockstar and will be familiar to many as they were worn by none other than Liam Gallagher on the Glastonbury main stage.
We are big fans of their unique lens shape, which makes them - and you - stand out from the crowd.
Others from the 2023 collection we are liking are the Chepstow and Ledbury range. Head to the official site to see the entire collection...
- The FINLAY Hamilton range is out now, from £150.
KEF LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition
KEF make some of the best speakers around, so it makes sense when it announces a partnership that it's going to be a cool one. And it doesn't get much cooler than partnering with luxury car maker Lotus.
While there will be a number of KEF x Lotus products, the first release is the fantastic-looking LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition.
This is a ground-breaking floor standing system marries excellent engineering and design innovation and comes in British racing green, inspired by the Lotus heritage colour.
- The LS60 Wireless Lotus Edition is out now and they cost £7,000 / pair
Denon PerL Pro True
Nura was one of the most innocative headphone manufacturers in years, so when we heard they were bought up by Denon, we were interested to see what would happen to their personalised sound tech. The good news is that it's still being used and the fruits of this can be heard in the Denon PerL Pro True ear buds.
These buds off a fantastic level of personalised sound that's pretty much unmatched right now. Couple this with decent ANC and spatial audio support, while offering eight hours of earbud battery life per charge, and what you have is a cracking pair of ear buds.
Ballantine's x AC/DC whisky collaboration
In true rock'n'roll style, Ballantine's has teamed up with AC/DC for its latest True Music Icons Collection. The first in the series was with Queen and this one is now all about the iconic rockers who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.
The limited edition bottle features the band's logo, lightning bolt and whole load of red neon swagger.
Old Pulteney Port whisky
At ShortList we love a limited edition whisky and the one that has bowled us over this week is the Old Pulteney Port. This is the second release from Pulteney's The Coastal Series’, which is a collection which will eventually comprise four limited-edition whiskies matured in casks from seaside locations around the world.
We've taste tested and it's a delight, with a fantastic robust fruit finish.
- Buy the limited edition Old Pulteney Port whisky now.
Marloe Watch Company Astro
We are loving the Astro range, from independent watch maker the Marloe Watch Company. It's a fun and bold style which takes inspiration from NASA.
It was launched on the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and the watch’s face replicates a retro TV, just like the one the Space Race would have been watched on.
Previously on the Wantlist...
Atari 2600 Plus
Whether your a big kid or a regular sized one, it's time to listen up, as Atari has announced a brand new console - the 2600 Plus. A shrunken version of the 2600, this new iteration continues to pack one hell of gaming punch - just at 80% of the size. Pairing classic design with timeless tech prowess, the 2600 Plus also features both HDMI and USB-C connectivity and even comes complete with a 10-in-1 game cartridge. The best part, though, might just be the compatibility, with the 2600 Plus upping the stakes by catering to both 2600 and 7800 cartridges. It also allows for the addition of extra controllers should you wish (available for purchase on the site). Set to drop in November, this timeless piece of gaming nostalgia is currently open to preorders in the US. Keep your eyes peeled though, as it won't be long before it lands on this side of the Atlantic.
- Check out the pre-order and other Atari models from the official web-store.
That Boutique-y Whisky Company Cinema Series
What's better than straight up whisky? Why, it's brilliantly illustrated whisky, complete with iconic cinematic moments. The independent bottler has just announced the launch of its Cinema Series - a new collection of 24 bottles whose labels are just as enticing as the contents. Illustrated by Emily Chappell, the line-up features film icons alongside references to moments from classic world cinema. This new selection features 14 themed bottles, comprised of Scotch, Rums and 5 regular, non-themed Scotches. So whatever your poison, there's likely something that'll float your boat - and look bloody lovely on a shelf.
- Grab yourself a dram to accompany the drama by heading over to the Boutique-y page on Masters of Malt.
Ruark Audio's 1970s Inspire R410
An audio brand we've bigged up for as long as we can remember, Ruark Audio returns with a design worthy of any home decor magazine. The series-opener from the British brand's superb sounding 100 Series, the Inspire R410 is a true slice of the 70s brought kicking and screaming into the 21st Century. Compatible with all major streaming services - including Tidal, Deezer, BBC Sounds, Spotify - and with Apple Airplay 2 and Chromecast built-in, this stylish piece of kit is perfect for those equally as concerned with appearances as top-quality audio. Available in two stylish finishes – Walnut and Grey - and retailing for £1,299, we're poised to get our hands (and eyes) on one of these beauties.
- Hop on over to Ruark Audio's web store to check out the new range.
Deanston 15 Year Old Tequila Cask Finish
Did someone say tequila? Well, not exactly, but you're not all that far off. Whiskey brand Deanston has been a favourite of ours since we can remember. Now, its connecting the highlands of Scotland with the highlands of Mexico - the Jaliscan Highlands to be precise - as part of their new 15 Year Old Tequila Cask Finish. Packed full of flavour at 52.5% ABV, these bottles are finished in tequila casks for 2 years after spending 13 years in Oak hogsheads to create fruity and floral flavours. A truly enticing combination, this limited edition release is one we're looking forward to getting our hands on.
- Check out the Deanston website now to grab a limited edition bottle, retailing at £95
Christopher Ward: The Twelve (36mm)
Last but by no means least this week, it's time to rest your eyes on these fetching Christopher Ward timepieces. The new 36mm iterations of the popular Twelve model, this wrist candy is ideal for those with smaller wrists or simply wishing to keep their detailing low-key. Features a dodecagonal bezel and textured dial, the devil really is in the detail. Retailing for £1,050, the latest design is available in 4 separate colourways - Frosted Lichen, Glacier Blue, Alta White, and Nordic Blue.
- Head on over to the Christopher Ward web store to get your mitts on this sleek looking timepiece.
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