We were very excited to learn that spirits company Diageo recently unveiled the new Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company, a new project aimed at locating lost and forgotten barrels of whiskey from their extensive holding around the world. The first two variants to be released from the company include the 20-year-old Barterhouse Whiskey and the…
Indochino has been one of the single most important influences in the business of made-to-measure suiting. The company was a first mover when it created the first truly viable online customized clothing model, a market that continues to expand everyday. While ubiquitous today, when Indochino launched in 2007 the idea of actually spending real money…
OTC is proud to be a brand ambassador for the footwear and lifestyle brand ECCO. When it comes to everyday life, we often need items that work well, get the job done, and are a comfortable fit. More often than you might think, ECCO products fit that bill. Shoes that are incredibly comfortable and versatile,…
Birchbox is an innovative and creative brand that has helped to create the curated product discovery market. Founded in 2010, Birchbox helps consumers discover beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products through monthly deliveries of curated, deluxe samples that are tailored to their personal profile. An important trend in the evolution of retail for both brands and…
On occasion, we receive solicitations to review products or services that are not exactly in our wheelhouse – women’s footwear, for example. On occasion, we say, “sure, send it on over.” Such was the case when Casio asked us to take a look at their 2014 G-Shock watch collection. While we are not a watch…
Triple Aught Design, based in San Francisco, is a favorite of OTC because they make unique and functional gear that works in the real worlda nd with real wardrobes. A perfect example of this form-follows-function approach to TAD design is the Preatorian Hoodie. As with most of TAD’s apparel, there is a decidedly tactical and…
Lately, micro-adjust belts seem to be making more and more appearances, and for the most part it’s a nice chance of pace for many men. Too often we have to deal with a belt that lands exactly between two holes and neither is comfortable. Either it’s too loose or too tight – usually because we…
We realized there was something special about Paul Evans oxfords the moment we put them on. OTC tests products in a somewhat unique way, taking longer to assess a brand than most other blogs or websites. We make the products we review part of our daily lives. That means we wear the clothes, carry the…
The tiny but enchanting island of Nantucket has long been a magnet for lifestyle and aspirational brands. The handsomely rugged location and windswept geography, combined with the island’s historically East Coast patrician aesthetic, make for an irresistible backdrop. Apart from the Kennedy compound-ish positioning that often accompanies Nantucket themed marketing or product shoots, the island…
Fall means cooler weather and shorter days. For the runners among us, it also means race season. Whether the local 5K or New York City Marathon, the fun, excitement, and competition of a well-organized road race is something looked forward to as autumn’s crispness settles in. OTC’s Chris Hogan hit the pavement the first weekend…
