Lap #2.

Greetings, fellow enthusiasts! Oh Tis’ a wonderful time of the year: The leaves are changing, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is hitting shelves, foggy mornings, leather watch straps getting swapped back on, apple cider donuts are everywhere, and turbo’s are spooling better! Welcome to another thrilling edition of Wristmas & The W's Lap #2! 🍂🥃 I hope you loved the last edition. It was a blast!

Whisky:

Hold onto your hats because the bourbon world just got a whole lot more exciting! Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP for short) is back, and it's making waves. This spring, Elijah Craig decided to shake things up by ditching the standard 12-year age statement, opting instead to showcase the exact age on each batch. The reactions were wild – from "ECBP is gone!" to wild speculations of 8-year releases. The first batch with the new labels was ECBP B523, a respectable 11 years and 5 months old, packing a punch at 124.2 proof. The B5 series, like the beloved B520, had me smitten.

Now, let's dive into C923. Do you need it? Always. I'll never stop recommending ECBP, especially when it's under $100. Imagine, barrel proof and around 12 years old? Hold onto your hat because this year's release is a whopping 13 years and 7 months old, clocking in at a staggering 133 proof. A steal at MSRP ($70), and still worth grabbing up to $100. Early reviews claim it's the best one yet, and I can't wait to hunt it down. Did you secure one? Share your thoughts!

In another corner of Wristmas & The W's world, Bardstown has just unleashed their latest collaboration series, and it's a doozy! If you know me, you know my obsession with Goose Island’s Bourbon County Stouts. I'm borderline obsessed, and my fiancée is probably plotting to drown me in all these bottles (just kidding...I hope). Brace yourselves for this exclusive release – a bespoke blend of 6- and 7-year Kentucky bourbons, further aged for a year in Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout barrels. No rinsing was done, allowing the bourbon and stout to cozy up right away. To add to the party, they tossed in a 9-year Kentucky bourbon. The result? Symphony notes of chocolate malt and dried cherry that'll make your taste buds dance!

Think dark chocolate, honey, toasted almond, and velvety vanilla cream mingling in a decadent aroma. Sip, and you'll encounter roasted malt, rich cacao, and a dash of allspice, creating a harmonious flavor explosion. What sets this apart is they didn't follow the traditional barrel-finishing routine – they left the stout's remnants in the barrel. Barrels went from Chicago to Bardstown, and the result is a spirit bursting with authentic flavor, a treat for both whiskey and beer lovers.

This Goose Island Collaborative Series release flexes its muscles at a robust cask strength of 100 proof (50% ABV), with an SRP of $159.99. Unfortunately, Bardstown is currently available in only 24 states – but rest assured, I'll be hunting them down!

Watches:

Now, let's take a quick detour into the world of macro watches. First up, Tag Heuer unveils the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche, a collaborative chronograph born from an iconic partnership, and it comes with a twist!

The Chronosprint rocks a "glassbox" design, measuring 42mm and just under 15mm thick, with a domed crystal. This new glassbox design is an absolute stunner, especially in the 'Reverse Panda' and "Skipper'' releases. But what truly sets the Chronosprint apart is its chronograph features. Instead of a standard stopwatch, it mimics a car's acceleration, moving faster through the first part of the dial in 9.1 seconds (a nod to the original 911’s 0-60 time) before slowing down as you shift into higher gears. While it might serve no practical purpose, it's a cool homage to Porsche, especially since this watch boasts a brand-new movement! Prices range from $10k for steel with a silver dial to $26k for rose gold with a white dial.

Next up, Timex – a brand making a remarkable transition from your typical department store watches to a higher quality, more luxurious lineup. Brace yourselves for Timex Rewound, a new way to experience Timex. While details are still scarce, Timex promises to upcycle watches, giving them a second life as new products. What exactly that means, we're not sure yet, but it's intriguing! Who knows, maybe that old non-working Snoopy watch will become a stylish necklace? Stay tuned for more info!

Wheels:

Our wheels segment is light this week, but we have some updates and a hint of what's to come.

First, VW seems to be diving headfirst into the world of EV sports cars. After the ID.GTI, they're rumored to be working on an ID.X Performance model. This beast packs 551 horsepower, dual motors, a locking rear differential, and a 2.3-inch lower stance compared to the standard ID.7. VW seems keen on winning over car enthusiasts in the EV era by focusing on the fun aspect of driving – a factor often lost in modern EVs. Can they pull it off? Honestly the fact this is my second time in two weeks writing about VW is scaring me... Don't tell my subie.

On the topic of Tesla, Walter Isaacson's new biography "Elon Musk" has hit the shelves. Whether you love or loathe Musk, Walter Isaacson is known for his exceptional biographies, making this a must-read for many. However, with the internet being what it is, expect most of the book to be leaked online by Tuesday morning!

Lastly, an update on Toyota – the much-anticipated Century has been unveiled, and it's a hybrid crossover! Victory for those who guessed right! 🚗💨

And that's a wrap for Lap #2 of Wristmas & The W's!

We dove headfirst into the world of whiskey, where Elijah Craig Barrel Proof continues to astonish, and Bardstown's collaboration series with Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout has us craving more of that exquisite blend.

In the realm of watches, we explored the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche, a true marvel that mimics the thrill of acceleration. And the mysterious Timex Rewound promises exciting upcycling adventures for our beloved timepieces.

In the world of wheels, VW is racing into the EV sports car arena, while Elon Musk's biography by Walter Isaacson has us all buzzing. And who could forget Toyota's surprise hybrid crossover, the Century?

Stay tuned for more exhilarating content, reviews, and news from Wristmas & The W's. We're stoked to have you on this journey with us, and there's plenty more in store.

Rev those engines, sip that bourbon, and keep your wrists adorned in style. Until next time!

-Mark K

Chief Enthusiast, Wristmas & The W's