Gents, 

Any tips for good places to shop for a ring? The mother is looking for a 21st present for me. Not sure what the budget is but Id guess 300-500, something like that? I basically just want something simple but well-made from a nice material.

Cheers! – DH

Hey Mate,

Honestly it depends what look you are going for. If you want gold – we’d recommend looking for something antique, maybe a large ring for one of the middle fingers with some recessed ONYX (black stone) or just a solid gold ring (signet style) but more of a squared off top with no stamp. This weight of gold will be expensive, probably more in the $600 to $1000 range. That being said there are a lot of places to look. I purchased a great ring from Rivoli Antiques at 140 Military Road, they have some great antique options there. 

If you want new and modern styles a great place to look would be South West Trader on Oxford St. They will have much bolder and design conscious styles but materials will be much more silver and brass based. Price wise you’ll really have to look at silver, $300 to $500 is unlikely to find a male ring in gold (unless you score an antique bargain). 

My suggestion would be either to have a simple band made, ideally from silver (or with a stone) thus creating sentimental value or visit a retailer like Baku or Duo (in the strand arcade) and ask them. Alternatively I’d shop antique, but I love the thought of wearing something with history, like a vintage watch. 

Regards, 

TVG 

* * *

Hey mate,

I’m looking to try my hand at Scotch, I got a bottle of Glenlivit aged 12yo however I found it to be very bitter and sharp, I drink it on the rocks. Could you suggest anything smoother? – TG

Hey mate, 

I completely understand where you are coming from, Glenlivet is a whisky preferred by slightly more seasoned drinkers who aren’t as deterred by it’s bitter finale, it has some die hard fans. 
There’s a lot of great choices out there. If you want to go a bit cheaper go to BWS or Dan Murphys and pick up a bottle of Baillie Nicol Jarvie for around $38 – it’s also sharp but outrageously drinkable and rounds out with a nice vanilla and toffee flavour – I just got a couple of mates who wanted to start drinking whisky onto it. 
Monkey Shoulder ($45) is another another excellent entry point and daily drinking whisky, a new favourite of mine – it will suit your tastes perfectly. (I included it in a post a month or so ago, have a read)
Finally if you want to go try something a little more expensive Cardhu ($85) will be a lovely option for yourself. It became a major part of the Johnnie Walker Black blend in the late 1800′s when Johnnie Walker acquired the distillery – it is delicate and precise. In saying that you’d also find Johnnie Black very palatable. 

Finally, if you are still finding these a little ‘in your face’, wait till the ice has melted a bit or even better drink it straight with a tipple of water to take the edge of, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your palate adjusts!

Regards, 

TVG