A Legendary Name in Hi-Fi Just Breathed New Life Into Its Iconic Heritage Loudspeakers

Quad, the legendary British hi-fi manufacturer, has released six-generation versions of its iconic ESL electrostatic loudspeakers, which date back to the late 1950s. Compared to the fifth-gen predecessors, which were last updated in 2012, the ESL 2812X and ESL 2912X feature updated electrostatic panels, redesigned audio transformers, and a new “stealthy” aesthetic. Quad claims that these are the best ESL loudspeakers it has ever made.

Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to elevate its W.L. Weller brand of wheated bourbon. Once considered a bargain brand, Weller now ranks among the most hyped whiskey labels in the world. To further illustrate this evolution, Buffalo Trace has launched Weller 18-Year-Old, the oldest-ever age-statement bottle from the brand. Clocking in at 90 proof with a complex flavor profile that showcases just how special a very aged wheated whiskey can be, Weller 18 is priced accordingly at $499. The bourbon comes in an impressive 700ml handcrafted crystal decanter and is available to purchase at select Global Travel Retail stores in airports including LAX, JFK and London Heathrow.

The Portland-based brand extends its rep for high-quality American-forged cutlery further into the kitchen with this steel-reinforced, dual-sided cutting surface. Measuring 12 by 18 inches and weighing 7 pounds, the board boasts blade-friendly end-grain walnut on one side for everyday food prep, while the other side is a durable recycled paper composite surface with a drip groove channel for raw meats and aromatic ingredients. Patent-pending internal steel beams prevent warping of the ultra-thin design while angled sides make it easy to grip and flip.

Touted as the “world’s smartest espresso machine,” the TK-02 has some pretty impressive abilities. Not only can it brew coffee completely unassisted, it can swap between hot and cold coffee, make lattes (and other barista-quality beverages), switch between drip and espresso and it can be programmed to your household’s preferences (everyone can have their own custom drink programs). It has also been given a major convenience upgrade. Along with touch and smartphone controls, it also now has Alexa voice controls — meaning you can make your specialty coffee completely hands-free.

Fan-favorite American denim brand Tellason teamed up with Brooklyn-based sunglasses company Lowercase to create a set of three frames inspired by the look of aged denim. Dubbed “Marble Blue,” the frames are a tonal indigo version of tortoiseshell acetate. The lenses come from the renowned German manufacturer Zeiss. Along with the wayfarer-style Ashe pictured above, there is a thin wayfarer called Cassady and an acetate aviator called Hustler.

For its second Corvette concept car, Chevrolet has taken inspiration from Southern California car culture and design. Though not destined for production, it illustrates the ambitions for the next generation of the Corvette through features like a tunneled underbody, a T-shaped battery pack and a front-hinged canopy.