The Exceptional: Small-Batch Scotch Whiskies

Three distinct blended expressions, produced by some of the most acclaimed brands

It’s a bold move to name your brand “exceptional.” The first definition tends to mean not typical; the second, outstanding. When creating The Exceptional, Donald Sutcliffe touches upon both. It’s rather unusual to make small-batch blended Scotch with the intention of having variation per batch, as blending has long been used to keep a product adhering specifically to a house style. Sutcliffe, who’s the Managing …

Native Union’s Eclipse Charging Cable Solution

A three-port hub for functional, design-forward organization

Since the arrival of electricity in homes, consumers have wondered where to stash unsightly cables and wires. There’s more than a design problem here, but a safety one, that doesn’t just apply to kids and pets. Tangles create all kinds of problems from fraying to chaos, and premium tech accessories brand Native Union has sought to combat these issues since their inception. Now, the brand …

Andrew Bird + Matt Berninger: Perfect Day (Lou Reed Cover)

From his stunning home performance series “Live From the Great Room,” the multi-talented Andrew Bird partnered with The National’s Matt Berninger for a cover of the Lou Reed classic “Perfect Day.” Between the powerful shared vocals and Bird’s signature whistle and pizzicato violin, the duo lend the track a refreshing sonic recalibration but stay true to the original’s emotional relevance. To be frank: it’s magnificent.