First Anniversary Reader Appreciation Contest UPDATED

It’s almost here! I can’t believe it’s almost here! On December 1st, Iconic Alternatives will turn 1 year old. And to celebrate, we’re holding our First Anniversary Reader Appreciation Contest! Because let’s face it. Without all you incredible people coming here to read what we type out, it would have never gotten this far. THANK YOU!

Now, on to the prizes! This is a simple sweepstakes/draw. So, to enter the contest you just have to complete the form at the bottom of this post. On Thursday, December 1st (our birthday!), we’ll pull the names from a hat and we’ll announce the winners on this post. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your fav …. Damn! Wrong franchise AGAIN!

UPDATED: Congratulations to our winners! Your name is displayed below the prize package you’ve won! We will be contacting you via the email you provided within the next 2 days to request the information we need to deliver your prize package. And thank you to everyone who entered. Maybe you didn’t win this time. But we have some great plans for 2017 so there will be plenty of other opportunities! I hope you’ll join us! And, of course, a giant THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors for making this contest possible! 

All the best!

John

 

Prize Package 1: For Whisky Lovers

WINNER: Chris C. 

Two Cumbria Crystal Grasmere Double Old Fashioned Whisky Tumblers

Cumbria Crystal’s legacy goes far beyond their connection to Casino Royale. Started in 1976 by Lord and Lady Cavendish, they are now the last English manufacturer of hand-blown, hand-cut full lead crystal. The Grasmere design was actually created by Lady Cavendish herself and continues to be one of their most popular. This Prize Package includes two beautiful Cumbria Crystal Grasmere Double Old Fashioned Whisky Tumblers, valued at £80.00 each.

 

The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Whisky from Master of Malt

A classic Speyside whisky from Bond’s favorite distillery. Two time winners of the prestigious Online Retailer of the Year Trophy at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, UK based Master of Malt have set an exemplary standard when it comes to customer service and good taste in spirits. This Prize Package includes one bottle of The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Whisky, valued at £58.17.

Note:  Due to certain restrictions concerning the use of alcoholic beverages as a prize, this Prize Package is only available to Contest entrants from the mainland United Kingdom. 

 

Prize Package 2: Bond at Home

WINNER: Sean R.

Chemex Six Cup Classic Coffeemaker plus 100 Bonded Filters

Fans of the literary Bond know the name Chemex from the novel From Russia With Love. Coffee fans know it because using the Classic, in combination with the proprietary Chemex filters, produces an excellent cup of coffee. Invented in 1941 by chemist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, the stylish and functional design was recognized by the Illinois Institute of Technology as one of the 100 best designed products of modern times. This Prize Package includes one Chemex Classic 6 Cup Coffeemaker and a package of 100 bonded pre-folded circle filters, valued at $52.50.

 

Wild & Wolf “Q” Scrabble Mug

Well, you need something to drink your coffee from! So, we’re going with the fan-favorite “Q” Scrabble mug from Wild & Wolf. It’s the one that Ben Whishaw’s Q used in Skyfall. By the way, Wild & Wolf is not your typical “gift” company either. They have a keen design-led focus on each item they stock. And they have some seriously cool products (check out their Travel Range, Ted Baker or Ridley’s House of Novelties collections). They’re sending this “Q” Mug from their UK offices, so we’re getting the screen-accurate font. The value of the Mug is £14.99. 

 

James Bond’s Cuisine by Matt Sherman

This Prize Package also includes a copy of Matt Sherman’s authoritative  guide to the food and drink of Bond’s world! Matt, the owner of BondFanEvents.com, has searched extensively through the novels and films to find the references, recipes, menus and trivia you need to make your kitchen and nights out truly 007-worthy. It’s a must have in any Bond-fan’s book collection. It’s valued at $27.50.

 

Prize Package 3: Retro Cool

WINNER: Mark B.

Herring Shoes Mustang Desert Boots in Snuff Suede

The Mustang is Herring Shoes’ take on the classic Playboy-style chukka made famous by Steve McQueen and worn by Bond in the SPECTRE finale. Handmade in Herring’s Northamptonshire workshop, it features a natural crepe sole, high quality suede uppers and a leather lining. And as for Herring Shoes itself? Folks love the company, and I can’t blame ’em. Honestly, they’re just great people to work with. And owner Adrian Herring’s day-to-day involvement really shows. The Herring Shoes’ Mustang is valued at £190.00. These bad boys are cool enough to stand all on their own.

 

Prize Package 4: It’s the little details …

WINNER: Ryan F.

Mr. Fish X Sinclair Cocktail Cuff Shirt from Mason & Sons

 

And speaking of cool companies …. Mason & Sons is doing something very unique. Under the direction of David Mason, they’re reviving the iconic brands of the past for a whole new (and very appreciative!) clientele. Part of those efforts include the Anthony Sinclair and Michael Fish names, both deeply connected to Connery’s Bond-style of the 60’s. This Prize Package includes one of their classic Cocktail Cuff dress shirts, in blue or white, valued at £125.00.

 

Magnoli Clothiers James Bond Tie

If I need to introduce Magnoli Clothiers to you, you haven’t been around these parts very long. Indy Magnoli’s namesake company has been creating fan-favorite reproductions for years now. And he’s justifiably earned an excellent reputation for focusing not only on screen-accuracy, but also high quality. Their ties are a perfect example of that. So this prize package includes one tie from Magnoli Clothier’s James Bond collection, valued at $55 to $60. You can view their full collection of ties here.

 

Esprit NATO’s Sean Connery Goldfinger Watch Strap

You want screen accuracy? Well, Esprit NATO has got screen accuracy for ya! Their Goldfinger watch strap is an excellent reproduction of the simpler nylon one Connery wore in that film. They make the strap in 18mm to 22mm widths to fit almost any Bond watch. This prize package includes one Esprit NATO Goldfinger watch strap valued at €12.90.

 

Prize Package 5: For the Casino

WINNER: Charlie R. 

Formal Wear from Gagliardi

This is a big one. But the goal is simple. We want to get you guys ready for almost any formal event that might come your way. To that end, Malta-based Gagliardi has set us up with an absolutely classic look as a prize. This package includes Gagliardi’s:

• Midnight Blue Shawl Collar Dinner Jacket (€269.00);
• Plain Black Cummerbund Waistband Evening Trousers (€119.00);
• White Ribbed Bib Slim Fit Evening Shirt (€89.00)
• Silk Black Cummerband and Bow Tie set (€38.00)

So you’re just missing the shoes! As for the quality? Look, a year ago I’d never even heard of Gagliardi. Now I own two of their suits. And I am honestly impressed with their quality and attention to detail. Especially for the price. There are not many places you’ll find a beautifully tailored, off-the-rack suit that uses Italian woven fabric from Ermenegildo Zegna or Loro Piana for under $500. So expect the timeless formal-style above to last you for more than a few years! Total value of this Price Package is €515.00 (about $545.00). By the way, Gagliardi’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale is happening right now. They’re offering 25% off, and the promotion includes their new Fall/Winter ’16 lineup! Check it out here.

 

Thank You!

Our 1st Anniversary Reader Appreciation Contest is now closed. Thank you for visiting our site and entering our Contest!

Cheers fellow Bond fans!